Casa Om, Potomac, West Virginia, May 13-16, 2024
Our next domestic retreat will be at Casa Om on the Potomac River. Meticulously designed with traditional hand-crafted furnishings from India, Casa Om is close to both Baltimore and Washington D.C., in Martinsburg, West Virginia, on over 60 acres with stunning views and wilderness. Surrounded by nature, hiking trails, caves, and all sorts of places to explore, spark your imagination, and find your muse, I’ve found the perfect spot for us to settle in, pull out the pen and notebook, and feel the magic of free writing.
Our mid-week retreat is limited to 10 people to ensure quality time to write, share feedback, and explore the inner and outer worlds we will dive into. No writing experience is necessary. The retreat is open to all – whether you haven't written in a notebook since grade school, or you are a published novelist! The method that we use is designed to encourage and support you right where you are. As of January 30, 2024, there are only TWO spaces left on this retreat.
So why should you come?
Because even if you don’t know it, or don’t believe it, you have a story to tell. And others need to hear it. No matter what stage of life you are in, you have had unique experiences and writing allows you to discover your voice, your expressions, and your story-telling abilities. That story – your story – has been trying to be told and now is the time to honor that. Trauma, joy, grief, elation, pain, once it is down on the page, the healing and understanding can begin. And the thrill of hearing yourself reading your own words aloud is indescribable!
Being in the company of others who want to understand themselves and the world through the written word is a way of creating community, which we so desperately need right now. Come to this retreat to see that you are not alone, your journeys and adventures overlap with others. You are the hero of your own story, and you might be the hero in someone else's.
Come for some quiet time. Contemplation. Reflection. Stillness. Be in nature, Be alone and with others. Do this for you.
What's Included?
After arrival, we will gather to set some loose intentions for our time together. No need for goals or setting unattainable standards. Our time together will be easy-going yet creative. By letting the mind wander a bit, what needs to be expressed will find a way. Our days will include meditation, movement, writing prompts, writing together, sharing, and offering only positive, encouraging feedback. You will also have free time to wander and write on your own. We do not “workshop” your writing, there is no criticism, negative feedback, judgment, or comparisons. You learn what works by the feedback you receive. It’s kind of magical and you will feel tingly and elated!
Details:
Write & Roam Casa Om is a 3-night and 4-day retreat. Check-in is at 3 pm on Monday, May 13. Check out at noon on Thursday, May 16. The address is 681 Carlyle Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25404. Casa Om is about an hour from D.C. and 1.5 hours from Baltimore. If you are flying in, you can fly to BWI, Dulles or Reagan National and rent a car.
Meals are all included, gourmet vegetarian (vegan available), including a light breakfast, lunch and dinner. Coffee, tea, and beverages are also provided.
Please note there is no smoking, no drugs, no alcohol, no meat, no fish, and no pets.
A swimming pool and hot tub are included in the price. Ice baths and massages are available for an additional fee.
Rooms and Costs:
A nonrefundable $500 deposit will hold your place. Pay in full by February 28 to receive early-bird pricing. If you are coming alone and would like to be paired with a roommate let me know I will try to make that happen. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be responsible for the single room rate.
Payments can be made to:
Venmo: susan-weis-bohlen (last four of mobile are 2096)
PayPal to susanweisbohlen@gmail.com using the send friends money option
Zelle: 4109792096
Checks: Breathe Books, 20 Clarks Lane, Reisterstown, Md 21136
Read through the room offerings and email me with your choice. First come, first served. susan@susanweisbohlen.com, or text me at 410-979-2096.
Rooms # 1 & 2 (main level) and 9 & 10 (lower level):
#1 one bed BOOKED; 1 twin bed OPEN. Room # 2 BOOKED; Room 9 BOOKED
These rooms have 2 twin beds each, and a private bathroom. Perfect for 2 friends sharing
Cost: $1199 shared, each; Cost: $1299 if not sharing
Room #3 BOOKED
Features a king-size bed, a sleep sofa, a private bathroom, and a lovely view of the Potomac. Main level.
Cost: $1399 as single
Room # 4 BOOKED
Features a queen bed, private bathroom, and a view of the courtyard and forest. Second floor.
Cost: $1399 as single
Room #5 BOOKED
Features a king-size bed, river view, a couch that can also be used as a bed, and a private bathroom. Second floor.
Cost: $1399 as single
Room #6: BOOKED
Features a Queen bed with a private bath and a courtyard view. Second level.
Room #7 BOOKED
Features a King bed and private bath and a beautiful river view. Second level.
Cost: $1399 as single
Room # 8 BOOKED
Features a king-size bed, a couch that can also be used as a bed, a private bathroom, and a private balcony. This room can take 4 additional people at the shared rate. Second level.
Cost: $1399 as single
Testimonials:
“I. LOVE. SUSAN'S. WRITING. CLASS and the Gateless method. This class allowed me to discover my writer. If you've ever had an inkling to write, then this is where you can discover your voice. It's encouraging and supportive, inviting your writer to come out and explore. Susan provides a safe environment to express yourself whether it's a list of words, phrases, or sentences.” MR
“My Write-and-Roam trip to Iceland under Susan's enthusiastic leadership was just what the doctor ordered! Great generative prompts, helpful crafts tips, wonderful writing and feedback, amazing sights, and delicious meals in simple but elegant lodging amongst a group of warm, open, intuitive women (and one man). Our Icelandic guide Heida was terrific too. Highly recommend.” DR
“My favorite parts of the trip were having regular writing practice to look forward to, and the restaurants were enjoyable. The trip was well led and planned and well explained, and what was planned was clear. There was enough flexibility and light-heartedness to make it easy and fun. The writing time really helped to break the ice and to get acquainted with each other.” CM