Although we arrived back in DC last night, a part of me is still at Squam, basking in the creative energy and the quiet stillness of nature... So, in order to try and close the Squam chapter of my life and move back into my "normal" life, I took some time yesterday to capture my Squam takeaways, action plan, and ideas in my sketchbook in order to ensure that I follow through with all of the ideas, dreams, and concepts that I came up with while away. Some of my main goals and takeaways? 

• Carve out more time for creativity and ensure that I do it every single day. I'm revamping my fall schedule to find more scheduled time for creating art.
  
• Create a vision plan for my art and my "art business." Where do I want it to go? What do I want it to look and feel like? What do I want to do?
• Explore more. Start working with new mediums, especially acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media.
• Create a sacred art space at home, so that it's easy to begin working/painting/journaling/sketching whenever I feel the urge.
• Have more fun with creativity! Don't take it (or myself) too seriously.
• Work in my sketchbook daily. Even if that just means gluing in a piece of paper or an image that inspires me, or writing down a word, quote, or poem that I like. Continue to be inspired by the creativity around me.  

I feel recharged, re-energized, and inspired. I've also learned that taking time away for a creative retreat every year is a new must-do for me. I need it to nurture my creative passions! What can you do in your life each quarter or each year to refill your well?

A few more fun images from Squam are below. Click on an image to enlarge, read caption, and scroll through the gallery :)

Now wish me luck rejoining society/real life today! As much as I will miss Squam and vacation, it's nice to be back in my routine, and I'm excited to get back to my students and to Tranquil Space :)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine