Thursday, November 5, 2009

Time for a Retreat and Especially a Massage

Hello my friends, I have had a busy, productive and a very happy day. It was sunny and cool here today....all our snow is gone....for now.

I busied myself today defrosting the freezer, cleaning the fridge and though I have a self cleaning oven in my stove after it went through it's cycle I wiped out and polished it inside and out.....the appliances look brand new and the fridge looks empty.....grocery shopping will have to wait until next week though as I am going on a spiritual retreat this weekend with 3 of my best friends. I am not driving but Avanish is and it's about a 2 hour drive north west of here.....The four of us are staying in a log cabin. It's called the River Lodge and has walking paths through deep woods and for the very energetic there is a wonderful hiking path as well. It has outdoor fire pits and inside fireplaces. It has the bare necessities, well it does have a hot tub and a lady who gives massages but the main focus is to be on nature, walks, prayer and meditation.....all 4 of us practice different religions but that doesn't matter to any of us.....it will be a quiet,relaxing time that all us ladies will experience and enjoy together.

Oh I meant to tell you I saw the movie Amelia the other night.....now it didn't have me sitting on the edge of my seat or anything but I did find it very interesting. Hillary Swank played the part really well.....it must of been hard to be a woman back then, especially a shy yet aggressive one as she was. Here I am frightened to climb a ladder and this lady was very impressive with her courage. She had big dreams and she didn't let anything keep her from living them. I wouldn't pay to go to the theatre to see it again but I would rent it.

Have any of you seen the documentary "Alone in the Wilderness"....it's absolutely brilliant and I recommend it to everyone. I sat there and watched it in awe, I have ordered a copy of the DVD from Amazon as I could and have watched it over and over again. It was on one of our PBS channels.....Wanda I really feel you and Richard would enjoy this documentary very much.

My friend came over for supper tonight and for the second night in a row we enjoyed a bottle of wine as we watched the World Series.....Way to go Yankees....honestly I didn't relax until the last batter was out, I was really happy as I didn't want to see it go to a seventh game.

I am still having problems with blogger, but it has been better since yesterday, at least it is letting me open my own blog, now let's see if it let's me post.

Good Night and God Bless.........many, many hugs...:-)

53 comments:

Kathie Brown said...

Bernie, glad things are working better for you. Sounds like a fun evening though my husband was rooting for the Phillies! What is "Alone in the Wilderness" about? I have never heard of it. What did you like about it? Your planned trip with friends sounds wonderful. I hope you have a great time!

Kay said...

you have an amazing gift of bringing someone into a different world (yours)...all my own can simply drift away after reading just one of your posts... that is what I like about you most, i think... :) enjoy your weekend getaway...my guess, the friends will be the most pleasant part :)

Wanda..... said...

Good morning Bernie, what a great get away you have to look forward to, a spiritual retreat with four women in a log cabin. Hope you manage to leave the massage table long enough to get into the deep woods. :) Walking in the woods is always a spiritual mediative peaceful time for me!

There must be a river nearby too!
Enjoy it like Grizz does at Riverdaze!

Richard and I have seen "Alone in the Wilderness", I could relate to his wanting the experience of being "deep in nature alone", but doing it in such a dangerous environment with so little and deliberately trying to disappear, It was a sad and touching movie!

I'll be thinking of you while taking my walks alone in nature!
Have fun and be safe!

Luv and Smiles,
Wanda

wendyytb said...

Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend with your friends. This is something we all should do once in a while...quietening the mind and nurturing the spirit!

Eileen said...

Sounds like a wonderful day, Bernie. And it sounds like an even better weekend! I'd love to do something like that!
I haven't been on a retreat for years and years (other than a day-retreat here and there).
I hope it is refreshing, it sounds like it will be.

Ray was overjoyed at the Yankees, and his brother called last night to join in the revelry.
Most of the kids were here last night for Andrew's birthday, but then they all headed home to finish watching because they knew it was going to be a late game. I'm surprised the boys didn't call too! And now the big parade tomorrow in Manhattan. (Lots of happy people here about that, and lots of unhappy people too! Traffic, crowds, rowdy fans, I guess it could have it's drawbacks, especially if you are not a fan. I never did figure out why you couldn't be a fan of both the Mets and the Yankees!)
It's supposed to be cold and windy! I think the baseball season goes on too long, it should be wrapped up mid-October.
Too bad Jayden has school, otherwise, I'd take him downtown to see it.
Have a good day, Bernie.
Love to you!, Eileen

Wander to the Wayside said...

Oh my gosh, that sounds awesome! It seems like you have so many friends to share your life with, and I'm very jealous of that. The retreat sounds wonderful, and I know you will share photos with us of the cabin and the wilderness. Be sure to get a massage if you can!

Jackie said...

Yes! It let you post! Yeaaa!!
It sounds like you had a maaaawvelous day, my friend...
I'm going to be away for the weekend...not sure if I can comment from dial-up there (North Carolina)....but will give it a go!
Love to you from Jackie
We're leaving in just a few minutes....it's early morning in Georgia (Thursday) as I type this.

