One Week to the Day!

As you can tell from my image, I'm madly, exited-ly packing for the Women's Mexico Retreat!!! It's just one week today for when I hop on the plane and head to Club Santiago, in Manzanillo, Mexico. Well, actually I will get to send some time in the beautiful Los Angeles airport with my plane change. But I'm avoiding thinking about that. The time in L.A. will hopefully give me the opportunity to get more Pecos and start the beginning entries in my journal for this amazing trip.

I'm doing my "palette packing" a whole week early because it is the smartest way to travel with wet pigments (tube paints). As you can see in the second shot here, I'm squeezing fresh paint into my palette and allowing it to completely dry before I carry it on the airplane in my carry-on luggage. I'm trusting, as before, that once my pigments are dry and hard they will not be viewed as a possible liquid carry-on. I also am taking partially full tubes of my paints to squeeze out samples for my participants should they want to try different pigments than what they brought. I'm plastic zip-lock bagging each individual tube then, bagging those, all in another plastic zip-lock bag. Yep, double bagging - it's worth it not to have it spill out all over my clothing! So this is time consuming, but worthwhile.

Not only am I honored and blessed to be teaching this terrific group of women but w-a-a-a-a-y-y-y-y thrilled at the synergy that will be magically/mystically be weaving around the six of us. My co-instructor, Damaris, and I have plotted some introductory projects that will provide some beautiful revelations and some sweet openness that opportunities harmony and closeness. I can't wait.

So, if any of you ladies out there are aching for an escape from the prolonged Winter (like the one we're experiencing here in Southern Oregon - it's going to go down to 28 degrees tonight!!!) there is still the opportunity to join us. IF you hurry! Contact me via email or phone (note contacts in sidebar) and I can get you in quickly.

Come join us in the experience of a lifetime - and certainly a unique experience that won't be ever replicated (did I mention the Condo where I'm hosting the Retreat is now SOLD and won't be available for us next year?).

Only 2 (yes, that's "two") Spots Remaining

Ok, all you "cabin-fever" effected ladies, it's time to toss in the towel and sign up for the two remaining "beds with palettes" slots in the Women's Mexico Retreat.

I'm so excited that we have women from different states, different walks of life, different ages, and different perspectives attending! The mix of talents and experiences will provide a whole other dimension to the group. I can't wait to see the variety and creativity expressing in all those journal entries. All you already signed up are in for a treat.

I traveled down to the Bay Area last weekend to continue plotting with my friend and co-instructor, Damaris. We clarified each of our schedules and I got to preview some of Damaris' plans. Her mandala projects are a sampling of approaches that will present dynamically on the black paper she has us working on.

Things are still developing: I'm still considering a few venues for our outdoor sketching (would you prefer a park with fruit trees, a view over a lagoon or an active family beach scene, like the one here?) Also, I'm chewing on (no pun intended) a restaurant for our final evening together - would you like to walk to repeat an inexpensive, favorite place or take a chauffeured adventure to a more scenic overlook with more expensive tastes?

You could vote for your preference IF you join us all who are signed up! Just email me at: elainefrenett@live.com - we'd love to add you to the roster!

Air Fares at Record Lows + Pepper Steak

I'm so exited to let anyone know who may be hesitating on joining us on this playful, educational, and inspirational Retreat - NOW - is the time to book your Air Fares. My husband, with some disappointment in his voice (because I booked my Air Fare in June paying $600 round trip), that he'd found the same flight with the same airline (Horizon/Alaska Airlines) in our local newspaper for, (are you ready, sitting down?) $189 each way. That's total $378!!! With a savings of $222. This is West Coast flights but, I can bet you ALL your airfares are at record lows. A great time to hop onboard.

Just to tease you who have culinary leanings . . . there is quite a wide spectrum. One of the afternoon/evening trip we will be taking will take us to Manzanillo Centro, pictured here. You may laugh, but I have to tell you, "Stay Away from Chinese food there!". But moving to more local offerings, you will be presented with plenty of sites offering regular Mexican food. The "street chicken" (my name) just thrilled my fellow traveler, Mike, last April. As for me, I was savoring the brilliant paint job and the palette it suggested! By the way, the chicken was "quite good" Mike noted! As for my favorite place to eat, unchallanged it was "Restaurant Maya" http://www.restaurantmaya.com/ . I won't apologize for it not being authentic local fare because it was such amazing quality and variety. Here you can see my husband's, prepared to perfection, "Pepper Steak".

