lots of talk about retreats
 

Lately on this site there has been a lot of talk about retreats, what to bring, and group sewing vs sewing at home. Our guild had one a few weeks ago. My sister, who attended with me, shared with me the comment one of the ladies made, the day after a handful of us stayed up and shared a bottle of wine. She thanked her for that time, as her husband has a position in our small town that puts him in the spot light often, and people always treat her like "his wife". He has made decisions that are not always popular with the community. She said it was so nice to get away for the weekend and just be herself, and be included as one of the girls. Hearing that comment, really put things in perspective for me, and reminded me of the importance to reach out and try to make everyone welcome, as quilting ladies are so well known for doing just that, and just how good any kind of retreat can be for you in many ways besides getting UFOs finished.

So very true. How observant and kind you are to understand that message.

I think everyone (male or female) needs a little "me" time. It is great to spend time with people of like interests. It is always fun to retreat with other quilters--I always learn a little tip or trick that inspires me!

I love my retreats. A couple of them are so far away that I only see the ladies one time per year and it is like a big reunion. We have so much fun. One of the spring retreats never has an opening so the leaders decided to have another one in the fall and I get to take my mother in law. I think she will love it. We dont even have to do quilting so she is bringing her knitting.

It is important to circulate and get to know as many people as possible. Sit at different tables for meals. Everyone has new things to tell. One problematic retreat has two cliques that come and sit together and eat together. Leaves the rest of us to sit together. Not too much of a problem since I like the other ladies and we are mostly the quilters and misc craft people and we have fun.