I'm back from my first ever quilt retreat. So fun to get away from everyday life with a group of people who have the same goal "What can I create today?" It's amazing how much stuff needs to be gathered and taken to a retreat. Sleeping bag, pillow and an extra blanket, shower supplies, clean clothes and most important all the sewing stuff. Irons, ironing board, a lamp, extension cords, cutting boards, scissors, thread, cloth, miscellaneous tools and inspiration, oh yea a sewing machine! I opted not to take my sewing machine this time and just work on some hand sewing while I was there. I took my traction machine for my neck instead.
I do like to just relax and do some hand sewing occasionally but it seems to get pushed to the back burner more often than not. I have a couple of projects that I either bought on a trip or after a trip to remind me of the vacation. One is from a trip to Napa, California, the other is from a trip to Ireland. So it was good to work on these things and talk to the people around me and laugh. Laughter is always good.
We were at a lake for this retreat and I have never been to a lake while the ice was breaking up. I couldn't believe how loud it was. That was so fun to hear! I love nature and don't think I will ever stop having a child's delight in the magically complex, simplicity of our environment. I took some photos of the ice, the snail shells washed up on the beach, trees and leaves. I am just starting in a group that will be creating bark and leaves on postcards so I took lot's of pictures of the trees. I was just starting to get some leaf photos when my battery went dead in my camera. I'll have to go to a park around here and get some photos of leaves to study.
I forgot one more thing we each brought to the retreat was a snack to share. I have to show you this photo of cupcakes that Wanda made. She has such a wonderful sense of humor and it even shows in her food!
