Creative Daylong Detour: Bend, OR
You know what I didn’t expect from this day?
This trip left me feeling all the feels. I grew up outside of Portland, Oregon, but moved to New York City right after graduating from Oregon State, so Detouring in Bend felt like a homecoming to me. Friends that I made when I was 17 years old my freshman year of college, joined the Detour, women who have known me through all the phases of my adult life. We call ourselves the New Old Friends because we have come back into our friendship in the most refreshing and affirming way. And they, together with the other Darlings, showed up fully. It's true what they say, there is a powerful synergy that builds within a circle of women. When we share and listen and laugh and cry and learn and create together, we connect to our feminine strength in ways that enable us to stand a little taller in who we are as women. To be able to cultivate safe spaces and experiences for women to make meaningful connections with themselves and others across all ages and stages of life is a true honor for me and the motivation for every Detour.
My underlying theme for our Daylong Bend retreat was creativity and color (hence, the flower crowns). I’m in awe of how creative practices enable us to connect with ourselves, so that was a must. And with the help of my friend and co-host Kirly, the day was full of creative moments. We had flowers, we had writing and journaling, we made beautiful wall hangings with clay, and we had music!
The difference between Daylongs and my multi-day retreats is that everything is condensed. On a retreat, there are moments to step away and return to the group. With a Daylong, you are there and you are in it. And as much as this day was about joy and full of laughter, I was blown away by the emotions and the deep sharing these women expressed.
It was beautiful. Bend was beautiful. Here are some sneak peeks of this Detour…
None of this would be possible without the support of my dedicated Crew. This year every Detour will be supported by Devin Helen Archilla, Dare photographer extraordinaire, and Taylor Lawn, Wrangler and Detour Communications Manager. These two young women share their talents with grace and good humor in support of me and all the Darlings who join us. They are wise beyond their years and are two of the hardest-working humans I know. Collaborating with Devin and Taylor has enabled me to expand my vision for Dare in unexpected ways, and for this, I am truly grateful.
