And yet… sometimes…
You also secretly dream of running away to an island for a few days.
A sacred time out of time – every woman requires it and we so rarely find it.
Time outside of our schedules, out of reach of work or home for just a moment… to think, imagine, rediscover that part of ourselves that has been waiting so long.
When the world stills, you can finally reconnect with the holy within yourself.
Wondering is a gift we forget to give ourselves.
Without it, it’s so easy to look up and find ourselves
somewhere we did not intend to be.
What would you like to do with this time? Get back in touch with long-ago joys from when you were younger? Try something new? That next bold step for your business? For your life?
Or just quietly being open to what is waiting to be heard.
Each new day is a path of wonder,
A different invitation.
Days are where our lives
Gradually become visible.
John O’Donohue
What I want for you:
Time to think… to be… to regroup…
- To remember what gives you joy
- To listen to the still, small voice of your own knowing
- To bring what is sacred to you into your everyday life
- To fill that longing you’ve been holding onto, “If I just had some time”
Taking time for yourself
An island is a beautiful place to think, create and explore without the distractions of day-to-day work, interruptions or even planning meals.
Whether that means an afternoon nap, sitting on the porch with a journal or watching the sun set with your toes in the sand, that’s what we’ll be doing.
Every day will be a bit different, as you spend time thinking about wonder and how it can change your life. You’ll be working alone… sharing with kindred spirits… consulting with me… walking beside the sea… playing with some art… finding your own rhythm… having fun.
Are you ready to join us? Give yourself permission to take this time.
This retreat is a bit different.
Since I know that you contain all of the unique answers about your next steps inside of YOU, it is a mixture of questions, prompts and then time for you to listen.
Some talking, hopefully some fresh perspectives. But no forced intense group discussions. Nothing is an awkward must-do. See what you can do with time, focus, creative tools, Island Magic and the energy of a small group (limited to 6) of like-minded women surrounding you.
And you will be nourished by healthy and delicious meals catered by a local chef (that magically appear without your thinking about it).
We gather together in November, but we’ll get started before then.
One of the joys of a small group is that I can customize it for you. I have a questionnaire for soon after you sign up, so that I get a feel for who is coming and what each of you needs.
Then I’ll be sending you a personalized journal about a month before the retreat, with some prompts to start you thinking.
During the retreat, I’ll have time set aside to meet with each of you individually to discuss your own wonderings and next steps.
Where will we be staying?
We will have a charming restored Victorian inn all to ourselves, overlooking the sea right across the street (the beach that is in the first big photo on the site). Rocking chairs on the porch offer a first-row seat to the moon rising over the gently lapping waves. The gathering room has a fireplace. We’ll have a room set up with art supplies to try out and magazines and books to leaf through if that is helpful.
Oak Bluffs is very special, with beaches, the harbor, gingerbread cottages, Ocean Park and more places where you can work or explore – all within a five-minute walk. (Even a choice of ice cream parlors!)
An important part of doing this creative work is to walk away at points, allowing your mind to catch up and think through what you’ve been doing. This spot provides you with that space and freedom.
And since time alone is as necessary as time spent together, you will each have your own private room equipped with a bath, small refrigerator and TV (should you choose to indulge), along with complimentary Wi-Fi.
You can select your room when you sign up. All rooms are first come, first served. As you can see, they are all cozy and inviting.
Room 1: Town Beach BOOKED Ocean-view room with a queen-sized bed, on the second floor
Room 3: South Beach BOOKED Ocean-view room with a balcony and twin beds (one to work on), on the second floor
Room 5: Norton Beach BOOKED Sunny and bright room with a queen-sized bed, on the second floor
Room 7: Squibnocket Beach Original wood paneling in this ocean-view room with a queen-sized bed on the third floor
Room 2: Eastville Beach BOOKED Spectacular view (not ocean) and a queen-sized bed, on the second floor
Room 4: Lobsterville Beach King-sized bed in a bright room on the second floor
Room 6: Menemsha Beach BOOKED Ocean-view room with a king-sized bed, on the third floor
Room 8: Lucy Vincent Beach Original wood paneling in this room with a queen-sized bed, on the third floor
Room 9: Philbin Beach A queen-sized bed under the window, on the third floor
We’d love to have you join us!
| WHERE | Martha’s Vineyard In the town of Oak Bluffs |
| WHEN | November 7-11, 2019 Thursday afternoon through noon on Monday |
| WHO | A cozy group limited to 6 women seekers of all shapes, sizes, ages, colors and persuasions |
| WHAT |
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| PRICE | $1400 includes a private room and bath, breakfasts and dinners, snacks and all workshop materials. Hold your place with a non-refundable deposit of $500; balance due by October 1, 2019. |
If you would like to receive information on the next retreat, please sign up here.
[contact-form-7 id=”3082″ title=”Retreat Subscription”] Refund Policy: Your registration is non-refundable, but if life intervenes, you are welcome to transfer your spot to a friend. (Please let me know ahead — I am custom creating this retreat based on who is attending.)
About Lori Stone
From corporate…
I came from years in the fast-paced corporate world of high tech. I started new groups in user interface design, usability testing, website creation, online information, product design, internationalization and global marketing.
