Final Retreat Details – What to Expect, What to Pack, and Why I’m So Excited


Dear friends,

I can hardly wait to welcome you to Seattle for our retreat—it’s going to be such a joy-filled, beautiful time together. Below are the final details to help you plan, along with my wholehearted excitement for what’s ahead.

Friday: Seal-Making & Dinner at Café Munir

  • 9:00 AM – Arrive at my home (8326 18th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117)
    Come through the side gate and into the kitchen entrance. You’ll take off your shoes inside (slippers provided!) and get a tour of my office, where you’ll see the full collection of seals—antique and modern.
  • 9:30 AM – Workshop begins
    We’ll set up in my dining room, where you can select which seals you’d like to work with and begin creating your own.
  • Around 11:30 AM – “Royaltea” low tea + champagne tasting
    A delicious spread of sweets and savories (all dietary needs considered) will accompany a tasting of two champagnes. Everything is optional, and there will be plenty of non-alcoholic options as well.
  • Wrap up by 2:30 or 3:00 PM for rest and refresh
  • 5:00 PM – Dinner at Café Munir
    A hidden gem of a Lebanese restaurant just down the street from my home—so beloved it helped us choose this neighborhood.

Saturday: Market Tour, Garden Visit, Mini Hike + Dinner

  • 10:00 AM – Meet in Ballard (exact location to follow)
    I’ll have an UberXL ready so we can all ride down together.
  • 10:30 AM–12:30 PM – Pike Place Market Tour
    Chef-led, with all dietary considerations communicated in advance.
  • Optional lunch after depending on group energy
  • Afternoon (possibly, depending on how you’re feeling) – Japanese Garden visit
    One of my favorite peaceful spots in Seattle, especially this time of year.
  • Rest break at home, then…
  • Late afternoon – Light hike + dinner outside the city
    We’ll UberXL again and enjoy the gorgeous Pacific Northwest scenery followed by a relaxed meal.

What to Wear + Pack

  • Friday Day: Comfy clothes (I’ll be in sweats and a nice top)
  • Friday Night: Casual nice—jeans and a cute blouse or a dress
  • Saturday Day: Comfortable walking shoes, layers (I’ll likely wear a dress with a sweater)
  • Saturday Night: Hiking shoes or comfortable flats. Feel free to bring shoes to change into for dinner—Seattle is quite relaxed style-wise, so no pressure!
  • Forecast: Low 70s and sunny during the day, cooler in the evenings—perfect light jacket weather

Optional Sunday Explorations (if you’re staying longer):

  • Ballard Farmers Market (from 9:00 AM, walkable from Ballard Inn/Ballard Hotel)
  • Nordic Museum
  • Ballard Locks
  • Charming shops on Ballard Ave, including Lucca—a lovely spot I hope will carry my seals someday!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m so looking forward to sharing this time with each of you. We’ll create something beautiful—both with wax and with memory.

Warmly,

Kathryn Hastings

In a time when we need letter writing more than ever, KH & Co provides the highest quality stationery and antique wax seals. It all started with a dollar bill and a piece of bubblegum. My grandmother Neenie introduced me to the art of letter writing. Every time I wrote her, she replied with a beautiful card, her loving words, a dollar bill and a piece of bubblegum. I loved how a simple folded piece of paper seemed to close the distance between us. I was hooked. My antique seals date from the 1700s and 1800s. Just like the people who created them, I’m a steward who enjoys them for a while until they’re passed to someone new. In the meantime, these seals won’t collect dust in a drawer; they beckon to travel the world on envelopes, to be shared, admired and loved. Lord Byron once wrote, “All who joy would win must share it. Happiness was born a Twin.” I intend for my boutique to share my joy with you, and allow you to pass your joy on to others – to share your own creativity, beauty and love. Neenie has since passed, but her cards continue to fold the distance between us. I remember the dollar bill, the piece of bubblegum, and the joy of love sent through the mail.

Read more from Kathryn Hastings

WAX SEALS SEALING WAX COURSES PODCAST Hi everyone, Thank you again for being part of the Seattle workshop. I had such a wonderful time with each of you. It was a joy to spend those three days together, and I hope you left feeling inspired and refreshed. From seal making and tea tasting to our time at the market and dinner outside the city, every moment felt special. I’m grateful for the memories we created. To help us stay in touch, I’ve put together a short form where you can share your...

My passion for writing was kindled by my grandmother, Neenie. From a young age, I learned from her how to infuse letters into my life. Most nights, she sent me a card with a dollar bill and a piece of bubblegum, always replying with a new note for every letter I wrote her. She extended the same gift to my sister, ensuring we each had our own special correspondence. Many cards concluded with a postscript of "ILUABAAPAAHATN," an acronym for the Doris Day song, "I love you, a bushel and a peck,...

At my desk, I keep a small photo of me as a child. (image below) In the image, I'm holding a little golden trout I caught myself while fly fishing in the High Sierra. I can still feel that young girl in me. I love her courage, curiosity and confidence. Do you tune in to your inner child regularly? For this letter, I recommend starting with ceremony. Lighting a candle and pouring some tea can be very nice. Then, determine what age of yourself you'd like to write. I usually recommend choosing...