I’ve just returned from an eight-day trip to Norway, to attend a retreat with talented writers from different areas of the US and North America who have lived vastly different lives. Each of them had a story that left me feeling inspired and honored to be able to connect with them. To get to know strangers at a deeper level, in a beautiful corner of the world, is an experience I will never forget.
It was a week with little access to technology. It was day four when I realized that I had not thought once about the worries, challenges, and problems I had left at home.
It was a week of soaking up breathtaking views of quaint and cozy villages, acres, and acres of lush green land where masses of sheep feasted on grass that looked delicious even to me. I could not get enough of the mounds of moss-covered rocks, the most beautiful flower gardens my eyes had ever seen, and a view of the North Sea just steps from the cottage that was my home for a short time. And of course, all the fjords.
It rained a lot! But bright colored rainbows filling the skies afterward made it easy to forgive Mother Nature for dumping on tourists who may have hoped for more sunshine.
Our hosts had carefully created a well-thought-out curriculum that is every writer's dream. An entire day was spent on an island in a lighthouse, where we documented the thoughts that filled our heads. A day spent hiking in a beautiful area visiting two houses that were two hundred years old, the last two standing where once there were more. I was humbled to sit on a bench in a church that was built in 1623 and imagine the presence of those who worshipped there four hundred years ago. My eyes began to sweat and if my ears could have, they would have as well, as the group I was with decided to sing Amazing Grace near the pulpit where centuries of priests relayed their messages. The surprised expression on the guide's face led me to believe that was a first and yet memorable experience for her.
The food was delectable. I was grateful it had been prepared and ordered for me, otherwise, I don't think I would have tried it and would have missed out on pure deliciousness. We devoured a six-course meal of fish, fish, and more fish, some lamb & sausage topped off with a dessert that left our mouths watering for more. We consumed finger sandwiches, chocolate, and gelato at a local chocolate shop where the host had us in stitches with her sassy personality. We fed our stomachs hot beef stew at a farm where a beautiful woman of 78 years, who did not look her age (and was quick to point out “no Botox”) prepared our meal with her own hands. Afterward, we strolled through her garden and filled our cameras with photos of her well-cared-for flowers. It was a dessert meant for our eyes to enjoy. In one quaint town, we enjoyed creamy fish soup full of mackerel, shrimp, muscles, and cod, with a side of homemade bread to soak up every last drop. Prepared by our host's hands, we feasted on Fresh Fish, Bacalao, Risotto, Fish Gratin, and homemade Pea Soup. Anyone who knows me knows what I was thinking when this was placed before me. I'm happy to report it was better than I expected. Homemade bread, croissants, and scones with fresh jam were at most every meal and of course, no meal was complete without dessert. We were spoiled with pastries made with fruit from their trees, fresh smoothies, or ice cream with cookies. We did not go hungry, in fact, it's a good thing we did as much walking as we did.
On one excursion, some of us attempted and conquered the hike to Preikestolen, Norway’s most famous hike. Four kilometers of steep terrain led to a platform rock that provided breathtaking views. While I would have loved to have been able to join them, I had to listen to my knees and stay behind. But that was okay, I achieved hiking mountains best suited for me as I, with two others in our group, hiked down to the lake and played in its cold but crystal-clear water. This excursion left some of our group enjoying the very top of the mountain, and some of us enjoyed the very bottom.
Our week ended with our beautiful host, a poet, who goes by the pen name of Eleni Cay, arranging an opportunity for us to speak publicly about our writing in a large, beautiful library in Stavanger. I enjoyed hearing about each of my new friends and was impressed by their talent. When it came to sharing about me, I chose to read the Introduction in my book. This allowed me to introduce myself and how I became a cheerleader the day my son was born. Touched by all we heard, hugs and tears were shared when we finished.
While this entire trip was incredibly special to me, I think the way this day of speaking ended will always hold a special place in my heart. While we were away, our hosts brought in a chef from Italy who prepared the most delicious Italian meal of pesto on pasta and fettuccine with a scrumptious red sauce. If my stomach could have an orgasm, it did that night. As dinner was coming to an end, I learned the chef had a five-year-old son with Down syndrome. Elated to hear this, I had to approach him. He and I began to talk and bonded immediately, having the most wonderful conversation. It was obvious to me I had to give him a copy of my book. He was thrilled and appreciative and could not wait to share it with his wife. He asked if my son and I would be willing to connect via Zoom and of course, I said yes! This is a call I look forward to.
It was a week of feeling full, in my stomach, head, and heart. A week of meditating, of connection, and of sharing our story with the people of Norway, North America, and different areas of the US.
Wendy Hooton is alive and is leaving her footprint across the world. What an incredible experience I have just had! A gift from my dad, five years after his passing. He continues to live on as I fulfill my dreams. How I wish I could hug him tight and thank him for this beautiful experience.
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