I find it hard to believe that this week, WIND is 8 years old.
Eight years of fun on Wednesday nights.
Eight years of meeting new friends, learning new things and having fun experiences.
Eight years of growing in places I didn't even know existed.
Eight years of expanding into doing so much of what I love to do.
Eight years to look back on all the fun and memories we shared!
When WIND began, my idea was to have a place where women could come and be themselves and learn from other women who were further ahead on life's journey. I wanted mentors and a place to do Art.
It grew into something far beyond where my eyes could see; and I with it.
So many wonderful strong women have come to WIND - and because of that - it is a remarkable group today.
Reserving one night of week for our own.
An evening to be surrounded by ladies who are living life; regardless of the sharp corners it has thrown at them. They are strong because of the walk they have walked and are wiser because of it.
I can't imagine my life without WIND Ladies in it.
At one time, I was sad for the lack of sisters.
Sad for friends I lost when I changed so much.
And, was envious of others who had lifetime friends.
WIND began to fill me up in places that seemed so lonely. It also filled me up in places I didn't even know needed filling. I am so much better because of WIND.
These connections have made me a deeper person, more adventurous for sure, and kinda a badass.
What I have learned through my own experiences, as well as the ladies, is that life is rough at times, and then we rise again. Changed, stronger and more appreciative of the good times.
I am so grateful for the companionship of women.
The beauty of who they are, the energy they bring, the laughter and the tears. I am grateful for the individual uniqueness each person has brought to our group.
We often meet on Sunday mornings as well - These outings are physical adventures and allow us more time and sunshine in the winter to play in.
My oldest daughter and I are the longest members; we have been there from the start. We have seen its growth and ours. It has been a wonderful teacher for me - in showing my daughters how to be diverse. How to incorporate art and active living. It has also taught me to be more open of others.
I came from a tight circle, and I needed to feel the beauty of so many other lives, to open me up to a wider understanding of humanity.
The compilation of women in WIND is like having a wise older mentor. There is always someone who has wisdom that we need and/or a resource that can help.
WIND is like therapy that is free, creative and outside - and oh so fun!
Mostly WIND has shown me that life isn't always easy - and we are stronger than we ever thought possible. That there is life after tragedy, laughter after tears, love after loneliness. And life is way more fun when you have fun friends! Fun friends who will find something fun to do each season. Fun friends who see beauty in nature, in themselves and life.
Thank you to all the women who have come to WIND. Each has brought WIND to where it is today. I hope that WIND has given each of you as much as it has given me.
I am grateful and humbled that WIND continues on 8 years and counting. Stronger than ever, and so beautiful by all the women who gather.
Oh and WIND Goes. We go camping. It has been a wonderful addition to our usual gatherings. We get to have extended time together and play in new locations - and to meet other women, who have now become our friends.
The ever rippling of WIND leaves me breathless.
This past weekend we camped on our river bank and it was a great celebration of WIND and the friendships we have made.
I sit in the uncertainty and unknowing of WIND. I can't know where we will go, what we will do, who we will meet; but I can know it will be an adventure.
Here is to the next 8 years!
May the laughter and memories continue forward! May we all have good health and wellness for the adventures ahead!
