food and writing retreat

This weekend, I did something pretty amazing. I drove an hour and a half away. To a stranger's home. To spend the day with twelve strangers. I went completely out of my comfort zone, yet somehow found myself nestled into a place that felt so right.

I attended a Writing Retreat hosted by Laura Davis, a talented writer who has a very special gift of creating an atmosphere of support and learning where one can truly tap into their emotions and writing potential. This wasn't just any writing retreat, it was a Writing Retreat for Foodies. We spent the afternoon responding to a handful of prompts centered around food. As a food blogger, I was already aware of the extensive range of emotions that food can provoke, yet I had no idea the power of those emotions when shared amongst a group of twelve unbelievably diverse women.

Together we took a journey through each others' pasts, presents and futures. For some people, memories are provoked by the clothes they were wearing or a scent that catches them off guard. My memories have always been stirred by the meal I was eating and the people I shared it with. The women that I had the pleasure of spending the day with were clearly inspired in much the same way. 

At the end of the day, I was probably the youngest and least experienced writer in the group, but I didn't focus on what I lacked. I focused on what I could gain. I gained friendships, a better understanding of what moves me about others' writing and, most importantly, I gained inspiration. Inspiration to not only strive to improve my writing, but to continue to embrace the memories and emotions associated with my cooking. 

The icing on the cake was coming together at the end of the evening to share a meal prepared by each of the twelve guests. We were asked to bring a dish with a story. The stories were shared after our meal, but it was obvious that every single bite was overflowing with love. Food has always brought our family together, that is no surprise. But there was something surprisingly magical about twelve strangers dancing around the kitchen in perfect unison as if they had been cooking together for years. 

We were no longer strangers after that meal. No, we were now friends. Friends from all walks of life spread across many miles. Friends who's paths may have never crossed. But they did. And that, that is the magic of food. 

Before I go, I should tell you that I also had the pleasure of meeting Damaris from Kitchen Corners. If you are wondering if someone can possibly be as lovely in person as they are on their blog - they can. She has been kind enough to share her recipe for Asparagus Tart, her special tart that she shares with friends. The fact that she shares this tart speaks volumes about how kind she is; I wouldn't share. It is that good.