Testimonials

Many of our members have shared their experience -- their stories help us tell our story.

"I am delighted to be included in such an interesting mélange of people. Thanks for the opportunity to be part of the conversation and the renaissance of reviving the lost art of authentic conversation and connection."

AW

"I just wanted to thank you all for a wonderful time at the Gloaming Society this week. I'm honored to have been included, and I enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many interesting people, learn from their varied experiences, and engage in thoughtful conversation."

LH

"Thank you for a most delightful, engaging and interesting evening. The topic of Adversity is such a personal and difficult matter to discuss, specially around people you don’t know or don’t know well. However, I thought the format of the discussions allowed everyone to share their varied experiences in an open and honest way. Thanks to all of you for allowing me the opportunity to participate, to listen, to learn and to share my experiences and thoughts!"

AB

"I appreciate being invited to the group last evening. It was a very unique experience. I also appreciate Dean for opening his home to us. If there is space available, I would like to attend the discussions on Creativity, Aging, and Mortality. I think these are fantastic topics that I would love to hear discussed."

WS

"Last night was absolutely wonderful. Just to have conversation - and listen to a variety of thoughts and experiences - was terrific.... this revived my heart and mind in so many ways "

VB

"What a FAB evening!! Thx for including me...loved the thought provoking discussion!"

DR

"Thank you so much for facilitating such a fantastic gloaming society salon last night. It was such a refreshing diversion and wonderful opportunity to conversationally explore and ponder fascinating topics with a delightfully diverse group of individuals. I loved hearing and learning from and connecting with such inspiring people. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it! I think the gloaming society encourages us all to remember that the simple art of conversation can be such an inspiring and invigorating experience."

LH

"Thank you so much for your hospitality and for welcoming me to the Gloaming Society. I think the idea of the salons is brilliant. Last night was one of the most authentic conversations I have been a part of in a long time. Once again, thank you for creating this opportunity to celebrate and renew the art of conversation."

CP

"Thank you very much for another great salon. Just like with the “Power”, I had a different understanding of “Authenticity” when I walked out from when I walked in."

PF

"I wanted to say thank you again for inviting me to join the Gloaming Society. I really enjoyed last night's salon. The topic was intriguing and the discussion was enlightening. The experience was different than I expected (in a wonderful way). I loved the diversity of thought and meeting new people and reconnecting with friends. Also the future topics look amazing."

MH

"The Salon on Balance was a delightful experience. I much appreciate your hospitality, and obvious dedication to making the experience the best it can be. The conversation was enlightening and the perspectives varied and shared kindly."

VT

"Thank you for the invitation to the Gloaming evening. It was an interesting evening of conversation - Gertrude Stein would be proud! I really appreciated the mix of demographics - its always good to engage with a mix of participants."

RO

"Thank you for inviting me. I really enjoyed myself and left feeling uplifted by the conversation. It is hard to imagine it going much better."

MD

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. What a great Salon and a great day. I loved connecting with you and hope to do more of it in the future"

KD

"Thanks for inviting me to be part of the conversation. I always find it a treat when I have the chance to have a meaningful interaction with other adults beyond the people in my immediate circle (which are mostly grad school buddies and work colleagues). I find that the comfort level of "my peeps" often lulls me into various types of complacency, which doesn't challenge me in the ways that I like to be challenged, and which ultimately lead to personal growth. In short, a group like this having an exchange like we did? It's a welcome change-up. Thanks for the opportunity."

RV

"I really enjoyed it and observed that the conversation and shares were truthful, revelatory and ....yes, authentic! I hope I was able to contribute meaningfully and would totally be up for joining another one in the future. Thank you for having me and everyone shared some very unique insights and experiences. What a great thing to be able to do in these crazy times we live in."

JB

"I felt comfortable from the start. The conversation was so deligtful, asking simple yet powerful questions (never undersestimate the power of a simple question) about my relationship with language. Thank you. I never entertained these thoughts. I actually saw language as a colonial scar in societies. The "original" languages in so many countries are mostly extinct. It was a joy to have a new conversation and to interact with such kind, brilliant and outspoken human beings. I needed that sweetness, openness and tenderness last night. I also learned a lot. My gratitude!"

