Empowered.
That's what I took from the retreat last weekend. Empowered. I don't know if "took" is the right word. More like it was given to me. Bestowed upon me. Anointed upon me.
Divas. Divinely. Inspired. Vivaciously. Anointed. Divas. Wow, did I meet a lot of Divas last weekend. Women from all over the country came together in spirit, song, friendship, and love to network.
Network in a way that I'd never seen before. We went to workshops. We learned about how to plan for retirement. We learned about ways of "networking" on the Internet. We even learned how to improve our physical image, but more than that we learned how to network our hearts.
Friendships bonded, addresses exchanged. Business cards flurried back and forth. I basked in the warmth generated.
Beverly Mahone gets all the credit for creating the first of many annual Diva Girlfriend Retreats. She worked herself to exhaustion, creating a memorable experience for all of us. I even created a photo album of our memories. Code word "boomer". Many of us were part of the audience of a special PBS taping of a Baby Boomer Q&A of a panel of experts. It went exceptionally well.
One of our special guests of honor was Bern Nadette Stanis the actor who portrayed Thelma from the television show "Good Times". I bought her book and can't wait to delve into it.
I brought a suitcase full of clothes and I used them all, as we changed several times throughout the days for television shows, receptions, workshops, workouts, pageants, pajama parties, etc.
Did I mention pajama party? Yes, I did!
What a HOOT! A DJ played music, there was plenty of chocolate and drinks, and we danced and danced and danced. I know because I woke up Sunday morning with aches from muscles I don't remember ever using in a long time!
Not only are my Diva friends full of love and laughter they are truly spiritual. The invocation on Sunday morning moved me to near tears and made my heart sing. Never had I felt closer to God than then.
The time for us to say good bye came much too fast. We lingered as long as we could, but eventually we had to go. We hugged, we kissed, we said our good byes again. We promised to stay in touch. We had our e-loop to go back to. And our memories to take home. As for me, I'll never be the same again.
Empowered.
7 comments:
I love that you used the term "afterglow"!!!!!
Wish I could have been there!
Educate, entertain and EMPOWER---those are the three things I hoped to accomplish with the Retreat. I'm so glad you got the "E"
I feel like out lives are forever changed as a result of the weekend in Daytona Beach. Thanks so much for being a part of this spectacular event that couldn't have been successful without you....and you've got the pictures to PROVE it!
You're making me jealous! Wish I could have made it. I will definitely make the next one.
Vicki,
What an awesome time we all had and meeting you was a pleasure. You are as sweet as your pictures show you. I appreciated your pictures and I shared my york photos with the group..did you see them? I also am putting together a slide presentation soon. Loved being with you and spend that little time we had there. It was great!!
We wish you all could have been there, but there's always next year. We'll see you then, right? I'm signing up as soon as registration opens.
Kathryn, I saw your pictures, I'm going to add a link to my blog to view the pictures. I think everyone should see how awesome we are!
Vicki,
Vicki,
You are the sweetest person! Your summary of the retreat is right on! I've never felt so embraced, empowered, and encouraged as a woman. The love radiated from each DIVA. That must be the 'afterglow' from being anointed.
Love,
Pam
Your description of the retreat made it sound like a life altering event. What a wonderful experience!
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