a catch-up, chronologically
Oct 23, 2009 I don’t think it’s easy to pull off a weekend-long shindig that feels simultaneously indulgent and cozy and sophisticated. But that’s what the Broad Summit gals managed to do. Poof, just like magic.
photo from my roomie and new pal Zan
Things just appeared, all weekend. Cookies and grown-up milk around a late-night bonfire (read: Kahlua and milk, or what we call a twin milkshake in my family, because of my mother and her twin sister’s love of the drink). A basket of wool blankets to keep us warm. A taco truck as our stomachs started to growl. Something new on our pillow every time we went back to our rooms. Free massages. Bottles of water after every vineyard visit.
But of course, things never really just appear. This team of generous, big-hearted women (plus an equally dedicated husband and family friend) worked their bippies off, as my grandmother would say, to pull it off so gracefully.
I love people who charge into their ideas and will things into reality, and the broads who put this on are inspirational in that department. As Maggie explained, the idea was hatched while they were all a little tipsy, and I for one am a big believer in tipsily-conceived ideas (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to convince friends to start a commune over a couple glasses of wine).
It is testament to Maggie, Laura, Aubrey and Helen Jane's vision and verve that we spent the weekend in such a happy, indulgent bubble among redwoods and vineyards. I was – and still am – grateful to have been included in the big, instant sisterhood.
Here’s what fellow attendee Susan said: “My take away from the weekend was this: Be kind to others, and be kind to yourself, and good things -- and good friends -- will come. Because those are really the same thing.”
Now if I can just remember how to make friendship pins for the laces of all our Tretorns.
(This was a couple weeks ago, but I just got back from an extended trip. You can find gads of images here and inspiration for hosting your own summit for like-minded folks here. Again, a whopping thanks to all the broads who made it happen.)
broad summit in etc, gather
Reader Comments (6)
Twin milkshakes, huh? I learn new things about our family every time I read your wonderful blog! I mean, of course Carol and I love Kahlua and milk. Who doesn't? I've just never heard it referred to as a twin milkshake before. Cute, Kelly.
By the way, I think the next time you go on such a lavish retreat, you should suggest it be a mother/daughter experience. =)
Friendship pins for Tretorns? Wow, that just took me back.
Sounds like a blissful getaway.
I agree , when I saw "friendship pins and Tretorns" I was whisked away about 25 years to some good times. :-) I think I need to go make me some and share with my 15 yo daughter. I think she'd get a kick out of it.
This is somewhat unrelated - but I just love that crocheted afghan in your picture. I immediately googled "poinsettia crochet pattern," but too much came back. I thought it couldn't hurt to ask if you knew where it came from?
Netrez, I don't know where that blanket came from, but I do know where it is now. One of my fellow attendees, Asha (parenthacks.com) said how much she liked it, and Maggie -- one of the weekend organizers and the owner of the blanket (mightygirl.com) -- gave it to her. So now it's inspiring Asha as she learns how to crochet up in Portland!
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