Monday, September 12, 2011

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!

32 comments:

sunny said...

What fun! I'm glad you had such a wonderful time.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

What fun! I'm glad you got to go.

I had a similar type surprise - a new lady joined our small group, and we started chatting through email - she lives in our town - and we will ride to our sew-ins together - and then I discovered that she is from my home town in Alaska - though we are a few years different in age - and know lots of the same people - indeed small world.

jan goerke said...

It was just so much fun meeting you after reading your blog forever. I especially enjoyed the late night chats. And YOU are the talented and prolific one!

Jan

carol fun said...

What a wonderful getaway! Great projects and great quilty ladies -- it can't be beat. So glad you got to go -

Allie said...

I'm thrilled that you got to go Darlene, and that you had such a good time - sometimes others know better than we do exactly what we need!!! LOVE your quilt tops you made!

AnnieO said...

Sounds like the recharging type of getaway most of us dream of, Darlene! So glad you overcame your initial reluctance and enjoyed meeting new quilters. As we know, quilters are some of the best folks around :)

Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...

Yes it is a small, small world. I have had many things like that happen. Glad you had a wonderful time and now have new friends to go to retreats with too!

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

How fun! Love your projects too. :-) Have a happy week!

Wendy said...

I'm glad it all worked out for you to join the retreat. Quilters really are a friendly bunch. Your new projects look fantastic.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Glad you had such a good time Darlene!

QuiltNut Creations said...

I love the flimsy's you brought home. glad you had such a great time

Deanna said...

They are all nice, but Jelly Squares is my favorite. So cheerful and bright. All of them are so lovely that the lucky receivers are sure to be pleased.

paulette said...

Wow!! Darlene...it felt like I got to go along with you!! BIG hug to you!! Now let's get sewing!! :o)
P

deb said...

Im so glad you went and had a great time...and wow did u get a lot done....and yes whoever the lucky person is will LOVE that quilt!!!!! small world thats for sure!!!!

Janet said...

What a lovely story and I'm so glad it was everything it could be. Now you have new friends and look at the three fab projects you got to work on.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

How fun! Happy to hear that you went and had a wonderful time AND made some new friends. Hooray for you!

Amy said...

Darlene,
Things happen for a reason, you were meant to be there!

Michelle said...

HOW FUN! You deserved it!!!

I love your tops!

Karen said...

I haven't attended a retreat in several years but always had so much fun at those I did. I am glad you decided to go.

Kaaren said...

Unplanned things like this always have a way of turning out for the best.

I'm thrilled that you had a great time and what's even more special is that you got to meet and make new sewing friends...not to mention that you also three new flimsies richer. *wink*

Thanks for sharing. Wish I could have been there.

Anonymous said...

Oh how fun! I'm like you and wouldn't have been sure to attend, dragging feet etc. Looks like you've got yourself a new fun grouping!

Robin said...

I am so pleased for you. A retreat, new friends, and a new refreshed you ready for fall.

Nanette Merrill said...

I'm jealous. Show Low is lovely. My sister used to leave there years ago. My BIL taught at the local high school. It is a fun place to visit. I'm glad you had fun.

Karen said...

So glad it worked out for you to go, what a fun thing. Life is always waiting for us with unexpected blessings!

pinsandneedles said...

Sounds like fun and who doesn't like a surprise especially one like that!!

Love your quilt tops...you were very busy!

Cheryl said...

How fun!!! I am so glad you went and had such a wonderful time. Beautiful quilts I might add!!!

Vivian said...

Those times away recharge our batteries -- at least they do mine. I need a different environment, female voices, a different perspective on my concerns about life, and the fellowship and friendship that I get from fellow quilters.
As others have written, you were meant to be there. I'm glad you could go.

Lori said...

What a fantastic story!! The quilt tops are lovely too!!

Carrie P. said...

Oh, what fun! So glad to got to go and make new friends.

Carol said...

Oh Darlene I'm so happy that you had a wonderful time! Nothing better than being away, sewing with friends (new and old)...love your flimsies...you got tons done! Happy, Happy Dance for you!

Quilts And Pieces said...

I love that jelly squares quilt. I need to get that pattern!

Quilter Kathy said...

Your retreat sounds wonderful...I'm green with envy!
And beautiful flimsies to enjoy!

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