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.
