I’m back from my restorative Raleigh retreat.
Mi vacaciones!
A long planned getaway.
I chose Raleigh because it’s close to Charlotte. Just a 2 hour drive in case something happened with my parents. Plus, I was craving water and I knew I would find some there.
I left the week very loose. I only wanted to write 1000 words a day.
Here’s what I did instead…
Monday Morning Magic
First, it’s amazing to me that on the first day of my vacation, I woke up fresh as clean linens at 6:30 am without an alarm.
I was alert, expectant, happy.
Still, I rolled around in bed for about 30 minutes on principle because, well, vacation.
After realizing that I was not at all sleepy and very much like a 5 year old on the first day at Disney, I set off to Shelly Lake. It’s one of my favorite places in Raleigh.
It was even better than I remember.
Early on the dewy Monday morning, there weren’t many people on the 2.5 mile loop around the lake. All who were there were friendly. People made eye contact and smiled. I even had a conversation with one lady about the change in weather and the need for the rains the night before.
It was such a nourishing, peaceful walk. It restored my soul.
I journaled at the park surrounded by trees.
Then spent the rest of the day watching Hallmark movies. It was bliss!
Tuesday Tresses
On Tuesday, I went for a hair appointment.
I got the idea to book the appointment after not washing my hair before I left for vacation, and again on Monday. I just said, “hey! Let’s book it!”
I’m glad I did.
Black hair salons are a vibe. Even at noon on a Tuesday.
They’re like soul food in a space. Warm. Comforting. Full of flavor.
I hadn’t been to a salon in over 6 months. I needed the deep scalp massage and care of my tresses. I needed to lean back and let go. I needed to TRUST someone with one of my highly prized possessions.
Natural Tresses understood the assignment. Even though it was my first time there, I felt at home. I felt cared for. And, again…Nourished.
After getting my hair done, I looked up brunch spots. I wanted to eat at new places. I decided on a restaurant in one of the neighborhoods I used to live in. I drove past my old home - a cute carriage house perfectly located across the street from the University.
I love collegiate environments. Especially ones where the young adults seem fascinated and curious, not just passing through for the piece of paper. They invite discourse and disagreement. They have an air of openness.
It was surprisingly busy for summer.
After ignoring the directions and driving around a bit, I headed to the restaurant. The food was good. I highly recommend it - Tupelo Honey.
Yum!
Wednesday Writing and Wandering
Wednesday was odd.
I didn’t feel particularly spry. I didn’t have any plans. I totally went with it.
I started off with breakfast at the hotel restaurant. I made sure to include breakfast with my reservation for just this purpose. The days when I wasn’t sure if I would head out or stay in.
After a leisurely breakfast, I decided to head out.
I packed up my laptop, journal, and Kindle and set out to find a local cafe/office for the day.
I found the perfect spot at Idle Hour.
At first, I was thrown off by the worded background music. I like to write to wordless music because I find myself hooked on the lyrics and not being able to hear my own words. But it worked out. I found my words.
It was the only day I wrote 1000 words outside of my journal. (Juicy post coming for you.)
After writing, I drove around downtown a bit, then headed to the hotel for a nap.
I went for a walk in the evening.
The network of greenways and trails in Raleigh is commendable. The paths are well maintained and lit. They feel safe. They’re well connected and run throughout the city.
An opening to one was adjacent to my hotel. There was a creek running alongside it.
I enjoyed the greenery. The fresh air. The fragrance of earth.
The sound of the trickling stream and the boisterous birds.
It was GLORIOUS!
Thursday Turn Up on the Fourth. Not:-)
Thursday I met with a friend for a walk around another lake. Another neighborhood where I lived.
I thought there would be more folks out on the fourth of July. I thought there would be more festivities and the smell of barbeque.
Truthfully, I was hoping to crash one. LOL:-)
Not so. Folks were at the neighborhood pools. I could hear the raucous laughter. Some fireworks were starting up. But, not a barbeque in sight. Or scent.
