Gwen Bell’s The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge continues–one topic for each day in December! This will be 6 down, 25 to go! I’ll have to say, this is fun–and has also been pleasantly painful and prolonged.
Ok, here I go again. I’m breaking the “rules.” The topic today is the best conference or workshop of 2009. I know, just when you think I might get this challenge and color between the lines. Oh well. This blog is about The Best of 2009: Retreat.
The retreat was in October in beautiful Beulah, Colorado at Pueblo Mountain Park. I stayed at the Horseshoe Lodge which was restored by the Mountain Park Environmental Center (MPEC). The Lodge was built in the 1930’s as part of Franklin Roosevelt’s Second New Deal called the Work Progress Administration (WPA). The purpose of this program was to provide jobs for millions left unemployed by the Great Depression.
Horseshoe Lodge was restored to her glory. My Grandmother told many stories about how she took many of these men in as they were traveling on the railroads to work on these project. My Mother grew up experiencing this which I can’t help but believe that it fueled her fire for history, travel and hospitality.
The original beams in the Lodge are magnificent and were kept in tact. They spoke to how resourceful the folks were as they built the Lodge with little money. But the floors; oh those wood floors. I fell in love with them. I could feel their grandeur and history. Walking on those wood floors made me feel like I was apart of something wonderful–something that helped Americans in a time of challenge. I was proud to be able to stay in this old beauty. The overnight rooms are to die for–yummy, cozy and artistically furnished. Simply wonderful. Stay there–you will love it!
Oh yes, I was telling about the best of 2009 retreat. I traveled to Beulah for a gathering of women who all have a passion for leading retreats of all kinds. Some women are newbies, some are just getting their feet wet and some a been swimming in the retreat pool for some time. Coach Helene Van Manen has been doing retreats for individuals, groups and businesses for many years. She brought us together not only learn more about leading retreats, but to establish and renew relationships, bask in the beauty of nature and just be. To learn and to retreat. To fill up. Oh, I could go on and on.
This retreat was the BEST. I worked with some coaches who are in the Master’s Retreat Program–Diane Mueller, Jo Hatcher and Christine Reed (713-528-1651) and it was so exhilarating to mastermind with them (not to mention laugh our heads off). Check them out–if you can go on a retreat with them, or ME, please do!
I was especially blessed to spend the day before and after with Helene. I am forever grateful.
Something to consider for 2010? Find one or two retreats that are just for YOU and go on them. Call me and we can design a retreat just for you. Whatever you chose, give yourself a nurturing gift! YOU are worth it.
Blessings!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
is there any way to connect this blog entry to the mtn park’s? http://www.mpec.blogspot.com
Done–thanks for the redirect to the site that will give the best info in MPEC! It’s a wonderful blog that really tells the story of what’s up with MPEC.