23 Comments

Oh Bob, once again you have brought tears to my eyes as I remember the retreat through your eyes. I am blown away by the community of people we lived with for three days and their commitment to create a better world. Thank you for helping me raise my memories with your words. How fortunate we are.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Denise. We are fortunate indeed. I'm so happy that we spent some time together!

Expand full comment

Wonderful writing, Bob. Makes me want to reserve for next year right now. Thank you.

Expand full comment

You would love it Susie.

Expand full comment

You said it for all of us, Bob! I so admire your ability to connect with so many people, your powers of observation and vivid description - and your humanity!

Expand full comment

Thanks Larry! Likewise...

Expand full comment

Brilliant, just brilliant, my friend!

Expand full comment

What a beautiful tribute! Thank you for writing this.

Expand full comment

Thank you for this story, Bob. Reading your reflections about the Writer's Retreat is a wonderful way to start a Sunday morning.

Expand full comment

What a perfect commentary to wake up to today. Thanks you!

Expand full comment

Thank you for reading!

Expand full comment

Thank you! Your words became visual scenes of excitement. My quiet Sunday morning on a Iowa farm is now Alive!!

Expand full comment

Thanks, Gloria. I'm glad you liked it and for a small bit of time on a Sunday morning I hope you felt a part of it.

Expand full comment

A reflection that certainly says it all. Thank you Bob Leonard.

Expand full comment

I love thinking I can name most of these people by your descriptions....

Expand full comment

I felt the same way - - images and memories came to mind as I read each description. Such an inspiring 3 days. Thanks for thanking Julie and Richard so eloquently!

Expand full comment

Fun, isn't it?

Expand full comment

Wonderful summary of the people and your experiences!

Expand full comment

Thank you, Bob. People like you give me hope. ❤️

Expand full comment

Bob, your snipits on writers at Okiboji, was pure poetry as best I understand it! I have always felt a good writer at some point felt humility in the face of so many who had gone before them . Often I assume they struggled with success feeling somewhat under whelmed by it all. I imagine it takes some getting used to simply to be understood as a success as a writer. At 73, when I look back over my life, I think WOW! without so much as thinking about it at the time, I really accomplished a whole lot that others only dream of! I simply said yes to many things others couldn't find it in their hearts to do the same! It still colors my life, doing things others refuse to do, only because they see only failure in it, even before they try! All the people you spoke of had toreach out beyond themselves at some point and and were braveer than the average in some way. You made it very apparent to me, in your "shorthand" thumbnails you gave and I thank you for that!

Expand full comment

Thanks Steve. As you say, always say yes to something new!

Expand full comment

I met several of these people you mentioned, and am grateful to have these descriptions so k can remember the experience (and know I didn’t just dream it). I am still in awe of Julie and the gift she gave me (and all of us) with this amazing experience. So glad I got to be part of that community.

Expand full comment

*I can, not “k.” I don’t know who K is.

Expand full comment