Soulful Prairies

Some of you may already aware of this exciting news, but for those of you who aren’t…

We are fine-tuning the details for our 1st Annual Retreat at SOULFUL PRAIRIES in Woodstock, Illinois. This venue is amazing! You’ll be enlightened just visiting this magical farm.

Please navigate to the SOULFUL PRAIRIES website at SoulfulPrairies.com to feel the transformative energy that you’ll experience with us this summer.

  • Have you experienced the joyful energy of horses? 
  • Gong in the barn? 
  • Networking with like-minded, passionate people that create a collective, positive impact on our world? 

Brief overview, subject to change:

1) Friday, June 28th – Peace Education Workshop 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. This offering includes lunch

2) Friday, June 28th – Overnight accommodations at Soulful Prairies — limited to 11 overnight participants. This offering includes dinner, evening group session, and Saturday breakfast.

3) Saturday, June 29th – Business of Being / Living Fully Workshop 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. This offering includes lunch.

Saturday will offer additional options for one-on-one sessions of Reiki, Equine Therapy, and Reflexology.

When registration opens, you can sign up for 1, 2, or all 3 options. It’s up to you!!

SAVE THE DATE(S) — more details to follow

For Planning Purposes
If you’re interested in the 2018 Build-a-Retreat (or a retreat on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas in January of 2020), please send me an email (laurie buchanan at me dot com) with “I’m interested” in the subject line, and which retreat(s) you’re interested in. Your response does not imply obligation.

Where was the last retreat you attended?


This photo was taken at Soulful Prairies this past summer when I was in Crystal Lake, IL for the picnic-style book launch party for The Business of Being: Soul Purpose In and Out of the Workplace. I can tell you experientially that Soulful Prairies is amazing!

© lauriebuchanan.com

Shaken, Not Stirred – The Art of a Great Party

Saturday night was a beautiful evening for the Tinkler’s barn party in Woodstock, Illinois—and what a party it was!

Appearing seamless to the casual observer, there’s lots of pre-planning, elbow grease, and behind-the-scenes work that goes into this annual event. I don’t know their full recipe for success, but some of the ingredients include: 

Start with a fun loving host family

Mix in their century-old barn

Whisk in a hearty portion of guests—adults and children alike

Liberally add tables laden with delicious food

Sprinkle with tents for people who’ve travelled far

Add a generous dollop of cheerful flowers

Gently fold in good friends

Baste with plenty of arm-waving, booty-shaking, get-down music

Shake, don’t stir.

If you follow this recipe, you’re sure to have one heckofa good time!

What was the last party you went to? 

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
                — Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved