the reawakening

hello hello hello! i have exciting news to share . . .
 
 

THE ARRIVAL at Villa Magnolia

is coming soon!

 
 
*******
 
 
for those of you not on facebook (hi, pam! ),
i wrote my first public words about the retreat on sunday . . .
 
TODAY, march 12, is a very special day for two very important reasons.

1. TODAY i am announcing MY VERY FIRST RETREAT IN ITALY. it’s hard for me to believe that this dream i’ve had for almost 8 years is actually coming true. but i am thrilled to finally say that i will be opening villa magnolia’s doors to four bold women this june.

2. TODAY would have been MY MOM’S 90th BIRTHDAY. she was my best friend, my most favorite woman ever. it’s hard for me to believe that i’ve actually lived without her for almost 15 years. but she is never really far from me. her “vi-vacious” spirit is still shining through in my heart and in my soul. my mom taught me (from a very young age) the importance of boldly going after my dreams.

and so TODAY, a perfectly poetic birthday gift . . . i am dedicating my first retreat, THE ARRIVAL at villa magnolia, to my beloved (and very-missed) mom, viola vergobbi. for her example of courage and strength, for her fierce and unconditional love for me, for her shared obsession with big old houses.

will YOU be one of THE BOLD FOUR who will be joining me in ITALY for this deeply personal search for wholeness? will you begin chasing (and catching) your own dreams?
 
 
*******
 
 
i’d also like to share one section from my landing page with you . . .
 

THE REAWAKENING.

 
Villa Magnolia is a work-in-progress. It is also a masterpiece, as its original beauty and character is continually coaxed to shine through. And its reawakening has become an apt metaphor for THE ARRIVAL.
 
 

 
 
The villa is a solid structure, in overall good shape. But it has been neglected for several years and needs attention. With only my husband and I doing the necessary renovations (mostly my husband), progress has been slow. We have been on a mission to have it retreat-ready by the end of June, but a few things will take much longer than that to complete. The “secret garden” will not be fully restored to its earlier glory by then. And the exterior will remain authentically old-world at this point (that is to say, in need of new plaster here and there and a fresh layer of paint). We are lovingly attending to it, but grand undertakings cannot be rushed. However, even in its haven’t-quite-arrived state, the villa’s majesty and magnificence shine through. And that seems rather fitting to me. We are all just one step away from our own majesty and magnificence, if only we would take the time and energy to let them shine.
 
 

 
 
Villa Magnolia is in the midst of a reawakening after a long slumber. Its 6700 square feet are filled with spacious light-and-airy rooms, large sunny terraces, beautiful tile floors, ornate marble fireplaces and stairs, and detailed architectural moulding. And, not unusual for a building almost 100 years old, this home has various quirks as well.

The villa is not a glitzy 5-star hotel, and will probably never be perfect or complete. It is, however, my beloved home. And it speaks loudly to me about what is worth preserving. I hope you will allow it to speak to you as well. I am offering this first retreat for the lowest price it will ever be, as we attempt to reinvigorate and restore that which has been sleeping.
 
 

 
 
*******
 
 
if you’re interested in learning more about the retreat,
or if you’re ready NOW to sign up and join me . . .

here are all of the in-depth details:
THE ARRIVAL (in italy)

if you just want to know the highlights, here you go:
THE ARRIVAL (at a glance)

but please don’t wait too long to say YES.
i am only extending four invitations to villa magnolia,
and one has already been accepted!
yes, only three chances to take this bold leap remain . . .

will YOU be arriving in tuscany june 26-30
for this transformational journey?
 
 
*******
 
 
click to receive my studio notes in your inbox each week.
(and get my complimentary guide, weightless, as my gift to you!)
 
get my free course!
 
 

 
 
 
 

tweet