Yes, this is the place we will be visiting Thursday evening when we travel north to Barra and then, Malaque. I'm telling you - this trip and the food is NOT TO BE MISSED!

Hope you sign up if you are considering - a great winter getaway and a venture into getting to know yourself better while playing at it.

1/28/09 UPDATE: I was just contacted by Restaurant Maya concerning our dining reservations. It seems they are going to be opening a NEW additional restaurant farther north (hurrah for them!). They are uncertain of their leaving & closing date for Restaurant Maya. She will keep me posted - and so will I on this possible change of plans. We'd hope not to have to consider another wonderful restaurant to replace Restaurant Maya ... we'll go with the flow!

Deadline Approaching for Shared Condo

How exciting - 8 days and counting - 'til the registration deadline of February 30 (if you plan to lodge in our shared condo). If you intend to book your own lodging, we can talk about a later registration date. So do get in touch with me!

We have just a few openings left for our retreat. I'm encouraging you to hop in quickly as it will ensure you a stronger chance of getting the room you request AND (since I just spoke to Fredrico, of our tour to Barra on Thursday) just one more lady confirmed will give us a larger, more comfortable vehicle for our trip north.

Another location I'm planning for one of our day's plein air sketching (still to be confirmed) is this lovely hotel and their grounds just at the north end of our bay above the lagoon. It offers wonderful views over and into the bay and distant Manzanillo Centro yet, is withdrawn from the bustle and play on the beach below.

Rolling green hills with sculpted bushes and colorful flowers enhance the grounds. I spend plenty of time after dinner photographing the flowers and variegated leaves lining the pathways there.

And, oh yes, we will be having dinner there. The atmosphere is relaxed yet, clean. I especially loved the waiter who so willing took our photos and teased us about the fabulous dessert they offered. It was a special Mexican Flan made from the milk of little iguanas. I was near tears when he did the motion mimicking milking the teeny iguana! Anyway, here is the large restaurant, thatched roof and inviting open sides.

I can't wait to share it with you ladies!!! So if you are hesitating for any reason, this is going to be an adventure, an education as well as a self-discovery and group bonding experience. Come join us for the ride!

Firming Up Our Thursday Day Trip/Dinner

I'm so excited!!! One day plan I've been working on for the "Women's Mexico Retreat" is a day trip up north of Club Santiago. We'd probably leave at a relaxed time, like noon, and our driver would travel us up to "Barra" first. Barrade Navidad, which means “Christmas Sandbar” or “The Bar of
Christmas,” is a small farming and fishing community.This sleepy little town is popular with those looking for a quiet stretch of beach without the large hotels and resorts of other larger Mexican cities. There are colorful local markets to photo, unpaved streets to sketch, small family owned stores to sample and popular beach front seafood restaurants where those interested, could have a light lunch. At Barra's beach, the scene is fascinating - between playing in the waves and enjoying the beauty of the local vendors and their wares. Later in the afternoon we will continue a little bit farther north to the village of Melaque. When I was there we stumbled across this delicious restaurant that coupled with a beachfront view" to die for". We were entertained by young surfers leaping off waves into the air while we feased on food prepared for the Gods.

So I have at last procured a gentleman to drive us on this Thursday trip. Here is his most recent email back to me:

"yes we can acomidate to all your needs our job is to make you and your ladies fell happy on your Manzanillo retreat our driver will be comited to your needs for the time period not a problem he will take you to the Barra de Navidad market to do your shopeing after that its time for a nice dinner in beautiful Melaque we will make sure you get the best out of the whole shopping, dinner, drive around town to town and back to Manzanillo" - Fredrico

So if this is something you think you could enjoy - sign onto our rooster of ladies. It's going to be a treat for all attending.