Teresa said...

Hi Bernie,
I hope you are feeling better, and that you have a wonderful time on your retreat! ((((HUGS)))) T

Anonymous said...

Dear Bernie, thanks for your nice visit. You are quite the active lady. I love retreats. Make one every year at least. I love the ones with a lot of nature around to get lost in and discover new things about myself. Blessings to you and friends and my the Holy Spirit walk with you all.
QMM

Diana said...

It posted!! Good Morning Bernie,
The retreat that you are going on sounds wonderful. I think that I could use that right now. Especially the hot tub!
You reminded me that my oven needs to be cleaned. But I think I will wait until I am feeling better.
I have not seen the movie "Amelia".
I did make Jake watch " Wonder boys " yesterday and he really enjoyed that. Have another good day Bernie.
Love Di

Gail said...

HI BEENIE-

Oh my the spiritual retreat in the log cabin in the woods with friends sounds SO SO SO wonderful. And the hot tob and the massages add a 'nice touch' :-)
I know it will b =e all you hoped and more. I will e celebrating my Mom's 86th birthday!! And my sister's birthday AND it is the anniversary of my sister's so passing. :-( These times are very spiritual as they are of the deepest faith and wonder.
Enjoy every moment Bernie ..

Love and hope for us all
Gail
peace/////

Bernie said...

Hi Kathie, it's about a man who moved to the wilderness, he built his own cabin, furniture, even bowls and cutlery and lived their many years by himself. Though I could never live that way it was an amazing documentary how this one person lived and survived the wilderness....he was so smart and loved this type of life....I loved this documentary......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Kay you are precious, but in one way you are so right as I would not be going if I wasn't going with friends, they are the most wonderful group of ladies oh and the massage was a draw too....:-) Hugs

Anvilcloud said...

D*&^ Yankees! Just kidding; I don't care.

Bernie said...

Hi Wanda, I could never live the life he did but I found this documentary amazing, just his survival skills had me in awe and his talent of making such a beautiful home and all that he needed to survive for himself...I could feel his peace and contentment.....one would have to be anti social to live alone as he did but I so enjoyed watching this.
I am looking forward to this weekend well we go Saturday morning and return Sunday night.
Enjoy your walks, your grounds are so beautiful...Hugs to Alivia :-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Wendy, I totally agree with you, nature and good friends together makes for uplifting the soul......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Eileen, oh wasn't that game great, I was so happy for them and the parade should be fun if everyone acts responsibly......
We are leaving early Saturday morning and returning after supper Sunday night, I am really looking forward to it as my friends are wonderful company and I love the time in nature.
Big hugs to Jayden.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Brenda, I have been blessed with many friends and a wonderful family....oh life is good. Sooooo looking forward to this weekend and am having a massage for sure.
.........:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Jackie, thank you so much for keeping me informed while blogger was acting horribly for me...I would of been lost without you my friend, enjoy your visit with your parents, I know how much you love their company.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Terri, I am feeling good but still have the cough, I am looking forward to the ladies and the retreat for sure....we are turning our cell phones off and planning on connecting with nature, should be a relaxing time.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Peggy, it is my pleasure to visit with you each post, it has been a while since I've been on a retreat and I am so looking forward to it....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Diana, I so hope you are feeling better and getting some rest. Oh yes I am looking forward to the walks in the wood, the hot tub and the massage. Will e-mail later okay.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Gail, enjoy your mom's birthday and I am happy to know you all will be together to support your sister....family has always given me a soft place to fall, families are such a blessing.
I am totally looking forward to our 2 day retreat, will tell you all about it when I get back. Enjoy your weekend....:-) Hugs

Wanda..... said...

I goofed Bernie, we have not seen the movie "Alone in the Wilderness"... I was recalling the movie "Into the Wild" about a young boy that disappeared on purpose in Alaska and eventually died alone there. Such similar names!!! I will make sure to it though!

Bernie said...

Wanda, it is a documentary and is just so wonderful to see what this man could do with his hands and how he figured everything out...I truly enjoy it and felt you and Richard would as well....Hugs

Bernie said...

A/C you have wicked sense of humor, too funny....:-) Hugs

Abatevintage said...

Bernie hello lovely lady I hope this fine day finds you well. Thank you for stopping by this morning for a visit. My leg is doing better already.

Have a wonderful Thursday..


Blessings,
Heidi

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Hi, Bernie!!! How are you feeling, my friend? So glad that everything is thawing out...I'm sure you are enjoying the respite from the bitter cold!!! Sounds like you have a lovely weekend planned...and have been thoroughly enjoying your days...Sending you much love!!! Janine XO

The Retired One said...

Wow!!
That retreat sounds heavenly.
Make sure you DO get a massage after your hike and sitting by the fire.
I find that just being outside and witnessing nature's beauty is the most spiritual act one can do.
I know you will love it and feel wonderful after the experience.

