My time in Italy was life changing, and I do not make such proclamations aimlessly. I went to this women’s writing retreat with a handful of objectives that I had answered within a few workshops and through conversations with the other writers. While I expected to gain clarity on my writing, I wasn’t prepared for the connection and healing that took place.
When I arrived to the Villa after a day’s worth of travel, I was exhausted. But the dining room table, which comfortably sat 16 people, was adorned with an authentic Italian meal to bring comfort to any worn down traveler. As I ate, my eyes flooded in warm gratitude for being in this space eating this delicious food of my dreams. I talked with the others sitting near me (covering the bases of names, where we’re from, and what type of writer we are). Even though I was drained and wanted nothing more than to lay down ((thanks jet lag🫠)) I experienced a snap shot of what the next ten days were going to be like with the group.
The days at the retreat consisted of a combination of workshops, individual consultation on writing, and group activity. Our guide and published author, Ann Garvin, led instruction on the best ways to tell a story ((as she’s taught in her MFA courses)) and I got to rewrite my character in a way that the reader will remain engaged.
Of course, as soon as class got out we would all gather in a great room to listen to others read their current work, drink the best coffee— chat— even pull tarot cards, sometimes venture on a walk, and some days, when it wasn’t raining, we’d take a trip to a neighboring town to tour the sights.
The “denim day” As with any immersive travel, I started to lose track of numbering my days. I attribute
that to being fully present in the experience I was having and the connections I was fostering with the women in the group. And after a handful of chilly, dreary days we were all ready to get out of the Villa and explore in the name of sunny weather.
You know how when you spend so much time with someone, you start to dress alike…? That's the exact symbiosis that started to occur with the group as the majority of the women walked out of the Villa dressed in denim. ((I'm chuckling as I write this🤭)). We really must have looked funny to the locals as we were walking around the little coastal town of Chioggia all "matchy matchy."
On staying with these "nice ladies"
Now that I am settling into my routine back home, I’m finding the lasting impact of my time with these, "nice ladies." ((Ann was telling a story and mentioned how she called herself and her writing colleagues as just a bunch of nice ladies and I can't stop using the reference😂.)) Experiencing the fullness of multigenerational living for over a week brought me healing I didn't know I needed. No matter what time of day, there was always someone willing to spend time with. I felt so held and seen by the women on this retreat. I was gifted with their openness as they shared about the experiences they've had writing their novels, querying their book, getting an agent and getting published. They connected with my spirit by imparting their wisdom on the meaning life, falling in and out of love, raising children, and coming to know themselves and honor their desires.
I have came away with these relationships that feel wholly authentic to where I am right now in my life and deeply aligned with where I am going next. I am so grateful for these women, and I cannot wait to gather with them again.
Warmly,
Brittany DeNucci
Comments