Dearest tree-climbers,

 

This weekend I got the chance to catch up with family members and share what we'd been doing over the summer. It gave me the opportunity to, again, reflect on the awesome time I had at the Women's Tree Climbing Workshop. I am so grateful for each one of you and the role you played in the amazing weekend we shared in Greeley. I'll admit, I'm a very guarded person, especially in group interactions, and I was very apprehensive going into that weekend. It only took a few minutes into our gathering for me to realize, it was going to be all good. 

 

For those that have had to sit through me gushing on and on about the workshop, they don't get to hear about the technical aspects, the gear inspection, the new knots I learned (mostly because they wouldn't understand what the heck I'm talking about). What they hear about is the group and community atmosphere that was put in place from the get-go. You each helped to curate a very supportive, open, non-judgmental space of badassery. It was refreshing being in such a positive space. And I know I mentioned this before, but I love to see how other people teach, it helps me think about how I can approach teaching more effectively, and I think that is one of the most valuable things I got out of the workshop. Seeing each of your teaching styles, listening to the way you talked with others, coached them, encouraged them; it was an invaluable experience. You are amazing.

 

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and friendship. I'm a better person for knowing you, for learning from you, and being inspired by you. 

 

~Ann P.  Nebraska