In the Company of Beautiful Women

Photo by Mary Yohannan
Photo by Mary Yohannan- Life is Better Through Traveling

“She is free in her wildness, she is a wanderess, a drop of free water. She knows nothing of borders and cares nothing for rules or customs. ‘Time’ for her isn’t something to fight against. Her life flows clean, with passion, like fresh water.”
Roman Payne

If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I believe there are no coincidences. A friend of mine likes to say, “Is it Odd or is it God?”. Spiritual paths and journeys can cross with others at any time. I’ve been blessed to have this happen to me many times.

One of those times was last fall when I was contacted by a friend of mine to discuss a business idea. Tracy and I met for coffee and we had a great talk. During that time I mentioned my blog and spiritual journey, and my quest for putting together a small inspirational book. “Ordinary into Extraordinary” was the working title of the project. Tracy told me she wanted to host an empowerment weekend for women in the spring of 2016. “Can you finish your book by then?” she said.

Always being up for a challenge (and a good kick in the butt), I said yes. At first I was editing my favorite blog posts for a compilation book. This was the initial idea but by month two I was bored, restless, and trying to decide what to do. Enter my fellow blogging goddess, Sunday’s Child. A long talk from west to east coast, lots of encouragement, and a brave idea emerged. Begin a new book, write like there’s no tomorrow, and finish it by the retreat.

As if that wasn’t enough God power for me, enter Karen of BetterBe Creative. I met her just a couple of years ago and she is another goddess. A graphic designer with a beautiful, comforting personality, she has agreed to take on the task of designing my first cover. And guess what? She knows a publisher who can print the book. I’m self-publishing so figuring everything out is up to me and Karen. (PS. this book will eventually be available through the web for purchase- YAY!)

A few nights ago I had the honor and pleasure of meeting the other speakers. Joy Bufalini is missing from this picture (she had to leave first) but trust me, she is as awesome as rest of us.

From L to Right: Yours truly, Mary, Kate, and Tracy.
From L to Right: Yours truly, Mary, Kate, and Tracy.

After we each introduced ourselves and told our little story, I was infused with gratitude for what God has brought together. Tracy and Mary have organized this retreat at the beautiful Antiochian Village in the quaint town of Ligonier, Pennsylvania.The dates are April 1-2. We are motivated entrepreneurs and have all been through the school of hard knocks. We will share our stories with you at the retreat and tell you how we have taken our lemon filled lives and made lemonade.

I realized at our little dinner that this will be a retreat about self love and self care. We the speakers will encourage you to lift yourself up and move beyond the blocks that may be holding you back. The friendship and love we will show you will be with you for a long time. You will be changed by this weekend I promise you.

Click HERE for the registration link to the Women’s Empowerment Weekend.

Check out the agenda!

Agenda for WER April 2 2016

I will be there Friday and Saturday. Come and join us and be transformed.

Blessings!

Joanne

 

It's nice to share. Thank you.

14 Replies to “In the Company of Beautiful Women”

  1. How I wished I lived closer! This sounds like a fantastic retreat!
    Please come back and share the event happenings with us. I can’t wait to hear.
    “Is it odd or is it God?” It’s God, baby!

  2. Joanne, in the company of beautiful–and talented–women! Wow! You will thrive at the April gathering, and just knowing it’s ahead, you’ll be renewed and revived to think and write. Yes!

    I’ve attended two writer-changing retreats, one in New Hampshire and one at Mt.St.Francis in Colorado. One was busy, fast-paced, deadline driven; the other, where the participants stayed in former nuns’ quarters, was guided, calm, personally focused. Both were superb and changed how I looked at writing and my plans.

    Superb post. This sound like a blessing in your life.

    1. I’m looking forward to this retreat Marylin. Not only professionally but personally. I think this will give me a chance to relax and reflect before a busy wedding season (my other life!). Thank you for all your support.

  3. Hi Joanne, “In the Company of Beautiful Women”…wow so powerful. I love those words. What a great opportunity to be empowered by all you “beautiful women”, as you share your spiritual journeys. Congratulations on this beautiful blessing in your life!

    1. Thank you for your support Cindy! I appreciate my loyal blog followers who have lifted me up and encouraged me these past three years. It has been a journey and I love having my friends along with me. xo Joanne

  4. Sounds wonderful, Joanne! You are in my heart as you follow each prompting new step to blissful fulfillment. Coincidences are just that…things that coincide with other things, and in my mind, which coincide for the well being and betterment of those involved. Joy to you, my friend!

    Many blessings for a prosperous fulfilling weekend.

    Marianne xox

    1. Thank you Marianne! I have started manuscripts before and procrastinated but with this goal comes accountability. I am glad to have this carrot dangling in front of me or I fear I would just keep putting it off. Thank you always for your encouragement. xo Joanne

    1. I changed my share buttons last night to something a little more modern. And I see the LIKE’s have disappeared. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Maybe it is that I have one and not the other!

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