EMERGENCE: Coming into Bloom, A Journey of Renewal & Regeneration

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
– Anais Nin

Nature honors the phases of shedding, dormancy, and new life with constancy and grace. The caterpillar’s journey of metamorphosis into the radiant butterfly. The seed’s pilgrimage from the hidden darkness of earth to the light-filled certainty of blossom. We too are part of nature, constantly transforming and re-emerging anew. Through writing and art making, utilizing painting, drawing, collage, and printmaking with natural materials from the magnificent Oregon forest, you’ll have the chance to honor your own process of emergence on the cusp of spring. This soulful and inspiring weekend in the beauty of the natural world also offers you a chance to deeply nourish yourself with delicious meals, a quiet, beautiful retreat setting and the supportive, uplifting company of other women.

No previous art or writing experience necessary.

Dates:

Illumination, Photograph by Lisa Kagan

Friday, March 13th through Sunday March 15th, 2020
(Our retreat opens with dinner at 6pm on Friday evening and ends on Sunday at 2:00pm)

Location:
Alton L. Collins Conference & Retreat Center
“Surrounded by giant fir and cedar, lush fern and abundant moss covered vine maple, the Alton L. Collins Conference & Retreat Center near Eagle Creek, Oregon provides an environment and facilities conducive to study and reflection, relaxation and recreation…Trails take you through the woods and along the streams that meander around the grounds.”

A professional chef specializes in using fresh, local produce to create meals that are truly culinary works of art. The retreat includes 6 delicious meals. All rooms have their own bathroom and shower.

Costs:
Single Room Accommodation & meals: $335
Retreat Program Fee (includes all art materials): $310
Total Cost: $645

Payments may be made in two installments. First payment is due at the time of sign up and the second payment is due by February 1st, 2020.

Registration:
For more information or to register, contact Dawn at: DawnReneThompson@gmail.com or 503.568.6145. This retreat offers space for creative expression for women of all ages and backgrounds. Due to the limited number of participants we can accommodate, early registration is recommended.

About the Touchstone Retreats Facilitators:

Detail from Metamorphosis, Mixed Media by Lisa Kagan

Dawn Thompson oversees and facilitates workshops and retreats through Portland Women Writers. She also holds on-going writing circles for individuals healing from cancer through the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health Science University. She was a staff member for Write Around Portland and has also held writing circles for caregivers and adults in assisted living and memory care. Dawn believes writing our stories, whether they originate from our life experience or our imagination, is a sacred act that liberates, heals and transforms us.

Lisa Kagan is a writer, artist, educator and personal historian. Her business, Family Heirloom Arts, is dedicated to helping individuals and families celebrate their life stories and honor significant life milestones through the creation of illustrated heirloom books and custom art. Lisa offers art and writing workshops and retreats throughout the Pacific Northwest and is a facilitator through Portland Women Writers. Lisa believes in the transformative nature of the creative process to heal, empower, challenge, inform, and awaken the human spirit.

Learn more about Touchstone Retreats…

Here is what participants have to say about Touchstone Retreats Fall 2019 Retreat:
Self-Portrait of the Inner Landscape, Exploring Personal Mythology Through Writing and Mask Making

“Extraordinary things happen when a group of women come together and commit to writing, creating, and exploring in nature. Dawn and Lisa of Touchstone Retreats provided a safe, nurturing space to simply be— without judgment or expectation. We were invited as individuals to experience our weekend as we needed. There’s such freedom in that. I wrote, hiked, put my feet up, and got my fingers sticky with paint. It was fantastic! Our group quickly became a unique type of family, forged in a creative space so often unattainable in the bustle of modern life. The delicious, locally-sourced meals prepared by an amazing chef made the weekend extra special. This was a writing and art retreat, but it was also a nature and foodie retreat! Dawn and Lisa are two of the most welcoming and talented humans I’ve ever met. I left feeling loved, nurtured, and inspired. I can’t wait for the next Touchstone retreat!”
– Touchstone Retreats Participant, Fall 2019

“I registered for this retreat because I wanted time away in the forest with like-minded creatives. It was so much more ~ from the beautiful venue to the incredible meals & ‘forest bathing’ to the deep dive into writing & mask making, it was a pure joy. I hope to attend many more.”
– Touchstone Retreats Participant, Fall 2019

“I recommend this retreat to women who are looking for a safe place to connect with their inner voice and creativity, and also to connect with kindred spirits. Life is such a hectic race through our to-do lists that we hardly ever disconnect not only from electronics, but from our self-talk to do more and be more. Taking time for reflection is so important. Participating in a retreat like this is a way to be kind to yourself through taking time to write and create.”
– Touchstone Retreats Participant, Fall 2019