I loved creating and growing new possibilities. But it was sometimes difficult to play by someone else’s rules as the companies grew more established.
To an island…
Moving to Martha’s Vineyard with my family to work as an artist changed all that and it felt like truly coming home.
Except that I missed the daily decisions and strategy of consulting.
And a business on my own
So, fifteen years ago I started my own business, Roundabout. We help businesses across the country become more visible online.
I also delight in helping savvy, creative, committed women step into that next wondrous Second Story they create in their life, with all of its possibilities.
And it all came together when I started leading retreats — offering other women the time, space and creative opportunity to think clearly about their own projects, businesses and lives.
Martha’s Vineyard is an island seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It is approximately 100 square miles and has six distinct small towns, each with its own personality. There are no connecting bridges or tunnels. Ferries make regular runs between Martha’s Vineyard and the mainland daily. Here are directions to reach the ferries by car and by bus.
You’ll find that your retreat begins on the ferry ride, as you see the land slip away and look forward to a new horizon. (Really, you’ll feel yourself breathe more deeply and slowly as soon as you start up the gangplank.)
If you are driving, you can park your car at the Steamship Authority in Falmouth. There are signs to direct you to the parking lot and then they run shuttle buses down to the ferry terminal at Woods Hole. You will need a ferry ticket for yourself, which you purchase at the Woods Hole terminal. The Steamship Authority website has all the details on parking costs and sailing schedules.
You can find more details on travelling here in the Questions section.
Or send me an email and I’ll help you with the specifics.
What’s the weather and what should I bring?
The weather on the Vineyard in early November is soft and variable. The average highs are low- to mid-50s during the day, dipping into the 40s at night (flannel jammies!). Layers are your best friend. (Although at one of our retreats it was in the 70s and everyone went out and bought t-shirts because who knew?!?)
Keep in mind that you’re coming here to listen to your intuition… to brainstorm…. to recharge…. to create….to have conversations…. to think, imagine and dream.
For example, I rarely go anywhere without my laptop, a notebook or three and a variety of my favorite pens. I will be wearing comfy clothes, flannel PJs, colorful scarves and warm socks!
And I am terrible at just sitting and talking without doing something with my hands. So I will certainly have knitting with me for while we are talking around the fire in the gathering room or out on the porch chatting. But that’s just me. Please be YOU.
What’s the deal with lunches?
I think it’s important to include some exploring in your day, so lunches are on your own (or even better – with new friends). Just a 5-minute stroll down the road and around the corner is the main little street of town, lined with stores, galleries, eateries and a market. Enjoy a restaurant, get take out to eat in the park/on the beach/by the harbor or stock up the fridge in your room.
Do I need a car on the island?
If you are coming just for the retreat, you won’t need one. We are happy to pick you up at the ferry terminals or from the airport. If you want to stay longer and explore, you might want one, or you can rent one for while you’re here. There is also a great public bus service that connects most of the Island. If you do decide to bring your car over to the Island, you will need to make a reservation for your car on the ferry as soon as possible with the Steamship Authority. The Steamship Authority operates the only vehicle ferry service to the Island from Woods Hole on Cape Cod (a short 45-minute crossing). To arrange auto reservations, contact the Steamship Authority by either calling them directly at (508) 477-8600 or booking on-line via their website. Reservations for passengers with a car are unnecessary. Note: When you book your reservation, if you can’t get your first request, put your name on the Waiting List. It usually works out very well and, more often than not, you’ll get the reservation time you want.
Can I come early or stay later?
That’s a lovely idea. Every town has its own character and you will see just a bit of Martha’s Vineyard during your stay in Oak Bluffs. I can help you with ideas on what part of the Island you might like to visit and where you could stay. Rates are lower during this shoulder-season time.
When is check-in time and check-out?
You can check in to the inn at 3:00 Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7th. Warm cookies and beverages will be awaiting you. 🙂 We’ll be having dinner together at 6:00, so please plan to join us. Our closing circle on Monday will end around noon.
I have some questions about flying to the Island.
November is the off-season, so there are few direct flights. If you are coming some distance, you will most likely have to fly into Logan Airport in Boston and change to Cape Air, which has several flights a day.
You can also take the Peter Pan bus from Logan Airport, which will go to Woods Hole and the ferry. It is a 2-hour bus ride.
For more detailed information, you can contact me or check out the information from the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce website.
We’ll pick you up at the airport or ferry terminal — no worries.
Is wine allowed?
That’s a good question. I won’t be providing wine, but you are welcome to bring it yourself. If you are more comfortable if wine is not out in the common areas, let me know ahead of time and I’ll set the general policy of keeping it in private rooms.
I’m not sure whether this retreat is right for me.
Let’s talk! Odds are, if you are feeling the call to come, it holds something for you. Pay attention to those whispers of intuition and follow where they lead. Send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
I have a different question?
Email me at lori@roundaboutmv.com! I’ll get right back to you. If you’d prefer to chat, that’s fine also — let me know.
I can’t wait to see you here!
© Roundabout LLC. All Rights Reserved 2019
photo credit :: © Vineyard Colors 2019 (so many thanks to Vineyard Colors for allowing us to display their marvelous Island photographs)