1. a. The act or process of withdrawing, especially from something hazardous, formidable, or unpleasant. (read: Real Life)
b. The process of going backward or receding from a position or condition gained. (As in, forgetting all my quilting hang-ups, opening my eyes to new ways of doing things)
2. A place affording peace, quiet, privacy, or security.
3. a. A period of seclusion, retirement, or solitude.
b. A period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, or study: a religious retreat.
(taken from thefreedictionary.com)
On Saturday, I spend the day at the home of a very thoughtful and generous friend. 8 of us gathered to sew with Victoria, in an amazing space decked out with tables, chairs, ironing boards, cutting mats, hot tea and homemade caramels. At one point or another throughout the day it fit each of the definitions for "retreat" above. Peaceful, secure, withdrawal for meditation, contemplation. I was only part of the retreat for less than 10 hours, but it really gave me a chance to think about things differently and appreciate things in a new way.
Some photos:
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| Mosaic Geese in Flight, 1890-1910 Folk Art Museum, maker unknown. |
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| L>R: Me, Bonnie, Kim, Helen |
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| V, taking the best photos. |
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| Andrea |
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| The sweatshop setup |
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| Radiating Squares ready to go. |
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| and look who we found in the scrap bin! |
- Scrappy quilts don't have to be made with scraps.
- it's better to think less and sew more.
- women need other women. (I knew this one, but had forgotten.)
- the AccuQuilt Go may well be a wise investment..
- I ♥ New York.
I'm still collecting my thoughts after the experience but I can tell you that my creative energy has been renewed and new ideas are flowing faster than I can jot them down. The suitcase isn't unpacked yet though so I have nothing to show just yet. Hopefully soon. I have a lot of playing to do.
