News You Can Use
Hey, everybody! Whether you’re a private client, a former retreat participant, a Substack stalwart (I’m back!), or if you asked for information about upcoming events, I’m very glad you’re here. Thanks for your interest! I will do my best to remain interesting, maybe even useful, because I appreciate your support.
Event news
My next Personal Narrative Retreat is set for Thursday, August 29 through Sunday, September 1st. And I’m so excited to tell you about the location: Savor Carolina, a gorgeous cluster of tiny house cabins (and one stunning tent) run by a Culinary Institute alum (yes, he’s going to cook all of our meals). We’ll have the same activities as the other Personal Narrative Retreats: group stories, individual conferences, activities designed to generate narrative. We’ll also enjoy the onsite meals, firepit conversations, and riverside walks. A cabin all to yourself (there are two) is $2797, all inclusive, but the early bird price will be $2397 until June 22. For the tent/shared bathroom cabin, it’s $2497, $2097 early-bird. Those prices include everything except your transportation to Savor Carolina.
On Tuesday, I’ll be making a public announcement about the retreat. For now, I’m letting you all know first, but please pass along to anyone you think might be interested. This place is absolutely beautiful, and I can’t wait to host an event here. Have a look at their website and try not to get hungry.
It came to my attention…
While working with a few different clients over the last month, Laurie Colwin’s name came up. Maybe it was her tragically short life span, but I will never understand why Colwin’s work hasn’t been more celebrated. One time I saw a critic complain that she was “too nice to her characters.” Maybe that’s when I decided I loved her. Or maybe it was when my late ex-husband and I could agree on at least one writer, reading Home Cooking parts one and two out loud to each other. Read her novels, her essays, or her recipes if like the feel of a weighted blanket or you could never watch Seinfeld because it was just too mean. Here’s Kim Fay’s lovely essay about learning to “serve yourself” through Colwin.
and finally, it’s 5 o’clock…
Twice I’ve come across an article about these dance parties happening right now in NYC from 5 pm to 10 pm where old—I mean grown—people dance to the hits of the 80s, 90s, and 00s while snacking on pizza and beverages. And I live in hope that the world I visualize in best moments will continue to unfold around me. Until then, I’ve installed a couple of disco lamps in my tiny library, assembled a tray with a grilled cheese and a Bloody Mary, and armed myself with playlists. I’m right over here, why can’t you see me, whoa-o-o.
Stay hydrated,
Nicole