Living and moving with the seasons has become a powerful way of life for us as creative women. We have found peaceful repose in the Winter, allowing ourselves to slow down and reflect upon the previous year. Spring brought new life in her own time and rich soil in which to plant our seeds of creative vision and action.
As we reflect on Summer, the first thing that comes to mind is: wait… it’s over?
Remember going back to school as a kid? How it seemed like just yesterday we were running around barefoot and jumping in the pool, and suddenly the next nine-ish months sprung up with a structure to which we were expected to adhere? The smell of fresh cut grass, the freeing feeling of more sunshine in the day, bouncing balls and sand castles… suddenly, they were gone.
Of course for many of us, the feeling of a brand new notebook and newly sharpened set of pencils has its own appeal. For me, organizing my backpack became a special ritual that helped me mentally prepare for the next day of classes, even though my soul yearned for more sunny days and less rigid expectations. Orientation would help ease the transition, comparing class schedules with friends and looking forward to games and performances during the upcoming school year. Fresh new clothes and shoes were also a bonus, for we were never the same after a Summer season. We played, we adventured, we explored, and ultimately, we grew.
As adults, I’m sure many of us have a newfound sympathy for the teachers and educators who facilitate this transition, forever finding the balance of establishing structure for the year and easing us into it as we expand our education and preparation for the “real world.” We have come to realize that, just like the Summer days of freedom, the Fall days of back-to-school usher in endless potential and possibility.
And just like that, instead of wait… it’s over?
We realize, wait… there’s more.
For everything, there is a season. For most things, there are rules. We as musicians, mathematicians, writers, dancers, artists, and creative women know all too well how to learn those rules inside and out in order to properly break them. So we take our Summer break lessons and carry them with us throughout the structure of the school year, or perhaps the next quarter in business, to continue growing in new ways even as the days get shorter and the nights cool down.
Fall will officially sweep in on Sunday, however grand or quiet she chooses to move, introducing the season of the harvest. We enriched our soil in the Winter, planted our seeds in the Spring, invested in our passion and growth during the Summer, and now we get to see it all come to fruition. Bravo, ladies! We see you tending to your garden, soaking up the sunshine and singing with the birds as you nourish the creativity within you that makes the world a better place for all.
May we always carry the freedom and sunshine of Summer in our hearts, especially as we come together to celebrate a bountiful harvest in the coming season.
Virtuosa Society went dark in the month of July to completely redesign our website and clarify our mission. Our Summer was filled to the brim with creative work and play. We are now well on our way to providing grants to creative women across every field and walk of life. Our seasonal events are thriving with another Maestra Masterclass coming up in October, and our collaborations are as fulfilling as ever.
We would love to hear from you about how your literal and/or metaphorical garden has thrived this Summer, and the lessons you learned along the way. May this seasonal transition be kind and fulfilling to you as Mother Nature spins us into a new era of bountiful harvest, brand new notebooks, and the loving reminder that, wait… there’s more.
So, what is the Maestra Masterclass?
Think of it as group therapy meets brunch with your besties. We’ll talk about the real struggles we face and how to overcome them, safe in the company of fellow creative women, and led by an incredible speaker who will help us along the path to better nourish our creativity and wellbeing. There will also be delicious food and gift bags, because we definitely deserve a day to treat ourselves!
The next Maestra Masterclass will be on Saturday, October 12th at The Collman Dairy Barn – a scenic private event space in Klamath Falls, Oregon operated by Poppy on Main, our headlining event partner.
Sharing a wealth of wisdom and experience, internationally acclaimed speaker and talk radio show host Georgene Rice will be addressing The Art of Conversation in beautifully prepared masterclass sessions, providing practical guidance and invaluable takeaways to apply in all areas of your life.
Our half day retreat also includes seasonally-themed catered lunch by A Leap of Taste, tea service by Nana’s Tea Room, a specialty dessert created just for the event by our affiliate partner CocoGlow & Bonnie Nork’s Treats, and a beautifully handcrafted gift bag by female artisans in Australia, filled with nurturing seasonal goodies!
Proceeds from registration go toward Virtuosa Society’s Janet Coleman Grant. Named in honor of beloved musician and music director Janet Coleman, the grant will be the first of our new slate of financial awards to female creatives pursuing innovative projects, beginning 2025.
Click here to reserve your seat at the Maestra Masterclass
+ view the comments
