Last month Virginia (the person) zoomed from Virginia (the state) to the rolling hills of Kentucky for the Wedgwood Circle GoodLit2020 Writers Retreat.
“Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place.” Daniel Boone
Twelve writer participants from around the country came (all wearing our masks) for a transformative week of inspirational interactions and strategic opportunities to hone our craft. Hosted in the beautiful small town of Stanford (KY) by Angela and Jess Correll (a bottomless well of gratitude to them!) we stayed at the Wilderness Road Inn guesthouses clustered around Main Street.
I enjoyed my stay at St. Asaph’s, a renovated inn with comfortable nooks and crannies to hang out and be inspired (along with a fully stocked kitchenette on our floor.) In the context of COVID-19, the Wilderness Inn took extra precautions throughout our stay. Workshop sessions took place in a huge ballroom with everyone wearing masks, while many events occurred outside on a large terrace.
Several magical evenings occurred on this terrace
Oh, and the food was incredibly DELISH. The Wilderness Inn organized an amazing caterer, the chef of the Bluebird Cafe, who whipped up fabulous breakfasts, luncheons and dinners for our group.
The Bluebird Cafe, Stanford (Kentucky)
As faithful readers know, my precious mama loved bluebirds: sightings were always occasions of joy. Looking out my window across from the Bluebird Cafe (+ enjoying multiple delectable meals there +) ’twas like a Heavenly Hello.
If you’re ever near Stanford (KY) check out the Bluebird Cafe!
Some of you may be asking, “Virginia, what were you doing at a writers retreat? Are you, like, writing a book?” To date Virginia has not shared here at Roses in the Rubble what she’s been working on. (Ahem.) More on that later!
Suffice to say, I’ve been working on a manuscript the past two years.
“Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse
The gift of Wedgwood Circle GoodLit2020 to me?
Before the retreat my unwieldy manuscript and I were floundering, but now with new strategic tools and GoodLit inspirational interactions, “eureka” moments, affirmation (and so much more) Virginia the Writer is rejuvenated to keep on going.
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” Vincent Van Gogh
grace, peace & transformative opportunities
Virginia : )
Roses in the Rubble 
Just looking at the pictures and your comments, makes one so inspired. I feel the need to write. Each picture tells a story. The photography is a wow factor…..
Thank you, Gabby. There were lots of charming parts of Stanford KY to photograph! Writing isn’t always easy, but begins when we start. That first word can be a humdinger- sometimes I skip to the second & then it flows! Cheers! 📚🤗📚
I’m so PROUD of you, Virginia! It really does take a lot of courage to be creative — and especially to admit it! I know, because I, too, am working on my manuscript (and have been for far too long to share, ha!) Best wishes for your work in progress, my friend!
Thanks so much Debbie! You always inspire me. Your encouragement has meant loads to keep on going (even without me spilling the beans here!) Blessings on your book-in-progress. As I work up nerve, I’ll share more in a bit. 🎉📚🤗📚🙏🎉
Take your time, friend. Those of us who understand how much courage it takes to even admit you’re writing something will wait. We know you can do it, too!!
💐🤗📚🙏💐