The Writing Ch​rysalis  LUNAR NEW YEAR Retreat

Jan 30th-Feb 1st 2025 

at Braving Star Farms:
A country getaway (just an hour northeast of Houston). There are ponds to relax by, forests to bathe in, a labyrinth to walk, and farm animals to snuggle.
"Writers need to develop a connection to the earth, a relationship with themselves, and a sense of the divine."
​
-Tina Welling, Writing Wild

Why Writing?

I hated writing during my school years, but during my creative re-awakening I found The Artist's Way. I committed to filling three pages every morning with free association writing, and I fell in love with writing and all of its vast benefits. I did another 90 days of morning pages and continued to say yes to messages of writing from the universe, leading to several books I never expected to write. Most importantly though, writing has become a way in which I understand and love myself better, and a practice that helps me notice connections and serendipities that I might otherwise miss.

Free writing is a tool for self-discovery and you do not need to have a specific project or any writing experience to attend this retreat. This usually annual writing retreat is a time of integration in which you can think deeply, self-reflect, and create meaning.  It's also a time in which you can receive inspiration, as like any creative process, writing needs support to sustain the courage and vulnerability it requires. I hope you will gift yourself with this investment and time, and I can't wait to write with you.
“We experience the force of language when we write in our journals. The self grows and glows with the light of our attention. We expand, awaken, and become all we keep looking for in others. Words change us.”

- Tina Welling, Writing Wild

Tentative Retreat Schedule

Day 1 Thursday January 30th, 2025
3-3:30pm Check-In @ Braving Star Farms in Cleveland, TX
3:30-4pm Mandatory Orientation
4-6pm Opening gathering
6:15-6:45pm Dinner
7-8:30pm Evening Activity

Day 2 Friday January 31st, 2025
8-8:45am Breakfast
9am-12pm Morning Gathering 
12:15-12:45pm Lunch
1-3pm Rest & Play & Writing Time 
3-6pm Afternoon Gathering
6:15-6:45pm Dinner
7-8:30pm Evening Activity

Day 3 Saturday February 1st, 2025 
8-8:45am Breakfast
9-11am Closing gathering
“For me, and others like me, writing is the shimmering aura through which we see the world. It is the quiet and courageous act of creative expression that nourishes our souls. It is the subtle power that aligns us with ourselves.”

-Kathleen Melin, “Radiant Fog” in Poets & Writers ​

Kind Words:
"The Writing Retreat is a thoughtfully designed weekend to inspire and evoke creativity through writing, rest and play. Lee Ann, her husband (the cook), the family of animals and the sacred land offer safety, peace, wonder and beautiful space to explore the space within and put it on the paper."
-Lesley Anne, Houston Texas

"We enjoyed healthy home cooked meals, comfy cozy lodging and every detail attended to with amazing care. We were afforded every perk in Lee Ann's toolkit, from morning Qi Gong, a tea ceremony, writing prompts and a well-run schedule to help us squeeze every good thing into our time."
-Lisa T.

Registration

The retreat starts on:
Thursday January 30th, 2025 at 3pm 
​
The retreat finishes on
Saturday February 1st, 2025 at 11am

The retreat cost is $488 (early bird $444) and it includes:​

•3 days of experiential writing activities 

•Working intentionally with the energy of the wood snake and your word of the year

•The 2024 Squishmallow 

•2 nights at the retreat cabin (Beds are first come first served so sign up early to get your preferred spot)

​•5 meals along with coffee, tea, and snacks

• A Celebratory Lunar New Year's Eve Dinner followed by fireworks!
Registration Deadline: 1/20/25
Sign up by 11/15/24 for the early bird price and you'll be entered into the raffle for a chance to win a fountain pen
(2 available and pictured below)
*If you invite someone who has never been to Braving Star Farms, and they sign up for this retreat, you get a $50 credit toward your next event or retreat at BSF.*

Writing Chrysalis Retreat

$488.00 $444.00
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Braving Star Farms 
​Photo Gallery

FAQ for Braving Star Farms Retreats

Food Preferences/Allergies
Meals will be made from local and and organic sources as much as possible, and will be mostly plant-based. When you fill out your registration form please specify any food preferences or allergies, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. There is a full kitchen available to participants.

What to Bring
-Closed toe shoes as you will be walking across uneven pasture and there is always a chance of snakes in the area.
-For equine activities you must have outdoor work boots that have a substantial toe, preferably go above the ankle, and can get muddy. 
-Please be prepared to remove your shoes for indoor spaces. Bringing a pair of slip-on shoes or slippers is convenient.  
-Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in for any physical activities such as Qi Gong that may be used for grounding and/or container-building activities.
​-You preferred writing tools (laptop, journal, pens).
-Check the weather before coming and plan to bring items needed such as sunscreen, sunhat, insect repellant, raincoat, galoshes, or a winter hat and gloves.
-If you are staying at the retreat cabin, pack a swimsuit for the hot tub/pool if desired. You may also want earplugs and a flashlight/headlamp. Your bedding and towels will all be provided.
-Do not bring valuables, drugs, or alcohol.

Getting Here
Braving Star Farms is located an hour northeast of Houston in Cleveland, TX. The address and more details will be sent upon completed registration and payment. If you are flying in for the retreat, IAH is a a little bit closer than HOU, but either airport will work. Please contact me if you are interested in extending your retreat time at the cabin either before or after the retreat as it is on a first come first serve basis.

Internet/Phone Access
Since you will be in the country you may not have a good signal and it may be challenging to make phone calls or check emails. If your phone service is with AT&T, you should be okay. There will be a cellphone at the cabin for all participants to use if needed to make a call or to briefly hotspot, but please know there is no WIFI. Hopefully you can enjoy the opportunity to disconnect.

Cancellation Policies and Registration Help
If you need to cancel your spot in the retreat, I can offer a refund (minus a $50 non-refundable registration fee) if I am able to fill your spot from the waiting list. If I am not able to fill your spot, I can offer you a credit for a future retreat based on the timeline below:
     If you cancel more than two months prior to your scheduled retreat, 100% of your retreat fee, minus a $50 rebooking fee, can be applied as a credit towards a future retreat, which must be used within one year. The credit will only be applicable for future retreats, not events. 
    If you cancel your retreat within two months of your scheduled retreat, 75% of your retreat fee, minus a $50 rebooking fee, can be applied as a credit towards a future retreat, which must be used within one year. You will forfeit 25% of the price you paid for the retreat.
     If you cancel your retreat within one month of your scheduled retreat, 50% of your retreat fee, minus a $50 rebooking fee, can be applied as a credit towards a future retreat, which must be used within one year. You will forfeit 50% of the price you paid for the retreat.
     If you cancel your retreat within two weeks of your scheduled retreat, or can't come to the retreat for any reason, you will forfeit your entire retreat payment.
I am also happy to transfer your spot to someone else who is able to take your place in the scheduled retreat with no transfer fee regardless of when you cancel. In this case, you will need to find the new participant yourself and receive reimbursement directly from them. 

If the retreat does not meet the minimum number of participants, or in the case of a natural disaster, COVID-related closures or surges, or any other unforeseen reasons to cancel the retreat, I reserve the right to make any changes necessary to the retreat. In this case, I will offer you a full refund and/or the option to book another retreat. However, I will not be responsible for any changes made to your airfare or travel arrangements. For peace of mind, I recommend purchasing "cancel for any reason" trip insurance in case cancellations or changes arise.

Please email me if you need a payment plan or a deposit option. Limited partial scholarship are available for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ participants, or any in need of financial assistance. Email me to apply. At this time, Daring Discoveries' partial scholarships are only available to participants who have not received one in the past.