a twist of fate and Creative JOY

a twist of fate and Creative JOY

I think that the more seemingly out-of-the-blue something is, the more it may be meant-to-be.  In life, we all plug away to get to where we’re going. We plot and plan and walk the path. When opportunities arise from our requests or through hard work, it’s easy to make sense of it; we asked, we put effort in, we got results. But when something falls into your lap—something totally unexpected—that you couldn’t have seen coming? I take those things as signs.

Such was the opportunity to participate in the soon-coming Creative Joy Retreat. When I got word that Susannah Conway was likely unable to get her work visa in time to teach her retreat here in the states and that she and her partners Marianne Elliott and Jen Louden invited me to teach in her place, I was speechless, except for two little words:

Of course.

I can’t claim to know how and why the Universe does what it does. And although answers do reveal themselves sometimes as to the “whys”, they often come long after the fact. I don’t know why this came at the time that it did. But, as Colbie Caillat sings, Who I am to tell fate where it’s supposed to go?

I won’t deny that this was a tricky proposal. It meant that if I in fact did get the official word that I would be leading the photography part of this retreat, that the incredibly beautiful and amazingly talented Susannah would not be. It felt wrong. It still feels wrong; that after all of her dreaming and creating of this gathering, that she would not be allowed to come. But, since sometimes there is no explaining these kinds of disappointments (not now anyway), I am moving forward in Creative JOY both figuratively and literally. Susannah will not be there and although that makes me really sad, I will be there and that makes me really happy.

This wonderful opportunity fell right into my lap and I will not be taking it lightly. In fact, I’m considering it as an unexpected gift. One that I have chosen to receive and also to give. It’s been a sudden shift in focus and scheduling but I know that this all happened for a reason and the best thing I can do right now is allow it to be what it is meant to be.  Wonderful.

Although I know it’s last minute—the  Creative JOY retreat starts on  June 28th in New York—I’ve been told that there are a few spaces available. That means there’s a place for you, if you choose to claim it. Can you image how amazing that would be?

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10 Comments
  • Kristen Pape
    Posted at 02:16h, 17 June Reply

    This sounds amazing! Congrats! You will only be a couple of minutes away from where I live.

  • Amanda @ Click. The Good News
    Posted at 01:19h, 18 June Reply

    I understand what you are saying- it's bittersweet. I'm sad to not work with Susannah, but I'm so excited that you are plugged in for our retreat. I'm so stinking excited about this retreat- it's going to be amazing! See ya in 2 weeks 🙂

  • Amy
    Posted at 01:30h, 18 June Reply

    I coming to the Creative Joy retreat, and I am very much looking forward to learning from you!

  • Kristin Noelle
    Posted at 05:45h, 18 June Reply

    Tracey, I look so forward to meeting you there! Life IS so full of unexpected. That Colbie Caillat quote says it perfectly. xoxo

  • Kristen
    Posted at 13:45h, 19 June Reply

    It will be a wonderful retreat, with you there as it would have been wonderful with Susannah as well. Either way, you both bring such amazing things to the table and the participants will be lucky to have you there!

  • Jet Harrington
    Posted at 02:54h, 20 June Reply

    This retreat didn't work for me, timing-wise. But the lineup was a real draw – I ached a little, but simply can't be everywhere at once, and I'm excited about what I will be doing (WDS). If I were going, I would be exactly as excited to have you co-leading, as Susannah – who I really really love. What a wonderful team of folks to learn from and with. Have an excellent time!

  • Anne Corey
    Posted at 11:33h, 20 June Reply

    Welcome, Tracey! I am looking forward to meeting you and finding all of the creative joy. It is strange how opposite feelings can coexist within us. How each outlines the other, adds color and meaning to both the joy and the sadness. See you next week.

  • Sue Ann Gleason
    Posted at 12:18h, 20 June Reply

    I believe in the power of the universe, synchronicity, and unexpected surprises. I am delighted to see that you will be joining us at the Creative Joy Retreat and look forward to meeting you!

  • kim klassen
    Posted at 03:42h, 24 June Reply

    burst……

    sigh…. LOVE…

    xo, Kim

  • Putting Words to Creative Joy | Tracey Clark
    Posted at 11:25h, 04 February Reply

    […] Creative Joy Retreat as one of three hosts. It was a very unexpected prospect which made it such a twist of fate but as trite as it may sound, things usually happen for a reason. I went in with a willing heart, […]

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