Musings from a middle school reading specialist. I encourage my students to read, talk, write, and have fun!
I parent two amazing young-adult daughters with my husband of 30+ years.

January 29, 2013

Stretch and Renew

Read Slice of Life stories at
Two Writing Teachers
In December I sat at my husband's choir concert, thumbing through the program during The Messiah.  In the program I found an ad for the YMCA Women's Wellness Winter Camp.

 "Camp?  I loved going to camp in 6th grade and college.  I wonder if anyone would go with me?" I wondered to myself.

I polled a few friends, and YES!  My BFF of 28 years, Beth, agreed that we should go.




I haven't had this much fun in a long time!

The marsh
We arrived after dinner and introductions Friday night, but that didn't matter.  We pulled up a chair at the indoor campfire and jumped right into a few crazy songs with the staff.

After talking (mostly me, sorry, Beth!) for most of the evening, we went to bed in our chilly bunks.  We woke at 6:30 a.m. for a lovely yoga class led by one of the campers (she's come every year since '79!).

Saturday included a hike to breakfast and lunch, a walk across the frozen lake, a photography seminar, 30 minutes of downtime (I wrote 5 pages in my journal!), a mystery dinner and wine tasting.  The day ended with Tai Chi at 9:00 p.m.
Walking on the frozen lake!

We met many athletic and young-minded ladies between the ages of 20 and 81.  They were an inspiration to both of us!  One group plays pickle ball twice per week, and all of them could out-hike me!
Chris & Beth - friends since '73

I learned that we need to stretch ourselves - get out of our daily routine - and renew our body, both emotionally and physically.  Beth and I didn't figure out the answers to our current life stresses, but we connected and renewed our friendship, reminding each other why we're friends.
Reminding ourselves to have fun and not be so serious.

10 comments:

  1. I'm glad that you and Beth got away! You needed it - and now you have to remember those moments of calm and relaxation to help you through those other moments. And your mantra? That's you! Stick with it because it's infectious!

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    1. Sigh, I feel like I've lost a big chunk of my happy attitude this year. I must get it back!

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  2. "Young minded ladies between the ages of 20 and 81"- love that!

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    1. I can't wait to retire - these ladies were so relaxed and in great shape!

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  3. Looks and sounds fabulous. I'm glad you made the leap & went, & with your best friend! What a great time. Love your photos too.

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  4. Sounds like you had a time of renewal and bonding with your best friend, meeting new friends and enjoying a time away for all of the stress. Glad you made the leap to try something new.

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  5. Your time in the camp sounds wonderful. There's great value in fun and friendship.

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  6. ooh, that sounds like so much fun! I always loved camps too. And how wonderful that you got to do it with your best friend!
    P.S. I love that we found a connection through music! If your daughter might be interested in dotting the "i" someday... I'd be happy to pass along some information about TBDBITL! :-)

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  7. Thanks all for your comments! I really think we should all find a way to escape and stretch, even for a day, every few months. We all work hard, and our bodies and souls need it!

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  8. Thanks all for your comments! I really think we should all find a way to escape and stretch, even for a day, every few months. We all work hard, and our bodies and souls need it!

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