We ended up eating at Five Guys where I had the customary hot dog. It was light and fun.
Friday Gettin’ Fresh to Death
Friday was another flow day.
I headed downtown where I had brunch at Press, a local creperie.
Good food, but the $80 parking ticket on my car when I got back left a bad taste in my mouth.
The lady next to me at the restaurant had beautiful nails so I asked her where she got them done. She shared.
I went there after brunch and got my nails done.
Mani, pedi, and brows. Oh my!
I picked up sushi on the way back to the hotel and added a day to my retreat.
Saturday at Shelley Lake
I started Saturday back at Shelley Lake. I got there around 9 am. There were more people this time which just meant more smiles and hi’s. The kind of socializing I enjoy - silence and head nods.
The humidity though. I was ready to get back to my car.
After the walk, I went to my first house. The one I sold in the first divorce.
The neighborhood held up. We were the second house to move in (only by a day). It was a starter home in a starter neighborhood. It was satisfying to see that it was well kept.
When I was leaving, the neighbor - he was the 3rd to buy a house there - saw me taking a photo of the house. We didn’t remember each other, but we had a short conversation.
Since selling the house, a constant stream of renters stayed there. In fact, the newest renters recently moved in. Their new TV box and a few other things were outside for pick up.
Seeing the house bare of the 2 trees I planted, gave me closure. It affirmed that the house was no longer ours and that there was no going back. It also reassured me that, while I made some tough decisions that I was recently regretting, at the time - and for my life now - they were the right decisions.
Juicy conversations followed. Crucial conversations. Conversations with a touch of healing. Closure conversations.
Long overdue conversations.
Sunday Spiritual Homecoming
After extending my stay by a day, I thought I would jump right on the highway and head home. But, as I got onto Glenwood, I was nudged in a different direction.
I headed to my spiritual home.
It was in a different building. I got there just as service ended and folks were leaving. I went in anyway.
The LOVE felt the same.
I sparsely darkened the door of a religious or spiritual building since 2010 when I moved from Raleigh to Orlando. By sparsely, I mean, maybe 5 times in those 15 years, and often under significant obligation.
What feels like home about Unity Church of the Triangle is the love, yes, but it’s also that you are paradoxically accepted just as you are AND seen in your highest good.
They know my brilliance and my humanity at once.
It’s a very precious thing that I haven’t experienced anywhere else.
I’ve been accepted in circles in dark times and often expected to stay in the dark place. I’ve been in circles (work) where I excel and am seen as brilliant, but never feel safe to be other than that. I’ve been in circles (family) where my brilliance is expected.
UCT is the only place where I was seen in dark and light and loved through all of it.
If you’re looking for a church home in Raleigh, I HIGHLY recommend it! You might even see me there from time to time.
I saw old friends there and received their hugs.
Then, I got on the road.
Restorative Retreat Wrap-Up
I’m writing this after driving 3 hours in torrential rain (should have been 2 hours).
While I thought I would emerge from the week with 5000 words and posts for the next month, I’m glad I didn’t.
Instead, I walked away rested and renewed.
I feel whole and nourished.
I poured into me. I allowed others to pour in. I closed some open loops. I renewed friendships and faith.
I feel ready for the second half of 2024, and the next leg of my journey.
Question, if you created a retreat, what would it include?
In Joy,
Nneka
PS. Thanks for reading Letters from Nneka! If you enjoyed this photo journey and retreat recap, click the like button ❤️
I’ve always held that some of the best views are (deep) behind the tree line 😉 So glad you got to experience that. Thanks for sharing and for the Tupelo Honey recommendation. There is one here in DC.
My (weekend) retreats usually involve physical activity, nature, and a waterfall, if one is close by.
I love going away to visit my friend this time of the year. It’s like a retreat for me. An escape from decisions, daily to-dos, and overthinking.
Your retreat sounds absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing it with us. 💕