Sunday, April 22, 2012

Kindling Words UK!

Kindling Words UK Workshop/Retreat was the best thing I've done for myself in years. I made new writing and illustrating friends, many whose names I recognized, but now can put a face with the name. I shared a room with New York Times best selling fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima who was such a fun room mate. I'm hoping just a little of Cinda's talent rubbed off on me. We stayed at Lodore Falls Hotel in the Lakes District, ate amazing food and hiked the surrounding mountains and lakes. Above is a photo of one of Mary O'keefe Young's plein air water color classes on the grounds of the hotel.
We had several afternoon trips to choose from; the slate mine at Holister Pass, Wordsworth's House and Museum in Cockermouth, Beatrix Potter's home, Hill Top in Ambleside, historical Hadrian's Wall, Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria, Castlerigg Stone Circle and of course a pub or two. What really amazes me is that on top of all the fun and traveling I got a lot of work accomplished. Both Alison James's workshop, "Entering the Dreamspace" and Mary Lee Donovan's "Picture Book Creation" workshop were great and I have to thank them for being wonderful, inspiring teachers. And also thanks to expat Terie Garrison for graciously sharing her home and Sally Wilkins, both for being great tour guides and driving us up, down, and all around on the wrong side of the road. I learned a lot in a short time and look forward to more Kindling Word Retreats in my future.

4 comments:

CindaChima said...

We had fun, didn't we? Can't wait to go back!

Cathy Morrison said...

Yes we did Cinda, tons of fun.

Gretchen Woelfle said...

Yes, it was all great - the environment, the company, and you didn't even mention the four-course meals every night!

Cathy Morrison said...

I try not to think about the amazing meals because I'm back to eating my own cooking which is lame at best. Really miss everything and everyone.