We did it, ladies.
We danced with the cycle of the seasons as they fueled our gardens of creativity, accepting each unique gift from Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall as our endeavors were nourished to fruition. We chose our seeds and carefully placed them in the soil, diligently watering and clearing the earth to encourage them to take root. Sunshine beckoned growth and play, encouraging collaboration and exploration with childlike curiosity. The great harvest then brought our success and loved ones to the table to celebrate with every plate overflowing.
We did it! And now, we rest.
If you have been keeping up with our weekly posts, you know how ready we are for this Winter’s hibernation. This is a time to reflect on the previous year, accepting every lesson no matter how it was learned, and deciding how to move forward after another year of growth. We take this season as a loving embrace for the women we have become: the loving, creative, authentic selves that we nourish in our metaphorical gardens of creativity.
So how has this seasonal perspective served us through the year? Let’s take a stroll through our favorite moments of 2024 and see which seeds it will inspire us to plant for the upcoming year.
When the new year arrives, it’s easy to get hyped up with the promise of starting fresh once again. We encourage you to slow down and take your time until Spring arrives and our seeds are ready to be planted with intention. The earth and rain will meet you there when it’s time to deliver nourishment to new growth, and we will find our pacing with what works best for our own creative process.
Those sweet Summer months are when we really hit the ground running, playing, frolicking, and laughing at our accidental messes along the way. This is an excellent time to try something new, especially when it comes to collaborating with others. The sunshine and busy bees will continue to enrich your garden while you yourself get to absorb the nourishment of taking your inner child on a play date. Summer is a season of action, and an excellent time of year to not take life too seriously.
The great harvest of the Fall is when all of our work and play pays off. Our gardens are flourishing with fruition, ready to be picked and nourish us in return. Autumn is a beautiful time of year to celebrate community and remind our loved ones how grateful we are for the unique ways in which they cared for us as our gardens grew. Keep those loved ones close and fill their plates in return!
Well before the new year begins, we are bombarded with pressure to hit the ground running starting January 1st. Suddenly it’s as if we’re meant to accept every expectation for the coming year during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, setting as many goals as possible as if we will suddenly be ready to achieve them. If you need a little extra time to sit back and relax before we step outside to sing with the birds upon their return, that’s the seasonal perspective inviting you to do just that.
We officially give you full permission to get comfy and cozy, surrounded by your favorite warm foods and drinks this Winter, and anything else that makes you feel warm and safe. In fact, instead of resolving to begin a daily 4am gym routine, start a journal instead this new year – if you don’t have one already – especially if consistency and wellness is what you’re craving as you settle in to reflect.
This study from 1993 found that for individuals who would consistently talk or write about personally upsetting experiences, “significant improvements in physical health are found.” Writing helps to increase our self-awareness, inviting a better understanding of ourselves, our mental health, and our relationships with others. It can also help us establish a routine – from finding a consistent spot to sit for daily or weekly entries to looking forward to the feeling of a fresh new page under your favorite pen. Check out this excellent article by Anne-Laure le Cunff on the science-based benefits of writing to learn more.
No matter the season, the personal company of someone as brilliant and creative as yourself is a gift to be treasured! In the spirit of the seasonal perspective, we want to share some of our other favorite gifts… to give to others, or enjoy for yourself.
Our favorite way to welcome a new season is to spend quality time with other women in a safe and uplifting environment so that our gardens of creativity can grow together. The inaugural Maestra Masterclass took place in January of 2024 and was led by singer, performer and researcher Sofi von Trapp. Natalie Vartanian set up her beautiful gathering space at the Aerie Retreat for us to settle in and remain peacefully present while Sofi gave us the tools to help silence the noise of the world around us and focus on finding our own unique voice.
Everyone who attended received a Virtuosa Society journal to keep a piece of this getaway with them during their Winter reflections. It was a refreshing and sacred event to those who joined us, and we are so grateful to the women who shared this first Virtuosa Society event with us!
We will be taking a break from IRL events this Winter, but keep an eye out for a virtual gathering. We would always love for you to join us!
Once we all thawed out, the birds began singing and the sun found her confidence. Spring arrived in her full splendor! We gathered both virtually and in-person to enjoy a Garden Party with our favorite gals, made new friends, and created our Vision Boards for the year. We all know that when creative women gather, beautiful things come to life! And they did, with every magazine clipping and piece of inspiration joyfully added to our board to inspire us to envision our goals fulfilled.
Make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter for the latest event announcements, because our 2025 Vision Board kits will be available very soon! It’s a wonderful way to be inspired by your goals, and a daily reminder of what we aspire to achieve after we plant our seeds for the year.
We’re pretty biased, but we have to say… the Summer Solstice Hike this year was just incredible. We met so many new faces, shared laughter, quality company, and enjoyed the beauty of the Queen of the Lake Trail together before a delectable seasonal meal (delivered by boat!). We felt like kids again, embracing the sunshine and watching for wildlife with our new friends!
Everyone who joined us for this journey received a hand-stamped cotton bandana designed by Kate O’Hara – the perfect multi-use accessory for a gal on the go, and we all certainly are during those Summer months. Whether you need an extra towel for those sweaty hikes, a headband or head cover for the sun, or an impromptu fastener to tie something together, this bandana is the perfect accessory for every Virtuosa.
The second Maestra Masterclass was held this past Fall in celebration of the harvest. Longtime radio host Georgene Rice guided us through the Art & Beauty of Conversation, exploring what it takes to embrace our authentic selves and approach others with acceptance and curiosity. The seasonal faire by Keegan Mueller of A Leap of Taste could not have been a more perfect pairing for the event and the season itself as we all found a spot at the table for another delectable meal.
Everyone who joined us for the Fall Maestra Masterclass received a handmade bag from female artisans in Australia, and they were full of books, pens, and other goodies – perfect for our fellow Virtuosas who are also celebrating the season of giving.
We hope you all soaked up as much holiday magic as possible, while also balancing hibernation preparation, building gingerbread houses, and making sure everyone has their coat on! We see and appreciate everything you do, and hope you get to treat yourself with some special gifts during hibernation this year. We hope you enjoy your own precious company until our IRL events return in the Spring, and we are only ever a message away in the meantime.
With love,
Caia + Katie
xoxo
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