Barb said...

Hi Bernie,
Your retreat sounds just like something I would enjoy with my friends! Can't wait to hear about it when you return. I'm in Denver for a few days - beautiful here and in the 60's! I'm going to put the Wilderness documentary on our list.

Rebecca said...

I know you'll have a good time with your friends in the beauty of nature, Bernie. And a massage on top of that? Wow!

I ALSO know how thrilled you must have been with the Yankee win. I didn't have a strong favorite, but when people get so negative above something (like so many were negative - or jealous - about the Yankees), it tends to make me take their side. So I was happy, too. Gary likes the manager, so he was for them, too.

Cindy said...

Bernie, have a wonderful time, I am so excited for you. The girls getting away. wonderful. A massage sounds wonderful too. you need it after all your cleaning. Take care, have fun.

Jerelene said...

Hi Bernie!
I'm glad you've had a good day and I'm so happy that you're going to be able to get away with friends..Have a great time and the massage part sounds great...:)
Big Hugs....
Love, Jerelene

Bernie said...

Heidi, am so glad your leg is feeling better, how did Isabele do today, I do hope she had fun...Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Janine, how are you....so glad you were able to visit...I am fine and looking forward to spending time with my friends this weekend. You are still in my prayers sweetie.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Joan, it should be a wonderful time, I plan on dressing in layers and just "be".....oh the massage was what convinced me I just had to go, I love being with these special ladies as well though. Have a great weekend...:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Barb, I just know you will enjoy the Alone in the Wilderness documentary, it was amazing....I did think of you when they described the area of our retreat and I am so looking forward to it. Enjoy Denver my friend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Rebecca, that is exactly why I was hoping for the Yankees to win although I always cheer them on unless they are playing the Blue Jays.....I am so looking forward to our little get away....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

cinner, thank you sweetie, it should be a fun weekend and I am wishing you your best weekend ever as well.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Jerelene, hope you are feeling better. Still unable to open your blog but I got your e-mail thank you.....Just being outside in the fresh air will be wonderful and to enjoy the walk with friends is a bonus.....Hugs to Sam....:-) Hugs

quieten said...

Bernie, I'm so exited for you on your retreat. Girl time, Yea!!! I can almost smell the woods and the fire at night. I hope you have a really great time.
What a way to rejuvenate the soul.
You aren't planning to be the female version of Alone in the Wilderness, are you? Wasn't he just amazing? I watch that every time it comes on PBS - it is fascinating.
Thank goodness Blogger finally let you post - Hope it stays in good working order for you now!
Have a fantastic weekend and bring us back all the news from the retreat.
Huggz;-)

Bernie said...

quieten, wasn't that documentary amazing....no I would never survive as he did.....am really looking forward to going though. Hope all is well at your house..Hugs

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Have a fabulous retreat. Don't rest too much. Party on!

I was also scheduled for one this week. Instead, its been delayed a weekend. Will need it even more by then.

Gloria said...

Bernie, can't wait to hear how the retreat went. . . . I would soo love to do something like that sounds wonderful, hot tub, massages, friends and all. Wonderful!

Am going to watch the documentary you recommend, "Alone in the Wilderness". Sounds like something I would enjoy.

Thanks so much Bernie for leaving me your nice comments on my latest post. It was so amazing to see how many people came by to visit during my absence, very nice indeed!

Have a great Friday Bernie and an even better weekend on your retreat. Look forward to hearing all about it. Hugs to youxx

Gloria said...

Bernie, I left comments for you but when I pressed to publish the comment just seemed to disappear. Hope it went through!

Rose Marie Raccioppi said...

Bernie, as I read your account of your day I feel as if I am right there with you, having that welcomed glass of wine. Feel my smile and warm hug. And when you visit APOGEE Poet, your embrace is known. Thank you for all you bring in such a special way.

Bernie said...

Julie, I am sooo looking forward to tomorrow's adventure....including the massage for sure.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Gloria, I was so amazed how you changed your life around and even moved to another country...now that takes courage....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Sorry, I just see your second message Gloria, oh so glad you made it through....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Rose Marie, you are so talented so I do appreciate you enjoying my day with me....you are welcome to visit and share a glass of wine with me anytime my friend...:-) Hugs

Valerie said...

50 comments, goodness gracious, Bernie, you'll never find mine. I hope you have a great weekend with your friends. Catch you when you get back. Hugs for you.

Bernie said...

Val, I would never miss your comment, you are too special to me my friend, have a great weekend Val,......:-) Hugs

Tranquility Speaks said...

A spiritual retreat sounds like SO MUCH fun :) Even with the bare necessities, life can be so good and truly satisfying. It really teaches us that happiness is not in the material trappings. I feel so much at peace in a quiet and green place, where I can hear the birds chirp, and breathe fresh air :) Hope you have a grand time, and come back all rejuvenated :)