To Sink Down Deep

If I could find the words, I'd tell you how happy I am to sink down deep into summer days with my loves.

I'd ask you to remind me some day, years from now, that I loved these little girls exquisitely.

I'd confess that I'm working and worrying too much. That I haven't made it to the coffee shop with a novel yet.

I'd say I have little patience for novels these days. Maybe I haven't found the right one yet, or maybe my head is full of other stories.

I am happy to feast my eyes on beautiful cinematography, and on these faces that change imperceptibly every day.

If I could find the words, I would name this feeling I get when I hold my little one, wrapped in my favorite childhood blanket.

Her silky skin, and the pale blue lining whose color has drained all out but whose softness remains--it's what eternity would feel like if you could touch it with your hands.

I would introduce you to my friend Jeff, and let you hear how he makes me laugh. Especially when his glasses are broken and he's wearing his prescription sunglasses indoors like a rock star.

I'd ask you to be patient with me as I swim through wordless seas, even though the one who most needs patience is me.

Then I'd fill my lungs and plunge back under again.

You Can Find Me Here

Quiet. Grateful. Thinking. Happy.

That's how things are rolling over here. I've got all kinds of fun things brewing, but there is a beautiful summer to be had in the meantime. Books to read, shows to see, a little trip upstate for a performance in the Adirondacks.

Here are some other places you can find me:

What I Wish Those Articles on Transforming Our Spaces Told Us

Creative Superheroes Interview

7 Ways to Get Out of a Creative Rut

Meet the Artists: Jen Lee

Care and Keeping: Feng Shui Your Friends

Amelia Shares Her New Book

In this summer edition audio interview, we hear from Amelia (age 8), the author and illustrator of "Love Never Comes Without War", which was published as part of her third grade curriculum. (Not available for sale.) Amelia reads an excerpt from her new work, gives her advice on writing and more.

Interview (5 mins): Amelia, author of "Love Never Comes without War"

Turning Points & No Regrets: Jonatha Brooke

From the archives--Photo by Susannah Conway, susannahconway.com

I still think about those dark days a couple winters back when Jonatha and I left our respective hermitages and slipped out for a coffee here or a lunch there. How consoling it felt to be with someone who knew what it was to be burrowed in deep, someone who knew how rejuvenating even that small injection of company could be.

It was like getting hooked up to an oxygen tank before plunging back under water.

It's so different now to be together in the bright sunshine of July, with those hard times behind us. With the champagne joy of new work pulling us forward into the crazy scary places that bubble with vitality and life.

I'm so happy to share our most recent conversation with you on Retrospective, where we talk about her adventures in music and theater, turning points and the decisions she'll never regret. (You can also listen in iTunes.)

TWO Iconic Self Live Events: August 19th

Phyllis Mathis and Jen Lee, the creators of the groundbreaking personal development course, The Iconic Self, reunite this summer for a power-packed, fun-filled day.

Register for the workshop or reserve your spot at the launch party.

11am-3pm: Who's Driving the Bus?

An Iconic Self workshop with Phyllis Mathis and Jen Lee

Have you ever had an experience where your clear intentions were totally thwarted by some mysterious internal player?

Have you felt various parts of yourself at odds with each other and wondered how to call a truce?

Come and find out who is driving the bus, and how to smooth out the ride.

This interactive, story-rich workshop is for soulful people, artists, therapists and educators. 

Registration is $85 for this 4-hour workshop and includes:

• new stories
• interactive exercises
• guided discussion
• a gathering of kindreds
• a light luncheon
• a beautiful, intimate setting

Spots are limited, so register now:

4pm-6 pm: The Iconic Self Launch Party

This work has already transformed so many lives, and the journey is just beginning.

Come:

celebrate with us,
mingle with others on a rich interior journey, and join the conversation with a live Q&A session with Jen and Phyllis.

Refreshments will be served. This event is FREE, though reservations are required.

Pomegranate Place: Denver, CO

The Iconic Self LIVE

August 19th, 2012

750 Clarkson Street,

Denver CO 80218

Story Mentoring: Limited Spots

From nonprofits to executives and all kinds of creatives in between, my individual story mentoring is some of my most rewarding work. Previously only available by private request and arrangement, this summer I have a few spots to offer to my favorite people of all: you, dear readers.

Story Mentoring is for kindreds who:

• tell stories live as an on stage performance, in speeches or teaching scenarios, or even at dinner parties
• write stories in essays, online or in memoir
• craft web sites and communications about their work in a way that incorporates their story and rich personal history

Sessions are available by phone for domestic kindreds, and via Skype for internationals, in packages of two or four sessions (each an hour long).

This work is highly interactive, diving deep into the work you're already doing and complimenting it with the rich multi-dimensions of story building, crafting and telling.

Want to find out more? Complete this short form, and I'll contact you regarding pricing and availability.

Last Chance: Order The Gift of This Moment Home Retreat Kit by June 30th to be included in a TGOTM Facebook Group hosted by the lovely Liz Lamoreux. Imagine connecting with others who are retreating with these practices for reflective living alongside you--you don't want to miss out!

Liz had a great time debuting this new project last week at her Your Story Retreat, including her new collection of poetry, Five Days in April. Thanks to all our friends who celebrated with her in person there.

Read more about The Gift of This Moment or watch a short trailer here.

Join Us: Indie Publishing Workshops this October

 

I'm so excited to announce my latest collaboration with Dream Designer Liz Kalloch--a series of workshops to get you off and running on your own indie publishing adventures.

We're gathering at the Create Explore Discover Art Retreat at the gorgeous Cedar House Sport Hotel near Lake Tahoe. 

After 6 major releases in the last 9 months, we're bringing all our best moves and lessons learned to the table to provide the information and wisdom you need to offer your own unique projects and gifts to the world.

Read all about it, bring your project ideas and dreams, and get ready to get in motion.

Join us: October 12-14, 2012