DA

"Thank you thank you for including me in the group. Aside from the Zoom video issue on my end, I enjoyed it very much. Play is big for me. All of the listed topics will generate great discussion and your creation and continuation of this group is much appreciated. Be well, stay well and have some open-ended fun!"

BB

"This was my second salon (the first was on authenticity) and I loved it! You all have provided a "safe" place to discuss really important topics. The conversations are honest and heart felt. I feel humbled and grateful to be a part of this special group. Please take care and stay safe and healthy."

MH

"The preparation material was very interesting and thought provoking. Not overwhelming or too time consuming. Having never attended one in person it is hard for me to comment on the pros and cons of Zoom but I thought it worked incredibly well. People were polite and respectful of one another's time. I felt like I was able to connect with this group as much as you can connect with someone over Zoom. Everyone was warm and friendly and as a result the whole experience was warm and friendly. The Zoom attendance is much easier for those of us that travel (selfish...sorry) but I really enjoyed the event."

LJ

"I'm thrilled that you all found a way to continue the Salons. I think they are more important now than ever. You all have created an engaging and "safe" place for people to share their thoughts about vital subjects. I applaud your efforts! Please continue the meaningful Salons. I know I love being a part of them."

MH

"I found it interesting and I had some good take aways that I will hope to apply in the future."

JB

“I think Jennie’s introduction REALLY helped this time. It set the tone that this isn’t about being intellectual or an expert - this is about sharing personal examples and how those experiences have transformed us or not. The balance of Jennie and Dean is also great. Jennie knows how to move things along in a gentle and kind way and Dean keeps the conversation on track, asks thought provoking questions and embraces everyone in the discussion by using their first name. It’s a special group that you’ve created and I’m honored to be a part of it. Thank you for including me!“

RF

"Thank you for including me. It was a very thought provoking subject. I really enjoyed the lively discussion. I look forward to being invited again to a future Salon. It was really fun …. "

LS

"I am very appreciative of the opportunity to participate in a Gloaming Society Salon. Very timely for me as shared last night I’ve sent quite a bit of time thinking about this and last night helped me formulate my thoughts. Thank you all for the invitation. Still thinking through the conversation to better understand all that was said."

SH

"The Salon was what it was meant to be. “Amuse one another and partly to refine the taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation.” At a setting like this, if you are casual observer, you get a glimpse into people’s personalities that are shaped by their upbringing, education, life experiences and temperament. After some time, people are willing to share their feelings without fear of being judged and that can create a beautiful and intimate experience for everyone in the group."

AC

"Wonderful evening - thank you for including me and also putting together a wonderful collection of human beings. It was nice to have a moment of pause and reflection."

JR

"To say that I enjoyed last night would be an understatement. I loved last night! Thank you for inviting me to participate."

SH

"A very accomplished room. Felt humbled to be included in the conversation."

RD

"It was inspiring to be with such an open, honest group of people and experience deep, profound conversations.“

RF

"Thanks again for opening your lovely home to conversation last night and for having the foresight to bring such a conversational salon to Sarasota“

SR

“want to First THANK all of you for an ENRICHING AND INSPIRING evening.. I had a lot of FUN turning over the “soil “ in my Brain and thinking bout stuff that is a long way from DEBITS and CREDITS.”

GM

“Thank you so much for including me last night. I really appreciated the opportunity to be in a room full of wonderful people who all want to connect, be authentic, and share such personal "stuff". I feel great admiration and warmth for all....”

NM

"I really appreciate being included in tonight’s discussion. This was a great and unusual opportunity. It was both very informative as well as enjoyable. Thanks!!”

SG

"It was a pleasure joining you yesterday for a lovely evening of conversation on the topic of fear. I look forward to attending again.”

SB

"Thank you for including me. I enjoyed our gathering and meeting the various other participants. It felt good to put our phones to the side and to engage in dialogue. I particularly liked how you got the ball rolling, and the rest of the conversation happened very naturally..”

AS

"Thanks for an interesting and rewarding evening yesterday. I enjoyed the salon, and appreciated meeting (if only briefly pre-discussion) other participants. It is great that you all have taken the initiative to form this opportunity for discussion and discourse in this day and age. I appreciate very much being included."

MM

"It was very enlightening. It affirmed just how different we all are even when we are wrestling with the same issue. And how a word like balance can be defined so many ways. Thanks for including me."

