Martha Graham in Lamentation No.3 by Herta Moselsio, Date Unknown. Source: Library of Congress
The earth is quiet and we follow suit in peaceful harmony. The birds have gone and the bees are sleeping, while all signs of life from our gardens have long since nourished us in return for tending their growth all year. Now, we rest. May we, as creative women, cherish our own company in these calm Winter months as we look inward to reflect on the past, present, and future.
SO MUCH grew from our metaphorical gardens in 2024! The inaugural Maestra Masterclass will always have a special place in our hearts as the introspective first of our seasonal events. We gathered at the beautifully secluded Aerie Retreat (hosted by the beautifully brilliant Natalie Vartanian) in January to kick off the year as Mother Nature intended: by turning inward to foster our personal growth. We learned to silence the noise and find our voice in a world where women fight to be heard. It was a quiet and powerful gathering led by Sofi von Trapp’s guidance in identifying what we truly value to our core. Her experience in singing, performing, and research has fostered her incredible gift to teach others how to better live as their most authentic selves
When Spring rolled around, we felt like those sweet little bees coming out of hibernation! This season was absolutely buzzing with potential as we picked our seeds for success and tucked them into their new home: the garden of creativity. We gathered once again, this time both virtually and IRL, to discuss and create vision boards together. These collages of hopes and dreams became our daily inspiration to continue pursuing goals for the year, and they were delightful to create, especially with like-minded women! There’s nothing like girl time and we cherish every moment we get to share with you.
The Summer Solstice Hike, like every VS event, brought even more new friends into our circle. We were elated to gift everyone a hand-stamped cotton bandana as the perfect hiking accessory along the Queen of The Lake trail in Klamath Falls. A freshly prepared meal was delivered by boat halfway through the journey, and it was indeed as dreamy as it sounds. This season began in perfect splendor: with precious company, thoughtful gifts, a nurturing meal, and a day of play with friends.
The Maestra Masterclass returned with the energy of abundance in the Fall. Speaker and longtime radio host Georgene Rice orchestrated a safe and encouraging space to embrace our authentic selves as we walked through the Art + Beauty of Conversation. We learned to approach others with curiosity over judgment, identify different ways we approach interactions, and how and when to accommodate others in order to meet them on level ground. We then gathered around the table to enjoy the feast of the harvest!
These events are lovingly (and meticulously) designed to celebrate the highlights of each season. The cycles of nature all have their purpose and offer endless inspiration, just like our connections with others creatives.
Thank you to everyone who collaborated with us in 2024
For their mindful, kind, and nurturing blends (use code VIRTUOSA20 for 20% off!)
For the most fulfilling seasonal fare, unmatched in artistic and culinary flare. You are incredible, Keegen!
For a safe place to gather and be vulnerable with support.
For her guidance, expertise, and gentle care in fostering inner truth.
For her magical sweets and thoughtfulness baked into every bite!
For bespoke seasonal blends that embrace our senses, and the most lovely space to gather for a garden party.
For her humor, lessons taught, and relentless authenticity.
For our beautifully decorated gathering space for the Fall harvest, and always spreading the joy of handmade gifts.
For seeing the beauty in everyone, inside and out, and helping women reclaim their power.
For designing the Virtuosa hand-stamped bandana gift for the Summer Solstice Hike.
For the Alleyway Activation project that celebrates the women of Klamath Falls, and their continued dedication to the wellness of the community.
Heartfelt Obstetrics & Gynecology
For sponsoring the first Maestra Masterclass and endless dedication to health and wellness.
So how exactly does the cycle of the seasons serve us as creatives? You may already be reaping the rewards without realizing. A simple test to be sure is to check in with your New Year’s resolutions: how are they coming along?
The year is young, of course. Remember that you have full permission to take your time in setting your goals for the year ahead. After all, there is also a year to reflect on.
The time for action comes in the Spring with a nice full-body stretch to greet the sun and the careful selection of seeds for your garden. These seeds are the ways in which we desire to grow, the things we wish to achieve. Once you find them, you can nestle them into the soil and begin to find your pace with watering, weeding, and nurturing new growth.
When Summer hits, she hits the ground running! After finding new ways to be diligent in your routine, this is the time to have fun and get messy. Buzz like a honeybee with your collaborations, because connecting with others helps every garden flourish! And do not be too quick to apologize, because messes happen when you’re having fun.
Autumn welcomes everyone to the table for a bountiful harvest. The nights get colder, the leaves get crunchy, and that residual fun-in-the-sun energy becomes a warm fuzzy feeling with a hot drink and cozy sweater. Enjoy the fruits of your labor! May it be sweet, savory, and best when shared with those who helped nourish your garden. Remember, there is room for everyone at the table.
Forgive us for mentioning the holidays just one more time. They are just such a rush when the natural world is settling in to sleep. No wonder it’s both exhausting and rewarding to be in celebration mode! All the better to sleep soundly after. In Winter, memories flurry in with the snow. It’s like you can feel the earth slowing down and getting dark, inviting you along to slow down and reflect as the cycle slowly begins again.
New year, new growth.
New season, new event! It will be announced next week and accessible to all, near and far.
For now, keep a tactile friend like the Elevate journal close as you reflect on the seeds and pacing, the fun and growth of the past year. Take the time to get to know yourself and your invaluable insight better after tending that garden of creativity for a year.
We’ll pop back in your inbox next week with more cozy Winter inspiration. Happy Hibernation, Virtuosas!
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