A Welcome from Ashley Rogers

Soul-to-Soul – A Modern-Day Online Salon

 

 

I always wished I had lived in 1920s Paris as part of the famous “Lost Generation,” where writers, artists, philosophers, and curious minds gathered to share ideas, challenge one another, and explore what it meant to be alive in a changing world.

They called them salons.

These gatherings brought together luminaries like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Gertrude Stein—voices that helped shape an era through conversation, creativity, and courage.

But salons began long before that.

Originating in 16th-century France, they evolved over centuries—from grand drawing rooms in Parisian homes to cafés and cultural hubs—always centered around conversation, curiosity, and the exchange of ideas. They were often led by women known as salonnières, who curated these spaces with intention, intellect, and a deep appreciation for dialogue.

It’s said that in earlier centuries, these hostesses welcomed guests while reclining on velvet daybeds—effortlessly presiding over conversations that shaped culture.

Note to self: Ask Vivi to find the perfect daybed.

One of the most famous salons was hosted by Gertrude Stein, whose Paris home became a gathering place for some of the most influential thinkers and artists of her time. Her partner, Alice B. Toklas, was equally well known for the food she served—nourishing both body and mind.

Many of these artists were expatriates—much like me—drawn to a place that allowed them to question, create, and redefine themselves in a rapidly changing world.

And in many ways, we find ourselves at a similar crossroads today.

In an age of unprecedented connection, many of us feel more isolated than ever—especially as we age. We long not just to consume information, but to participate. To be heard. To exchange ideas. To stay curious.

From that place, Soul-to-Soul was born.

A modern-day, online salon.

A space where writers, artists, thinkers, and everyday people can come together to share reflections, questions, stories, and creative expressions. A place without hierarchy or expectation—just thoughtful conversation and genuine connection.

Here, we explore life as it is and as it evolves—through curiosity, creativity, and the willingness to keep asking questions. From aging and reinvention to the role of AI in our lives, this is a space for honest reflection and shared discovery.

We invite you to be part of this 21st-century salon.

To listen. To reflect. To contribute.

To stay curious.

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“The search for truth is in one sense the story of conversation itself.”
— Madame de Staël