For twenty years now, a group of writers has been meeting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and I’m beyond grateful to be included in that number. These women are such a blessing and JOY in my life!
I just returned last night from our 20th retreat, and it was such a rich and fun time. Here are some glimpses…
From L to R (back row): Brandilyn Collins, Sandy Shepherd (Brandilyn’s sister), Janet Ulbright, Karen Ball, Sunni Jeffers, moi
From L to R (front row): Sharon Dunn, Gayle DeSalles, Robin Lee Hatcher
And missing this year, sniff, sniff, Francine Rivers and Tricia Goyer
We plot, play, and pray…and laugh like crazy.
Me and Brandilyn (Collins) during a plotting session. : )
Robin and Janet plotting in their pretty little hats!
It’s four days of sharing and praying and praising and singing and laughing and eating, and just incredible sister time.
One night we sat around the fire pit and talked and laughed—and made S’mores, of course. Delicious! Somehow I got voted to brown/burn/”completely annihilate” the marshmallows, and I happily fulfilled every one of those wishes. : )
I’m so grateful for our CdA time together every summer, and for these women in my life every day!
When’s the last time you’ve gotten together with friends and family for a fun evening or weekend? And have you sat around a fire pit and made S’mores lately?
As always, much love from Nashville,
Tammy
Tamera Alexander
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Your retreat looks like fun! We visit family every summer in Tennessee, where my stepdad lives on the Tennessee River. Making s’mores around the fire pit is an annual tradition. Sweet memories.
Aw, I love that, Deena! Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like so much fun.
It truly is a slice of heaven, Judy.
Amazing that it’s been 20 years! So fun to see all of you through the years. I know it’s a precious time together and so glad you’re able to have that time together!
Thanks, my friend. Your name came up a few times so your ears should have been burning! 😉
Just did that when visiting my daughter in California. We sat around a fire pit, toasting our marshmallows, and making s’mores.
What a wonderful time for communing! 20 years! It looks like a lovely setting, full of God’s beauty.
How wonderful, Betty! Sounds perfect.
I love that you ladies are so faithful about taking this trip every year. And that view!!
It’s been one of the biggest blessings of my life and writing career, for sure. I’m so grateful. And yep to that view!
How wonderful that you ladies have continued to meet so many years. So I recognize you, Brandilyn and Robin. Would you mind tagging the other ladies in the photo?
Not at all, Marilyn. Off to do that now. 😉
Thanks!
Looks like a grand time was had by all. Trusting that each of you came home with refreshed spirits and rested hearts. Carry on, everyone! And blessings to Brandilyn for opening her beautiful piece of paradise.