12/31/2025
New Year, New Adventure, New You, Creative Art Retreat 2025!
Ay dios mío-I’m still beaming over the past 3 days of creativity, collaboration and connection. It was a joy to host this event in beautiful Bandera, Texas at the Vaquero Motel.
Even before the retreat officially began, I could tell it was going to be something truly special. Speaking with each lady gave me a jumpstart on how amazing this was going to be…and it was.
It started off Sunday evening with our meet and greet over cocktails in the Farmhouse suite. We shared stories over drinks and delicious food from Dough Joe’s pizza (Bandera). It was a relaxed, easy evening with lots of laughs to kick off the next 2 days. I intentionally kept this retreat small so that everyone had plenty of space to spread out, create and truly settle into the experience.
Monday consisted of delivering a lesson on color influence, creative writing, journaling, and watercolor around the fireplace and the many influences of the room. That evening we ventured out to Trail Boss Steak House and 11th Street Bar with more delicious food, locals and great atmosphere. We followed the evening at the Bandera park which sits across from the motel and drove through their lighted Christmas display (a must see). Our night ended around the table at the Farmhouse suite exchanging highlights of the day. The next morning (Tuesday) we followed up our creativity with gathering and exchanging ideas to start our opportunity/inspiration boards for 2026. This activity is one of my favorites, because it’s a chance to gather all the learned experiences of the retreat, the lessons from 2025 and apply them to the New Year. We ended the morning full of laughter, hugs, some tears and definitely new found friendship's. I truly believe that when women gather together to create, we fill our creative spaces, make beautiful connections, and walk away with more than just art. We carry home inspiration, joy and a renewed sense of self. Until next retreat, may you carry a bit of inspiration towards living a life that you deserve. Feliz Año Nuevo!
This retreat was dedicated to Denise Sauceda- mentor, muse and my friend. And special thanks to “Bud”...thanks for the laughs!🤣