Each time I blog about the latest Squam retreat I’m reminded of how inadequate language truly is. It’s impossible to convey the transformative magic of this place to someone who hasn’t been here.

This was my first time teaching, and while I came with the express intent of stepping into my teacherhood, I received SO much more than that. People (who’d taken my class, or had heard good things) kept asking where else I was teaching, if I offer e-courses and the like, which has me thinking deeply again about creating my own opportunities. I connected with kindred spirits—special shout outs to Liv White, who picked me up at North Londonderry a day early so we could help decorate the playhouse, and who has one of the purest hearts I have ever encountered; and to Sarah Greenman, whom I love with a fierceness that is eerily disproportional to the precious-little time we spent together IRL. I did the woo-woo thing with my wonderful cabin-mates (and fellow teachers), some of whom (fortunately for me!) live in the Boston area. I shared a story from my childhood at lunchtime on Saturday and wound up bawling onto my empty plate; it was a huge breakthrough and I’m so grateful to Dixie for her insight. Even when I found myself in conflict with a very dear friend, I could (eventually) see it for the gift that it was.

Because EVERYTHING is a gift. Even when it’s hard, it’s a gift. How else are we supposed to grow?

My Thursday class. Eight happy eager souls who did LOADS of life-changing work.

The display table is always a highlight. This piece is from my new friend Susa Talan’s class.

The Up & Writing inspiration wall.

First-ever Squam dance party!

June Squam had the yarn bombers to leave little delights in the woods for us; September had Em Falconbridge, who taught a wonderful class on remaking old sweaters and clothes without the use of patterns.

I had half as many students on Friday, and they went so deep with the mind mapping they were all tapped out by a quarter to four. (The class goes 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm). I’d told them to figure out what they needed for themselves and then TAKE it, so I was glad when Karan (in the foreground of this pic) announced that she’d gotten what she’d come for and was headed back to her room to pour a glass of wine and kick back with her knitting.

I also can’t adequately convey just how excited I am about life right now. I’m hatching all sorts of plans for workshops and books that will go even deeper than I had time for in only six hours, and I’ve taken down the old stuff on my “learn with me” page to make space for these new projects. I’m so, so grateful to my dear friend Elizabeth for giving me the opportunity to share what I’ve learned, and go on learning as I do so.

A parting gift from @ccerruti at @squamlove. pic.twitter.com/LlOeWSyfAS

— Camille DeAngelis (@cometparty) September 14, 2014