Friday, June 12, 2009

Avalon Calling


As part of an on-going series of essays over @ French Essence this week, our good mate & fellow traveller Vicki A. posted on 'Confidence'. What it means, who's got it (& why) & how to either develop or enhance it on a personal level. It was a really fabulous read, but I found these words mid-way through her discussion particularly powerful - 'As women we have the greatest resource to build self-confidence at our disposal - each other. We must be caring of each other, encourage each other, share with each other and not be threatened or jealous of each other.' Amen to that girl!

The post has resonated with me all week, & in thinking about it, I realized that I haven't done a Virtual Weekend for ages, so let's go! This weekend it's the dramatic & rugged East coast of Tasmania, to Great Oyster Bay near Swansea on the Freycinet Pennisula & the sublime Avalon Coastal Retreat for a Confidence Building Weekend! A fabulous house with spectacular views over the Bay & Maria Island (where MOTH's dived for abalone hundreds of times), warm fires, a secluded beach, soft & comfy Tassie Oak beds & a gourmet kitchen. Ticks all the boxes for moi. (For those new to The Hedge, every now & then I ask you to come with me somewhere exotic for the weekend, but all within the confines of my somewhat vivid imagination!)

So please join me (virtually) & tell us what you'd bring along to share. Knowledge, power, music, books, wise words, food, alcohol & yes, even confidence - I'd love to hear from you!



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18 comments:

  1. AnnaJune 12, 2009 at 7:47 AM

    I'm glad you organise our weekends away Millie. You always find the best places to go. Avalon is stunning.

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  2. Velvet and LinenJune 12, 2009 at 8:52 AM

    That's so funny, Millie. I just wrote about Vicki's post as well. It really was a good one. I can't agree more. Us women need to support each other. I feel so fortunate to have your support, and I hope you know that you have mine! I can't tell you how many times you have put a smile on my face with either one of your wonderful comments or one of your beautiful posts (like this one!).
    Thank you my dear.

    xo
    Brooke

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  3. HeidiJune 12, 2009 at 12:04 PM

    What a truly breath taking place. I feel an overwhelming sense of calmness come over me just looking at your images. I try to surround myself with positive people. My friend Carolyn once told me that if she has a friend that seems to be down in a hole in life, she will lend a hand and help them out, but if the friend tries to pull her in she will just have to let go. She is a wise woman, I am 33 and all of my close friends are over 50. What does that tell you? Positive. I look back at my life to gain confidence, I see what I did and how far I have come. It gives me the courage and strength to go to the next level. Have a wonderful weekend, Heidi

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  4. JanJune 12, 2009 at 2:42 PM

    Thanks for bringing the French Essence discussion on Confidence to my attention. Great stuff, and totally agree with you on us girls caring for each other, sharing, supporting and encouraging.
    Weekends away are a great passion of mine. I think I get as much fun out've planning them as actually going on them. Aaaah yes what a lovely thought. Avalon looks superb.

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  5. Draffin BearsJune 12, 2009 at 4:30 PM

    Hi Millie,

    I loved the holiday destination you have chosen for us this weekend.
    It is pouring with rain here and would be great to get away.

    I agree us Women need to stick together and help and support one another. Thank you Millie for being such a fabulous Lady. You really are a beautiful person and I love to read your blog.

    Have a great weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  6. count it all joyJune 12, 2009 at 5:05 PM

    No wonder Vicki's post resonated with you Millie, it's who you are. I agree with Brooke, you always manage to put a smile on my face with your gentle encouragement and kind observations. Your beautiful blog sends out ripples of confidence and loveliness to all who read it. Thank you so much. Meredith xo.

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  7. Julie@beingRUBYJune 12, 2009 at 6:55 PM

    What a lovely choice of location for confidence building. The beauty here comes from nature. No need to come dressed to the nines. A place to be your self and relax. Just how you accept people Millie. One of my early posts you commented on my 'quirkiness'. I was smiling for a week. Thanks Julie

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  8. UnknownJune 12, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    Lovely post Millie - and I loved Vicki's essay too - everyone should read it. I hope that you have been feeling all our support and good wishes these last couple of weeks....

    I am so there on this virtual week-end away.....I am bringing magazines, Jo Malone candles, snuggly blankets, a good Merlot and white chocolate chip cookies.....am I in?!
    I wish you - and MOTH our fabulous and hilarious (don't tell him I said that of course!) guest blogger - a lovely week-end,
    Simone xoxo

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  9. vicki archerJune 12, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    Thank you dear Millie...xv

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  10. MichelleJune 12, 2009 at 9:25 PM

    Can I please come too Millie? Avalon is amazing, a real head turner as you drive along the east coast road. I've always wanted to stay there. And my piano teacher's son designed it! The location is so beautiful. I'll bring cupcakes and bubbley - Tasmanian of course!

    xx

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  11. for the love of a houseJune 12, 2009 at 10:06 PM

    This is a lovely getaway Millie! I already feel all stress releasing! I will bring wine, lots of wine and sweets!
    I too loved Vicki's post! So beautifully written and so spot on.
    Hope you are feeling well, and that you and Mr. Moth have a nice weekend. j.
    p.s. oh, and I 'did' debate beer cans or antique ginger jars and coral for the mantle!! It was a close call! Will have to give Moth's cans a try for next time! ;)

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  12. Chubby ChiequeJune 12, 2009 at 10:15 PM

    I never been to Avalon but in your plans, I can see that this place is heaven.

    I'll be with you in your group and hope I'll enjoy the rest of the w/end. I really need a breathing time for myself as I start working full-time on Monday after my complicated surgery for 2 months ago.

    This is so nice of you organising & inviting us ladies that needs a break.

    Thanks for sharing your ideas and advices that make me happy and often make grin on my face.

    Have a blissful w/end w/ MOTH
    xoxo

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  13. LeeJune 12, 2009 at 10:48 PM

    Oh Millie, I read Vicki's post earlier in the week too. It's magnificent isn't it. I had tears in my eyes when I read your post as I have had a very confidence draining week and I think that something like a weekend at Avalon is exactly what I need. You've definitely touched a nerve dear Millie. Have a wonderful weekend. Lee x

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  14. Blue MuseJune 13, 2009 at 7:16 PM

    Oh I'm so there - thanks for the virtual weekend of sistection. I'll bring the wine and an open heart and open arms. Girlfriends are the BEST.
    Thank you for your friendship, sister of mystery.
    xo Isa

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  15. Kellie CollisJune 13, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    Wow such amazing images.

    I also read Vicki's post which has had so much impact!!

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  16. The House That A-M BuiltJune 14, 2009 at 6:25 AM

    Oh Millie, those are the exact words from Vicki's post that struck a chord with me too. What a beautiful retreat you have prepared for us this week.... so very much needed! A-M xx

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  17. Willow DecorJune 14, 2009 at 10:53 PM

    Hi Millile,
    So funny I just came from Vicki's post on Confidence and I love it! Great to visit Avalon with you! Thank you for always visitng and leaving such warm and kind comments! You make my day! You are amazing!!
    xx-Gina

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  18. red tickingJune 15, 2009 at 5:57 AM

    i love this ...encourage, love and support one other is fabulous...love it...wish i could join the weekend... the setting is amazing....

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And none will hear the postman's knock
Without a quickening of the heart.
For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?
~W.H. Auden