Blogger: Mary Keeley
Location: Books & Such Midwest Office, IL
My favorite ornament is less than two years old, yet it’s a symbol of many special memories. The one and only collection I have is Christmas ornaments from places my family and I have visited. A recent favorite is an ornament from Monterey, California, which is coincidentally the return location for the 2012 Books & Such client retreat next October.
As I hung this cute little ornament on the Christmas tree this year, a flood of happy images from the 2010 retreat popped into my head. Obvious from the ornament itself are the sea otters. The hotel had plenty of verandas and balconies where guests could watch these little marine mammals play in the ocean, something I did as often as possible between events and workshops.
I was new to the agency at the time of the last retreat, and this ornament is foremost a reminder of the wonderful authors I met and befriended. The fellowship was superb. Imagine being in that glorious setting with a group of people who share the same passion and sense of calling. An energizing atmosphere of family and purpose pervaded the air.
During the morning sessions, everyone gathered to get to know each other or reconnect as well as focus on specific topics beneficial to our clients. Editors, marketing experts, B&S authors, Janet Grant, and Wendy Lawton gave industry updates and cutting-edge instruction to maximize social media efforts, offer tips for book promotion, and inform clients about the in’s and out’s of the publishing process. Following these sessions were smaller workshops where clients could get help with their WIP, improve a skill, and talk with the faculty. I remember thinking this is more than a retreat. It’s a mini-writers conference!
My mouth is actually watering as I think of the excellent meals our group shared and the little coffee bars where small groups could chat during free time and in the evenings. No wonder this ornament is one of my favorites. I hope to add a visit to the world-famous aquarium or a tour of Cannery Row to learn the history behind John Steinbeck’s book, if there is time at the 2012 retreat. I may need to bring home a second Monterey ornament to contain all the new memories.
If you have a special Christmas collection, when did you start acquiring it?
Cynthia Herron
Oh, my goodness, Mary! Fun, food, fellowship, writing, learning,connecting, (coffee bar!)–paradise!(Well…next to it anyway.)Your vivid description painted quite a picture!
Yesterday, I mentioned my gingerbread men collection. They grace my laundry room walls and make the chore in that room seem like fun!
I began collecting gingerbread men/women about 12 years ago. (I’ve found a few of my priceless treasures at local flea markets.) Gingerbread people make me smile!
Merry CHRISTmas!
Amanda Dykes
What wonderful memories you’ve shared! Yes, you must squeeze in a visit to the aquarium if you can– or even better: Carmel! Just be careful not to wander out a locking exit at the aquarium, thinking it’s a gateway to another exhibit…like we did. 🙂 It brought our visit there to an end, so we wandered the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea a bit– poked around an architectural antique store, then peeked over the walls of the mission in Carmel. Such rich history in that neck of the woods! I’d say make a jaunt over that way if at all possible. Quaint, artistic, lovely community on the sea.
Michelle Higdon
What great memories!! It’s always nice to look back on the good times as you prepare for the future. I used to collect puppy dog ornaments but haven’t in a long time…your post makes me want to start collecting again!
Mary Keeley
Cynthia, I love your happy gingerbread people word picture. Thanks for sharing an additional reason certain ornaments become our favorites: they make us smile–they give us pleasure–and we remember that from year to year as well.
Amanda, thanks for mentioning the mission and Carmel. I limited my memories to the hotel and conference experience and neglected some of the best sightseeing.
Laura Allen Nonemaker
Mary, I enjoyed your description of the resort and the fellowship you experienced. I have never visited California, but have wanted to do so someday. Your post makes it even more inviting. I would love to wander about Carmel-by-the-Sea, as Cynthia suggested. My favorite Christmas collection contains ornaments handmade by my children and grandchildren. They bring back such precious memories. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Cheryl Malandrinos
Those sea otters are adorable. What wonderful memories. I began collecting Jim Shore Santas and angels a while back. I don’t have many, but what I do have are treasured.
Thanks for sharing your special memories with us.
Cynthia Ruchti
I was given a set of clear glass ornaments that look like giant soap bubbles. Just five of them. Now four. Replacing one in its “handle with care” storage spot in my china hutch one January, I clunked one against another and, much like real soap bubbles, one popped, shattered. So fragile. So delicate. So like real life. I haven’t bought a replacement. In a way it’s a reminder to me to not treat life coarsely or forget those whose earth-bubble has burst and they now know REAL life.