Over one hundred women attended the literary salon held at the beautiful Montage Resort in Laguna Beach on Saturday, October 9th. Ever since I read about the French salons of earlier centuries, I’ve wanted to sponsor such an event for women. Such salons, held to amuse, entertain, and refine the taste of the participants through conversations about literature and philosophy became an important part of the French literary movement.
This day belonged to YOU, a day to network with others and make new friends. Guests were treated to an art exhibit by Robin Wethe Altman, violin music by Jessica Haddy, inspiring conversation with authors Dodie Cross, Kathryn Jordan, Barbara Potter, Ricki Mandeville, Lynette Brasfield, Jeri Westerson, Barbara DeMarco Barrett, and Regina Louise.
Click the "links" section in the sidebar to the right to access authors and artists featured at the salon. Check back for salon updates. Let's stay connected.
"To read is to empower
To empower is to write
To write is to influence
To Influence is to change
To change is to live."
~ Jane Evershed
My co-coordinator, Jann Harmon, and I worked hard to make this an event to remember. Each speaker spoke on the theme of risk we take as women in our own unique ways. We started with our emcee, Barbara Potter, who described how she risked to find her birth daughter after 42 years, and we ended with Regina Louise captivating us with the story of how, after 40 years, she found her mother, a woman who wanted to adopt her as a child and couldn't because of racial differences.
Ricki Mandeville began the program by reading some of her marvelous poetry; Barbara DeMarco-Barrett gave everyone valuable tips on writing; Kathryn Jordan described how both she and her story heroines have risked; Lynette Brasfield revealed the courage it took to write the truth; Jeri Westerson discarded her seven page prepared speech and spoke of how she has risked all her life without realizing it; and Regina Louise brought everyone to tears with her dramatic story of growing up unwanted and unloved. All have risked in some way and are the better for it.
Congratulations to those who won the five gift baskets filled with expensive wines, coffee, jewelry, gift certificates and more valuable prizes as well as to the lucky winner of the trip to Los Gaviotas for a two-night stay in a fabulous artist's residence only steps from the sand!
I want to thank everyone who participated in this event and helped me bring my vision of a French literary salon to 21st Century Orange County women.
"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin
"A word after a word after a word is power." - Margaret Atwood
"Your own words are the bricks and mortar of the dreams you want to realize. Your words are the greatest power you have. The words you choose and their use establish the life you experience," - Sonia Croquette
"A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform." - Diane Mariechild
SALON SCHEDULE:
10:30 am - Arrival, Networking, Art Exhibit, Champagne
10:50 am - Welcome, Introductions:
MaryAnn Easley, Windflower Press
Anthology Cover Artist: Robin Wethe Altman
Violin music: Jessica Haddy
Emcee: Barbara Potter, Columnist & Inspirational Speaker
11:15 am - Poetry Reading: Ricki Mandeville
11:30 am - Speaker: Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, Author
12:00 pm - Lunch
12:55 - 2:00 pm
- Drawing for Gift Basket #1.
Speaker: Kathryn Jordan, Author
- Drawing for Gift Basket #2.
Speaker: Lynette Brasfield, Author
- Drawing for Gift Basket #3.
Speaker: Jeri Westerson, Author
- Drawing for Gift Basket #4.
Speaker: Regina Louise, Author
- Drawing for Gift Basket #5
- Drawing for the Los Gaviotas holiday.
2:00 - 3:00 pm:
Networking
Book signing
Art exhibit
LUNCHEON MENU
Assorted Tea Sandwiches:
Cucumber and Mint
Smoked Salmon on Pumpernickel
Chicken Curry
Egg Salad and Watercress
Asparagus and Prosciutto
PASTRIES & CONFECTIONS
Currant Scones
Strawberry Jam, Devonshire Cream, Lemon Curd
Assorted Mini Pastries and Cakes
Fancy Tea Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Dark and White Chocolate
BEVERAGES
Montage Assorted Deluxe Tea Boxes
Honey, Lemon Slices, Sugar Sticks, Sugar Cubes
Champagne ~ Mimosas
Coffee
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