CW

"Thank you so much for including me in the Gloaming Society. I greatly enjoyed my time last night and left continuing to think about the discussion and everyone’s view on the topic of Balance. I had a great discussion with my wife when I arrived at home and plan to discuss this further with her as I realized that we must understand our partners view of balance as well as ours. This was a great discussion with an amazing and diverse set of people! Looking forward to attending a future event. Thank you again for the inclusion!"

PP

"Just a note to thank you for the very special conversation group last evening. I am so grateful to have been invited to participate with such a generous, diverse and thoughtful group."

EV

"Felt like thanking you all again for the amazing opportunity that you have given to us all to just sit, and connect. Last night was meaningful on so many levels. Needless-to-say, I spent most of the night awake...thinking, reflecting, and feeling blessed for all of the different love(s) in my life....I look forward to the next encounter!! With love"

NM

"Thanks for allowing me to be a part of an inspiring evening exploring the true meaning of love and it’s ramifications. I was limited in my talking because of all the interesting participants sharing their views and I was sitting there almost embarrassed because my life is so full of love in every dimension ... thanks for creating a beautiful setting for this nite of sharing and kudos to ... opening this night to the rest of us participating in a memorable evening."

BR

"Thank you so much for including me in last nights conversation. The sincere personal interaction and connectivity made between each other, along with the honest, open and sincere conversation is truly invaluable and necessary. Thank you for supporting and creating a space to make this happen."

JF

"I wanted to thank you for the past evening on the topic of “Love”. It was a great experience being there and I learned a lot from the different perspectives from everyone. Very much appreciate being a part of this group and Thank you again for putting it together."

CF

"Terrific meeting on many levels! The discussion of “play” was thoughtful and broadening, and it was very interesting to hear (even see!) various perspectives and contexts for those perspectives. Also, very importantly during these times, was the camaraderie you enabled. Finally, a hula hoop exhibition at a Gloaming Society meeting? How cool is that!!Thanks and stay well (who would think we would end an email with that…)"

SG

"Thank you all so very much for inviting me to be part of the Gloaming Society. I love sharing in that type of setting… I definitely prefer in person versus zoom calling, however, that was the clearest zoom call I have participated in so far! ...acknowledgment for each of you for your kindhearted and open approach. I experience our sessions as a level playing field where everyone is encouraged to chime in. I think you guys each do a great job of keeping the dialogue going in a way that everyone can relate to."

LM

"Thank you as always for including me. I personally get a lot out of this. I think the Zoom platform is the best it possibly can be but of course, nothing substitutes seeing you all and everyone in person. Definitely looking forward to the next time we are all together."

MD

"I so enjoy participating in the salon and am struck by everyone's willingness to share. The environment that you create is conducive to everyone's participation on a very personal level while bonding on a common topic."

RJ

“What an enjoyable experience the Gloaming Society zoom call was. Meeting new people and sharing thoughts, ideas, vulnerabilities, and time is precious, thank you for inviting me. I have to say, although we were not meeting in person, the connection to the group was definitely felt. So many perspectives resonated with me, and many new ideas expressed have had me contemplating my own interpretation of failure. Opening the mind, and growth, always powerful.”

MC

“Thank you all for having me. I truly enjoyed the exchange and walked away with some great ideas. I'd love to experience more of these.”

JG

"Thank you for including me on the call last night! I am still reflecting on the quote Jennie gave us - "the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself!" So great. Personally, my biggest takeaway was hearing how others (like me without realizing it about myself) had conformed until establishing power to make change. Appreciate all of you for creating this vehicle to do deep dives into unique topics while meeting great people!"

RF

"Thanks for the invitation I enjoyed the session last night ..... My first glance at the subject matter "Conformity” I thought it was going to be relative easy topic….but in thinking about it today I thought the conversation was robust and informative .....and I concluded today that because the group comprised of successful women it made for a robust and informative conversation...Thanks again Yours in Progress"

GM

"The session was great. It was a fun topic and I enjoyed the pre-work. It definitely got me thinking again about how I want to live my life. The discussion made everyone on the call stop and evaluate their current and future situations. I liked that in the end it was rephrased to be “are you living your best life”? I think that really changes it in a very positive way vs. a list of things we want to accomplish or do before we die😊"