First Annual Lose Your Lace Retreat

Oh man, aren't you just sorry that you missed out.  Like, crying in your beer sorry!

Because it just so happens that our first annual skinny dipping weekend in the mountains of Montana was magical. brilliant. renewing.  

What happens, you ask, when you gather a baker's dozen of women- most of whom have never met- and ask them to get naked just moments after shaking hands and getting acquainted? 

 What happened is that we all sheepishly removed our clothing, self conscious and anxious, then looked around to see that everyone else was a little self conscious too.  

As it turned out, not a single solitary body was the same.  There were stretch marks.  There was cellulite.  There were bruises, scars, scrapes and bug bites.  There were short legs.  Long torsos.  Heaving bosoms and sagging bottoms.  And every single body was stunning. 

Once the ice was broken, we made our way back to the cabin.  With a burgeoning refrigerator and 4 darling babies taking center stage, we quickly found ourselves snacking and chatting and laughing.  

Baby Hutton                                                                                       Baby Adele

The only male for miles:  baby Oscar

                                 Alice Juel                                                                    cousin Adele, catching on to the concept

It became quickly apparent that our backgrounds were as diverse as our bodies.  

Republicans.  Democrats.  Jews. Christians.  Atheists.  Career women.  Stay-at-home moms.  Students

 We quickly settled into a rhythm of relaxation.  We ate like royalty.  We gathered around a bonfire and told stories.  Laughed.  Sang.  Performed.   

Gals sat and knitted on the couch as they told the details of their lives.  

We sprawled out on the floor playing endless games of spite and malice- jokingly trash talking as we slammed down cards.   

We even partook in a group yoga session on the lawn- dogs included.

And of course, we dipped.... five times!

            Mothers & Daughters

Someone had to hold the babies!

 My fervent hope is that these remarkable ladies will continue to return to the Yaak River Valley year after year in order to feel the refreshing water on their skin, and the restoring power of strong friendship.  I hope my daughter brings her friends.  I hope they bring their own daughters.  I hope that one day, decades from now, a diverse group of smart, beautiful and talented ladies will laugh and giggle as they tiptoe across the airstrip, dunk their bodies in the river, and toast to us founders with gratitude.  

Because the gift of friendship is a lasting and powerful thing.