24 hours & 24 sisters: A Reflection by Ann Luskey

We gathered at Glynwood for 24 hours.

So many good things in such a short time. IT’S A WONDER.

For me the journey began with the decision to take time for myself. A gift we all gave ourselves that Thursday & Friday.

We came on planes and trains and automobiles from far and wide.

We enjoyed delicious local food lovingly prepared by Kitchen Sink and blessed by our own Karen Washington (Mama K). Michelle Clifton bathed us in sound; heavy brass bowls on our abdomens reverberating deep into our bellies. And then there was dancing. Kate Ellis with her boot and D.J. Kristin McArdle.

There were ghost stories. Fortunately, I learned this ghost lives at Appledore Cottage during breakfast, after my restful sleep at Appledore cottage.

Mary Cleaver practiced being a grandmother, holding and rocking sweet baby Phoebe, Molly Brown’s adorable and very quiet daughter.

We slept in and woke up without an alarm. We did a little yoga, and went for a beautiful walk on the property. Laura Parker Roerden, the official Pleiades Poet Laureate, drafted a poem using our on-the-spot contributions.

We gathered to share the things we need and the things we can give.

And the generosity of our Constellation shined bright. I was so excited I had to sit on my hands!

Lisa Holmes and Vivian Sorenson shared a clip from their film A Fork in the Road, Zoraida Lopez-Diago announced the publication of her book Black Matrilineage, Photography, and Representation: Another Way of Knowing, and Karen Washington shared her daughter’s book, Unwrapped: The Pursuit of Justice for Women Educators with us. And many of us rested – we listened to our bodies and took care of ourselves. 

BEST OF ALL…we connected and reconnected, forged new friendships and wrapped the old ones up with fresh hugs.

It is just amazing what can happen in such a tiny bit of time. Kathleen Finlay – thank you for being our North Star, and making these moments happen.

March 2023