I wanted to get my memories on (virtual) paper before the magic rubs off, so this is coming to you from Rome Airport and is sponsored by coffee. I am so tired. Soul-tired. After five magic days of playful juicy-assed fun, and true deep connection, all I want is a bear hug from Mr P, a bubble bath and my bed.
When I told my work peeps that I was off to Italy for a few days of painting, I was mostly met with a raised eye-brow and a look that said ‘you don’t seem like the ‘watercolours in Tuscany’ type’. And because I had no real idea what to expect (and I was a bit nervous) I didn’t really say much more. Now I know I will struggle to explain the phenomenon that is Squam.
How do I put into words that I spent three days outside with my feet in the grass and my hands in acrylic colours so rich and juicy, I wanted to eat them? That I found beautiful new friends from across the planet, all awake and searching for deep connection. For a place to be fully themselves. That I sat up to the wee small hours reconnecting deeply via belly laughs and tears, with my sisters in room three. That all of this was infused by a daily fix of gelato, green olive oil drizzled over everything, and several wood-fired pizzas the size of a small car. That we lazed by the pool, got lost on Italian roads and hiked to a thousand year old monastery at sunset, through olive groves and grape vines. It really was stupidly beautiful.
Sitting in this crazy airport, surrounded by all of this ‘real life’, the last few days are beginning to feel like a beautiful dream that is fading.
Charlie’s Angels shot by Sus
Holy wow. And that last quote, yes, yes, yes!
your lovely ears may have been burning a little?
that was me and sus, singing our mutual girlcrush praises for you :)
xxx
i struggled to explain squam too – to myself, to anyone who wasn’t there. the friendships i made have carried me on to more and more creative endeavours, as i can feel each one of those glorious friends around me always, encouraging me to say ‘yes’.
i am so happy you went and that you come home with your heart even more full than it was before.
i love you
it was everything you said it would be :)
also: i owe you massive bear hug from elizabeth xxx
* Adds Squam to ‘must-do’ list *
Looks like a glorious time. So happy you had this experience.
i can feel your fire. really and truly.
so happy for you getting recharged and your soul set on fire.
so glad to read this… to feel the joy in your words and see all that beauty …. good on you for nourishing your lovely self this way <3
nourishing – yes exactly!
if i could bundle everyone into a van and head to italy we would never leave xxx
xo
What a wonderful experience!
Wannagowannagowannago!
Looks awesome! I love painting!
I’m a Squam convert forever. :) Love everything you said here–I’m having the hardest time putting it into words myself! I’m still feeling oddly unfocused and disconnected with my “real life,” but I can’t get over the sense that this new, beautiful community of women is still so close to my heart and whispering encouragement into my ear. Thank you for being part of that, Sas! Sending hugs to you from Hamburg!
hello lovely!
man how hard is re-entry?!
x
ah, we know each other even better now. i love you bigger than that flatbread, more rich than that olive oil. xoxo