Creativity and Connection at the Writers Guild of Alberta Retreat

Attending the Writers Guild of Alberta Retreat August 28-31 was exciting and more challenging than I expected. Meeting writers from across the province, listening to inspiring presentations by Jenna Butler and Premee Mohammed, and the open mics were highlights.

Sanctum Retreat Centre provided a beautiful woods to walk through and wonderful meals.

On one of my walks I took the opportunity to read some poems to the Virgin Mary (statue in the forest). I was surprised by her responses. I had hoped to read some of them to Jesus (pictures and statue), but the chapel was always occupied by someone writing and I didn't want to disturb them.

My persistent concussion symptoms limited my capacity enough that between sessions, socializing and meals instead of writing or reading, as I had expected, I either walked or lay on my bed in the dark.

Even with my limits, the retreat was well worth it.

A big thank you to Ashley Frerichs for her work in organizing.