I just got back from a solo trip of five days at the Abbey of Gethsemani. And while walking there, I had an image of YOU retreating there and accomplishing days and days of writing. Seriously! I know it is a huge effort to get away, but it is your vocation just like parenthood is your vocation. plus it is your job; I challenge you to consider it. You could arrive on a Monday after a 4-5 hour drive (depending on any stops.) Settle into your private room with a writing desk and a private bath. Your meals for the week are provided. No distractions or obligations, as everything is optional in this silent, self directed retreat. You have a library with internet access. Thousands of acres to hike and gardens to roam for inspiration. Soothing monk chants at the seven times. Consultation with a monk if desired. Scheduled talks by the guest-master monk are also offered. Daily Mass. And all the writing that you can cram into the week from Monday evening to Friday morning! I think that your fingers would fly over your keyboard! (No set cost; all for a free will offering. ) Call me for more information. Or check out the website: monks.org. I never wait until I feel 'ready' to go, because then, I would never get there. Instead, count exactly four months back from a day that sounds possible. For example, let's say that you think Monday, October 2nd would be a lovely day to arrive. (Ah yes, the feast the guardian angels!!) So, you would need to call or email them on JUNE 2nd, first thing in the morning. (Trying to illustrate the 4 month ahead to the day thing.) They take reservations in the order that they are received. And fill up the first day! So I suggest emailing at 12:01 AM if you really want a certain week. And then, the retreat scheduler will get back to you to confirm your reservation. Ask for room 200 if possible, as it is far from the bells/chimes, and has an amazing view. I have no idea why you came to mind this week but maybe the Holy Spirit was nudging me to nudge you. One final note, truly the best that any of us can do is to stay smack dab in the center of God's divine will. If that is your resting place, all will be as it should. Keep trusting, Jeannie. Best wishes on a memoir that brings you peace and joy.
Thank you, Martha. I have thought of Gethsemane many, many times throughout the years. The last I was there was when I was pregnant with Felicity, over 12 years ago. Ben and I attended a weekend couple's retreat. It is a fantastic idea, one I will discern. I appreciate the reminder of the 4-month-in-advance scheduling, because that will assist me in determining when and how I might be able to go. I've been considering a writing retreat, but they are so costly (thousands of dollars), which I cannot afford. So this is a great alternative to a formal writers' retreat. I will absolutely start thinking and discerning about this!
You write so beautifully. You are writing about such important topics. Topics that the majority of society would rather ignore than acknowledge their existence. I know this attitude contributes to so much brokenness in this world. I know your story is going to bless so many, and I cannot wait to read it!
But the one we have of ourselves can’t help but be based on other people’s opinions, I think it’s how we were raised. I think the hardest part is not to be unduly influenced by anyone else’s opinions of us. To soldier on despite or because of their opinion, to really be who we know we are at our core. I admire your tenacity and will encourage you in any way I can to be the writer that you aspire to be.
Kathy, that is incredibly insightful. I agree. One of my friends said that other people's opinions might matter more to those who are more extroverted, because this particular friend said she didn't really need external validation and considered herself an introvert.
I'm not sure it has to do with introversion or extroversion or some other extraneous factor.
It means a lot to know there are some, like you and others I've heard from, who are still in my corner. ❤️
I just got back from a solo trip of five days at the Abbey of Gethsemani. And while walking there, I had an image of YOU retreating there and accomplishing days and days of writing. Seriously! I know it is a huge effort to get away, but it is your vocation just like parenthood is your vocation. plus it is your job; I challenge you to consider it. You could arrive on a Monday after a 4-5 hour drive (depending on any stops.) Settle into your private room with a writing desk and a private bath. Your meals for the week are provided. No distractions or obligations, as everything is optional in this silent, self directed retreat. You have a library with internet access. Thousands of acres to hike and gardens to roam for inspiration. Soothing monk chants at the seven times. Consultation with a monk if desired. Scheduled talks by the guest-master monk are also offered. Daily Mass. And all the writing that you can cram into the week from Monday evening to Friday morning! I think that your fingers would fly over your keyboard! (No set cost; all for a free will offering. ) Call me for more information. Or check out the website: monks.org. I never wait until I feel 'ready' to go, because then, I would never get there. Instead, count exactly four months back from a day that sounds possible. For example, let's say that you think Monday, October 2nd would be a lovely day to arrive. (Ah yes, the feast the guardian angels!!) So, you would need to call or email them on JUNE 2nd, first thing in the morning. (Trying to illustrate the 4 month ahead to the day thing.) They take reservations in the order that they are received. And fill up the first day! So I suggest emailing at 12:01 AM if you really want a certain week. And then, the retreat scheduler will get back to you to confirm your reservation. Ask for room 200 if possible, as it is far from the bells/chimes, and has an amazing view. I have no idea why you came to mind this week but maybe the Holy Spirit was nudging me to nudge you. One final note, truly the best that any of us can do is to stay smack dab in the center of God's divine will. If that is your resting place, all will be as it should. Keep trusting, Jeannie. Best wishes on a memoir that brings you peace and joy.
Thank you, Martha. I have thought of Gethsemane many, many times throughout the years. The last I was there was when I was pregnant with Felicity, over 12 years ago. Ben and I attended a weekend couple's retreat. It is a fantastic idea, one I will discern. I appreciate the reminder of the 4-month-in-advance scheduling, because that will assist me in determining when and how I might be able to go. I've been considering a writing retreat, but they are so costly (thousands of dollars), which I cannot afford. So this is a great alternative to a formal writers' retreat. I will absolutely start thinking and discerning about this!
You write so beautifully. You are writing about such important topics. Topics that the majority of society would rather ignore than acknowledge their existence. I know this attitude contributes to so much brokenness in this world. I know your story is going to bless so many, and I cannot wait to read it!
Joy, your support has always been a great gift. Thank you for that and for your friendship.
But the one we have of ourselves can’t help but be based on other people’s opinions, I think it’s how we were raised. I think the hardest part is not to be unduly influenced by anyone else’s opinions of us. To soldier on despite or because of their opinion, to really be who we know we are at our core. I admire your tenacity and will encourage you in any way I can to be the writer that you aspire to be.
Kathy, that is incredibly insightful. I agree. One of my friends said that other people's opinions might matter more to those who are more extroverted, because this particular friend said she didn't really need external validation and considered herself an introvert.
I'm not sure it has to do with introversion or extroversion or some other extraneous factor.
It means a lot to know there are some, like you and others I've heard from, who are still in my corner. ❤️