Quilting Daze

Six Degrees of Separation!

You already know that early last week I received a surprise invitation to attend a quilting retreat. Let me tell you how it happened and why it's "six degrees of separation". I received an e-mail on Tuesday morning from a lady named Jan asking about purchasing some of my stash I'd posted the day before. This was a second e-mail with her cell phone number (I never received the first e-mail) - she indicated that she was going away until Sunday and would I please call her. I called her immediately and we chatted and confirmed her purchase then she told me that she was about to leave and was headed to Bear Cabin Inn in Show Low, AZ. I told her to please tell Carol (the owner) that I said "Hi". I used to go to Bear Cabin Inn four times a year with a quilting group that fell apart three years ago. Tuesday afternoon I received a phone call from Jan and Carol asking me to please join them - I laughed and said no but promised I'd think about it and call Carol back on Wednesday with a final decision. I decided that for a variety of reasons I would not attend. Well, Carol asked that I please, please get my stuff together and get there ASAP. I chatted with Ron and we decided that I should attend. Mind you I didn't know any of the women in the group. ACK!!!!! LOL While I was there I discovered that another friend attends this camp and has invited me to attend in the past. Do you see all the 'six degrees of separation'? It's definitely a very small world. :-)

I made the three hour drive on Thursday morning and arrived at noon - in time for lunch. :-) I was able to sneak in because they didn't hear me arrive. I stood next to Carol and surprised her - it was great because we exchanged the biggest and tightest hugs!!! Jan came right over and introduced herself with a hug, then Jill did the same thing. A few minutes later the other three ladies, Marge, Linda and Dania arrived and greeted me warmly, as well. I felt so incredibly welcome - I knew right then and there that I'd have a fabulous time.

Jan said she and I were sharing a room so I unloaded all my 'stuffus' and got settled in. :-) The sewing machines were humming - those ladies are prolific and talented. Miss Rosie's Quilt Co, Kim Brackett (Scrap Basket Surprises & Scrap Basket Sensations), Fig Tree Quilt Co, etc were very well represented. I'm sorry I didn't get permission from all the ladies to post the pictures of their projects. I do have pictures of three flimsies I got to near completion. It didn't take long for me to start sewing. woohoo!!!! Three easy peasy projects!

Piece of Cake 2 by Thimble Blossoms with Portobello Market by Moda

This is a gift - do you think the recipient will like it?

Jelly Beans by Thimble Blossom with Oasis by Moda
Still needs an outer border


Jelly Squares by The Pattern Basket with Terrain by Moda

Still needs the outer border, as well.

I am beyond thrilled that I received the surprise invitation because I had a wonderful, wonderful time. I returned rested, relaxed and inspired.

Jan, Jill, Marge, Dania and Linda were strangers and are now new friends!

Thank you, Carol, for insisting that I attend.
I feel very blessed!

Thank you for letting me share!

In Friendship!