Just two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to help Beth prepare for the very first “Do What you Love” Retreat. What an absolutely fabulous experience for so many. Laughter, tears, kindred spirits, creative adventure and courage were found in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. It was such an honor to be part of this. So many memories were made that will stay with us all for many years.

Seeing this view everyday, sunshine and lots of bunny rabbits filled my creative heart with joy.

Beth’s happy ‘lodge guide’ helpers. Me, Suzanne and Hannah (and Ellie not in photo)
So great being out in the country air and meeting all the new arrivals. {photo:Beth Nicholls}

I was absolutely doing what I loved – losing myself in creativity.
Rachel Hazell – “The traveling bookbinder” was so inspiring, funny and has a gorgeous singing voice.

Afternoon tea everyday and meals in the tipi -YUMMM

The comforting fire in the tipi warmed our hearts.

Mealtime connections and community

Impromptu visit from a giant cuddly bunny (from Hammie)

Bonfire drinks, sparklers and *Love*
(me, Beth, Suzanne & Paul) {image: Navyblur}

Knowledge sharing with Surface Pattern Designer Rachael Taylor -just one of the amazing enterprise sessions.

GORGEOUS lights from Hannah Nunn

Flora Bowley’s beautiful work painted at the retreat and auctioned off. (congratulations Tara!)

Beautiful mixed media canvas by Priscilla Jones. Priscilla was teaching a contemporary 3d workshop with wire, paper/silk & wax – AMAZING!

Special limited edition DWYL books, hand-made by Rachel Hazell

Gallery & Market place night – so inspiring to see what everyone had created.

Just a few of the hand-made pages and notes for the DWYL memory book

My book emerging (pop back on Thursday for more photos from my class & the hand-made book I created)

Happy Doing What I Love?
A picture paints a 1000 happy words. {image: Navyblur}

Thank you lovely Beth for gifting me the photo above.Β  “Heart you”

Pop back on Thursday for photos from my class at DWYL with Rachel Hazell:
β€˜Maps, Charts & Other Discoveries: An Extraordinary Expandable Sketchbook Journal’