The 5 year anniversary of WIND is quite remarkable to me.
It has been moving along like the wind; its directions keep changing, and it is unharnessed.
Each time we try something new another new idea sprouts. Typically, we don't know what is up ahead. We allow the ideas to come to us as they will.
What began as a joint effort with Dial Help, is now its own separate flowing piece.
I love that it has no anchor or tether.
It is free to move in any direction the ladies of WIND need it to go.
Our interest and curiosity and challenge guides it along.
We began in a room of the City Hall building in Houghton. Where we had to bring in supplies etc. We pushed tables together and created a space to create.
Then a new store opened in Houghton and its owner allowed us to use her classroom space. We were now in a public space and our classes drew in new members that were shopping in her store They were curious about WIND and what we were all about. And, we had access to new teachers and techniques.
Little by little we grew in size and what we did.
And, we explored so many of the Art techniques and played with many different materials. We used nature, paints, fabric, paper, markers, glass, canvas, to name a few. Most, we are not too modest to say, we rocked!
Oh what joy to take nothing and come home with something we LoVe!
WIND became Active in May of 2015.
We started out walking and hiking. We planned a hiking trip, that we trained for, but were not able to accomplish. Pregnancy and bad hips, knees etc sidelined us.
We may not have been able to hike a through hike, but we were able to snowshoe, ski, bike, hike, and even try paddle boarding. We have kayaked and camped. We have grown so much in so many different areas, that many of us are unrecognizable to our old selves.
Oh, the adventures, laughs, joys, challenges we have experienced. Even the pains of growing muscles and pushing us to new heights, all have been shared with women who are encouraging and our best cheerleaders.
I love the ladies of WIND, for they dare to say Yes, when often anxious.
Who try new things, even when in fear. Fearless are the ladies of WIND.
We spent a few years at Copper Country Mental Health Institute in their classroom. We were very lucky to have this space. However, we did not get the 'drop in' ladies we did in the storefront or even access to new artists.
So, this summer we approached Copper Country Arts Center in Hancock. We used their classroom a few times, but the summer art camp schedule conflicted with our days. We have plans to return there this fall.
The connection with the Arts community will allow us access to new folks as well as I said, new artists.
How exciting to watch WIND grow and expand and continually move in the direction of our needs.
With our new home, will come new expenses. We will have to pay for our classroom time; twice a month.
For those who would love be part of WIND, you can be a sponsor for a class, be a teacher, or come and play with us.
Women In New Directions is a place to explore and grow inwardly and outwardly.
WIND truly has changed my life.
I have stretched the fabric of who I am in so many directions.
I love the new me.
I love how I say yes more often and am willing to tackle new things.
All these traits will allow me to ride the changes in my life with creative solutions.
My right brain is now easily accessed as well as my adventurous spirit.
And the latest growth of WIND, is WIND Goes. This is a weekend getaway. We typically are gone two nights. During this time, we do activities and an art project if we are able.
These events have allowed us to experience camping and being on new trails.
WIND is like a wild adventurous daring woman, who encourages us to be the same.
There are so many things, I would not have tried on my own, but will with other women.
Here is to many more years!!
Where will WIND take those of us who are daring to say yes, next???
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, to all the women who have experienced an evening with WIND. And, for those who have come repeatedly throughout the 5 years, it has been five years because of you!
Thank you for being you!
And to be willing to go in new directions!!!
I love the spirit of WIND
WIND plays
WIND uniqueness
WIND strengthens
WIND expresses
To see all the fun we have had, go to our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/WomenInNewDirections/
It is free to join and all women are welcome!
