Create Retreat 2023
In late March I attended a creative working retreat in Lake Norman North Carolina hosted by Katelyn Workman Photography. It was truly a miracle that I was even able to attend, but that’s a different story for a different day.
I’d been in a really dry booking season for about a year, finances have been really tight for just as long (as I’m sure many of you are experiencing right now too), and there were a handful of times last year that I didn’t think my business was going to make it. There were lots of tears, lots of burn out, lots of stress, and lots of doubt that I was doing the right thing.
When the opportunity to attend this event presented itself I was really hesitant to go. Do you ever just get really stubborn when life is tough and just choose to push through doing the same old things even though someone is offering to help you? Just me? That’s a classic Meredith move, by the way!
I had two friends that encouraged me to go and I am SO glad I did!
This retreat was filled with 11 other photographers and it was a joy and an honor to learn from them. They collectively pulled me out of the creativity hole I was in and I finally have some vision and fresh perspective on my business!
So what’s the take away?
If you’re a small business owner (especially if you’re a creative small business owner) seek out a community and people who will support you. Maybe that looks like finding other like minded people on Instagram or attending a Rising Tide group in your area (if you’re in the NCWV we have a fantastic group). Find kind people who will answer your questions and support you, reach out to business owners, and ask questions, attend educational events and put yourself out there.
PS – if you have questions about photography feel free to email me! I would be happy to cheer you on!
Books I Read in February/March
House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City Series) by Sarah J. Maas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love anything Sarah (I guess we’re on a first-name basis now) writes. I started reading this last year and for some reason thought it was about gargoyles and could not wrap my head around it so I returned it. I explained this to my sister who read it and finished it and she said, “Meredith there are zero gargoyles in this” so I went back to it. HA!
It Starts with Us (It Ends with Us Series) by Colleen Hoover ⭐️ 1/2
This was a meh for me and it’s probably because I DID NOT REALIZE this was the second book. Now that I know what happens I am not motivated to read the first one. Sorry, Colleen.
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had no clue what was going on 99% of this book so naturally, I LOVED IT! I can normally guess where a thriller is going about 20% of the way in so I’m always excited when a book surprises me.
Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft ⭐️⭐️
This was such a dud that I don’t even remember what happened. Yikes.
A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am still shocked at how much I loved this! It’s a fairytale and includes an animated gingerbread man and a wizard who’s only talent is baking. This book was an easy read with lots of imagination. If you need something just fun and lighthearted, let me suggest this book!
Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is excellent if you want to pray and prayer seems difficult.
The Fiancé by Kate White ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The ending of this book was a little bit of a letdown, but it kept me guessing until the end!
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked A Wizard’s Guide (written by the same author) so much that I immediately added Nettle & Bone to my holds at the library. This story is so well written and imaginative!
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My sister recommended this and then I saw the movie is coming out soon so I quickly added it to my holds at the library. This story is fantastic and I didn’t guess the ending right away (unlike this month’s last book 😵💫). I was worried that the plot resolution would make me sad but it didn’t at all! Loved this so much!
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz ⭐️⭐️
Am I the only person on earth who didn’t love this book? That’s a solid maybe. This just wasn’t for me!
Thanks for reading, Meredith
