I knew that I wanted to plan a women's retreat in New Hope for several years before the event came to life.
I didn't know that it would become an annual event and I'd look forward to leading a team of talented facilitators for three consecutive years with plans to keep going.
Sometimes the best things take us by surprise.
I like the windows down, no matter the temperature, when I roll up the winding driveway to the farm. I let the wind whoosh through my car sideways.
The annual ritual of using chalk to craft the welcome sign for guests as I anticipate their pending arrival reminds me that it's almost time to begin.
Here is the team of radiant women facilitators that I get to lead this event with! They are artists, coaches and yoga teachers who have been with The Lunar Collective since the beginning (all three years). (From Left: Alexis, Courtney, Me/Marjorie, Ashley, Suzie, Karen).
Our team grew slightly this year because the farm now features a newly renovated (drool worthy) barn space, which enabled us to run two yoga classes concurrently.
I found the view out of the barn window to be captivating.
Here is our full 2025 Host Team. Look at them GLOW.
(From Left: Alexis, Lauren, Courtney, Sophia, Me/Marjorie, Ashley, Suzie, Karen).
In addition to the opening circle, three workshop sessions (6 total), closing circle and special aura reading and photography sessions, there was nourishing food and access to nature.
I prepared most of the food during the second session, so when it ended, everyone walked into the kitchen with a hungry belly and some warming options. The Chicken Birria tacos from
New Hope's Soulberry Market are always a favorite. (I get bonus points with my husband if I come home with leftovers.)
I served warm Forbidden Rice with salads and made my favorite Sweet Potato Stew, simmering on the stovetop. Of all three years, this was my favorite lunch. I cooked a little more, but in the end, it was more enjoyable.
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Some retreat attendees wander the trails during the lunch break. Others curl up with tea and chat before the next workshop session.
Kate, one of my best friends, comes early each year and helps keep everything running. She tells me what time it is when I inevitably lose track of it, and keeps me laughing all day long.
Sleepover guests get to enjoy the house on a whole different level. Something truly special about sleeping over is how peaceful the house is the next morning as the sun shines through in perfect silence.
I roll out my yoga mat by the fireplace while the coffee brews. You can still feel the energy of the previous day's excitement but it's settled a bit and is calmer. The perfect mix.
This year, I made quite a few gifts from my guests, including lotion bars, lip balms, earrings and magnets (for my Living an Inspired Life Workshop attendees).
This work is a creative outlet for me and I am grateful for the opportunity to express myself in this way. Without giving creative energy an outlet to flow towards, that energy gets stagnant for me and makes me feel nervous. That's no fun.
Our lovely host,
Layla, of Layla's Table +
Honey Hollow Farm, does so much to make the day special. Including curating a cabinet full of meaningful products that our guests can shop at during their day at the farm.
At the end of the day, when mostly everyone was shuffling out, I snuck over to the barn to capture some photos of it in the setting sunlight.
Here I was feeling contentment for how the day had gone, excitement that my work was nearly done and gratitude for the women with whom I got to share my time and space with at the retreat.
The floral arrangements, steeped with intention, that Suzie made for our day to announce her new floral services were extra special.
I take the last hour alone in the house to clean up and sit quietly in appreciation. Similar to how I feel grateful
to serve others through astrology, this retreat hosting work is a gift that I am grateful to have in my life.
I walk the trail, visit my favorite tree and smile at the layers of new memories in my treasure chest of experiences on the Farm.
Then I take out the trash and drive back home.
If you'd like to know when the tickets are on sale for the
2026 Retreat or are interested in a book I'm writing
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Thanks, Susheela!! : )- I will keep you updated. You’d be a great retreat host.
Wow, Marjorie – This looks beautiful! Congratulations on three years!
I’m certainly interested in your book as I’ve been chatting about co-hosting a retreat with a friend of mine sometime in the not-too-distant future. I’ll have my eye out ;)