SUMMER CAMP
I remember as a child I always wanted to go to summer camp like I
saw on television or in the movies. It just looked like so much fun for
an entire week with no responsibilities. It wasn’t until about twelve
years ago that I finally saw that dream come true and I went to camp.
Well, it wasn’t exactly camp like in the movies or on television. But it
was about as close to what camp for adults should be.
QUILTING RETREATS
Picture a group of retired women who all share a love of quilting and
are also good friends spending four days together doing exactly what
they want to do which is quilt all day and have their meals prepared by
someone else. It sounds like heaven to me and to those of us who
attend. At this retreat center we have basic lodging, a large classroom
with tables and chairs, bathrooms, and a small kitchen with just a sink
and refrigerator to chill our white wine and soft drinks. Next to the
classroom is another kitchen with an automatic coffee machine. But
the very best part of this retreat center is the dining room with a chef
who cooks our three meals a day!
When we first started going to our summer quilt retreats we knew
once a year was just not enough so we made this outing a bi-annual
event with a summer and spring retreat. It is so interesting to walk around
the room and see what each of my friends are making. Quilts of all
different sizes, colors, and designs are being made for charities,
friends, gifts, and for no other reason than trying out a new pattern with
gorgeous fabrics. It’s therapy at it’s best! We even play some fun
games and have prizes for winning.
SUMMER RETREAT
I’ve been busy the past week packing for my annual summer retreat.
It’s a bit like moving out of my sewing room as I gather all my rulers,
rotary cutters, scissors, cutting mats, and NUMEROUS supplies. Not to
mention my sewing machine and extension table. It’s a long list I’ve
printed out so I can check each item off and make sure I don’t forget
something critical. (Not really critical except to me that is). I have all
my assorted projects organized and in tote bags. I always want to
make sure I have enough to do. Of course I have never gotten
anywhere close to finishing what I have brought because of all the
talking and laughing and walking to and from the meals three times a
day, plus playing games and taking breaks by walking around the
beautiful grounds outside.
Going to summer camp when I was a child would have been
wonderful but going to summer camp (I mean retreat) as an adult is
more fun and more rewarding than I could ever have imagined.