Sometimes all we need is a change of scene, change of pace, and a good old fashioned girls’ weekend away.
I really struggle with doing anything for, or spending money on, myself. My inner critic only lets me justify such things if it’s to help my business in some way.
While I don’t actually need to give my loved ones a good reason if I want a time out, in my head I feel “just because” is too selfish. My rational brain tells me that is simply wrong, but hey, my self-talk usually trumps the rational.
This is how the idea of a writing retreat was born. I have a bloody good excuse for a girls' weekend, and if I throw in some training it can be a tax deduction for us all!
It won’t be only about resting and rom-coms, there will be some learning (from me), time to smash out some ceremonies before peak wedding season hits like a cyclone and a guided replenishment session delivered by a guest facilitator joining us on the final morning for some pure self-indulgence.
Join me for a (tax deductible) fun weekend with like minded colleagues, to relax, eat, learn and share war stories in our pj’s. There will be plenty of snacks, I pinky promise.
Ok Sally, but why?
A NEW PERSPECTIVE
Over the years I’ve really changed the way I create my ceremonies from the way I was told they had to be done when I did the Cert IV.
HEADSPACE!
Time to plan, reflect, write (or just read a bloody book!) without anyone asking you to make them a sandwich or why the sky is blue. Let me play mother.
NEW FRIENDS
Spending a couple of days in a small group like this will forge friendships, that I can promise because it happens to me every time I actually meet celebrants in person.
What's Included?
Where we're staying.
Esk is a gorgeous little town about an hour from Brisbane and the house is located walking distance from the village. The property boasts breathtaking mountain views, a real log fire and plenty of space. I just adore the timber linings and country feel of this original home.
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The Cunning Plan
Friday
Arrive from 4pm and enjoy a post ceremony style cocktail hour with canapes and bubbles.
Dinner will be served at 7pm and I’ll have a chat after we’ve eaten and then we can enjoy the evening getting to know one another.
Saturday
Breakfast at your own discretion from the selections and ingredients provided.
Three, 90 minute work sessions will occur throughout the day (between 9am and 4pm) with meal breaks between. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea – home baked goodies for all, I promise.
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In our first working session I will introduce you to a whole new way of thinking about ceremony structure and discuss how to get more and better information from your couples so my method works.
In the subsequent writing sessions we can all share ideas, workshop any tricky parts or you can work on your own ceremonies and I’m always available to clarify and brainstorm. Working is not compulsory if you'd like to explore the area. We're quite close to a wedding venue, The Holy Deer Estate if you want a squizz. I might need a nap.
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Dinner at 7pm followed by a Pajama Party – unhealthy snacks and a selection of films about weddings (or not? There'll be some boxes to tick on the enrolment form).
Sunday
Again, breakfast as you please.
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Replenish and connect with your inner strength and wisdom with our guest facilitator Lauren Prideaux.
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Morning tea, followed by some free time. You might like to wander around Esk, or if you’re so inclined, cycle a part of the Brisbane Rail Trail. Maybe a nap???? There’s no “must be gone by” but the retreat will officially end after lunch, about 2pm.
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The Compulsory Social Proof
Questions?
What to bring?
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I’ll supply bubbles on arrival, but after that BYO Alcohol.
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Laptop (and chargers) for working (ps, I don’t have a laptop, not sure what my plan B is yet!)
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Comfortable (warm) clothes, and perhaps a spesh outfit and some props if you’d like someone to snap a few content shots while we’re at a beautiful country cottage.
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If you’re like me, all your meds! Trust me, you won’t run short on midnight snacks.
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Slippers & PJ’s for Saturday night.
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Anything for your down time: books or knitting? There are bikes available but no mention of helmets.
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An open mind and an open heart.
Refunds?
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Available up until 30th June. After that, sorry no, but your reservation will be transferrable if you have a buddy to take your place. If I can sell your spot then your payment can be credited towards future events.
Dietary Requirements?
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Proper allergic to something or just hate mushrooms? All taken care of in welcome sequence.
Wifi?
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Yes but it's not very fast. A bit like me.
Payment Plan?
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$300 will secure your spot with the balance of $359 due June 30th. If you’d like to pay in smaller, more frequent amounts please email sally@sallythomas.com.au.
Enough Waffle.
26 to 28 July, 2024 $659pp
What's included:
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2 night's accommodation
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fully catered
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welcome drinks on arrival
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writing workshop (including ditching the church service clone and how to get better information from couples)
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1:1 mentoring on any current scripts
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Women's Wisdom Circle (including an embodied meditation to access your fears or challenges, gain more clarity around how to move forward, and find your own special sauce)
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Email: sally@sallythomas.com.au
Phone: +61 425 719 784