Participants Condo Pricing

With a more complete vision of the Condominium I've secured for the "Women's Mexico Retreat", April 12-19, I have worked out a sliding scale arrangement for all three different bedrooms available. These, of course, are based on a first come, first serve basis (and I DO already have a tentative reservation for the Master Bedroom, pending contract signing & deposit). My goal is fair pricing to accomodate everyone to their liking, as best I can. If you have questions or concerns, please, contact me and I'll get an answer for you as quickly as possible.

Master Bedroom:
The entire upper floor is a large master bedroom suite with private bath, with one balcony and a huge terrace overlooking the pool. The master terrace has a small whirlpool tub, a table and with four chairs, and two lounge chairs. The lady/ladies occupying this space need be comfortable sharing use of the deck and it's amenities.

$750 Single Occupant/2 occupants in condo total
650 Single Occupant/3-4 occupants in condo total
550 Single Occupant/5 occupants in condo total
Double Occupancy would divide room cost by half.

Guest Bedroom:
On main floor with 2 double beds, a bathroom with separate vanity and a balcony.

$650 Single Occupant/2 occupants in condo total
600 Single Occupant/3-4 occupants in condo total
350 Double Occupant/3-5 occupants in condo total
300 Triple Occupant/5-6 occupants in condo total
250 Quad Occupant/6-7 occupants in condo total

Bunk Bedroom:
On main floor with bunk beds, a closet, a bathroom and window.

$410 Single Occupant
250 Double Occupant

A deposit of one half of the room cost and a $100 per person, refundable, damage deposit will be required with signing of the Condo Contract and a copy of the Condo Rules, in addition to the Retreat Contract. I will need the final, full lodging and retreat payment by the February 1, 2009 deadline. As more participants sign onto the condo roster, refunds for diminished room prices will distributed at the end of Retreat.

As you can see, the more friends you bring, the more reasonable the stay. I encourage you inviting a friend or two along! What a great winter treat for all of you.

Fellow Traveler Viewpoint

Apologies for my absence ... I had a huge commission to complete and have recently started up with a new gallery. All things which devoured my attention so, finally I can turn back to our exciting retreat and the plans (and teases) for those of you planning on joining me!

Recently, one of my fellow travelers on our most recent trip to Manzanillo sent me a sweet review of his experience trekking around with me. Mike is the smiley fellow on the left of this photo (with his lady and Roland, my hubby, and I on the right). Pictured here as we dine - yes, at one of the restaurants to which I plan taking my retreat participants - and laugh at this hilarious antics of our server, who so freely volunteered to shoot this photo of us.

Here's Mikes commentary, in part, that most touched me.

There were many reasons which made our visit to Club Santiago memorable, fun and educational. Each day we mixed up activities which inspired our sensibilities, our spirits and our friendship. One pervasive theme to our visit was Elaine's art work. On each of our jaunts she would carry her journal and art supplies to capture local scenes and memories. I would sit alongside and marvel at her skill and artistry.

While each of us of had a digital camera to snap photos, her artistic vision and patience evoked a more focused and sensual capturing of the scenes, colors and textures of our environment.

I learned a great deal from watching, listening and questioning her unique perspective, skill and understanding of lighting, angles and focus.

While I will not be able to attend this spring retreat, you SHOULD! Club Santiago offers respite to the harsh winter (late spring) weather. The people, sights and sounds are inspiring, especially so, when in the good care and company of Elaine.

I'm trusting Mike's words and experience (yes, that is him, the cartoon character holding up the large bamboo!) can give you a window into the potential of seeing this vibrant, colorful and diverse retreat through an artists eyes. Those memories and emotions YOU can capture in your journal, not to mention the sharing that will go on between some mighty wonderful women. I've already spoken to several of you potential participants and you will be enamored and thrilled at what's in store for all of us. I look forward to sharing a whole new dimension with you all.

P.S. I DID receive confirmation on the condominium just across the street for participants lodging and am figuring out the sliding scale for the 3 different ranges of rooms and the varying amounts contingent upon the number of participants staying at the condo. I've inquired with the condo owner for more exact descriptions of the rooms and will be posting prices within the next few days.