I M Perfect lady

I had an incredible experience this past weekend…a great example of how it isn't the place, but the people that make life a thrilling ride.

We arrived at the quilt retreat, like you do to any time visiting a new place, with ideas in our heads a few expectations only to be greeted by reality.

A few of us were surprised, okay shocked and in awe at the starkness okay, the sheer utilitarian bare essentials.  No frills and creature comforts, just wood, cement and mattress.

Our cabins were situated along a lake, in the forrest…

When you opened the door the dormitory setting overwhelmed you, it took a moment or a day or two to realize that you were on an "Out Back" quilt retreat experience.  

It was the facilities or the lack thereof, that bonded us, that gave us oodles of laughter, and unwrapped our pretentiousness.  We all became one.

I had went on this retreat to get to know my husband's relatives better, and I was thrilled to see how they responded to this experience, for it truly could have gone either way. 

Instead of letting the state of the facilities set the tone, we used the facilites as fuel for extreme hilarity.

I know that this retreat will bring chuckles for years to come and a few are even breathing about 'next year', perhaps this was the first annual event.

I so admired the way we adapted to reality.

Our bed was a bunk bed, a thin mattress and wood beneath.  In a room of 20 beds, I never even considered taking two, even if there were 18 being unused.  I took my share….and that was all, until I heard of others using two.

What I have come to know, is that I would rather be with folks in sketchy places than be in a five star hotel with sketchy folks.

We worked together quilting, taking bits and pieces of individual fabrics, with different wonderful designs and color, all working seperately but together.  And just like the colors and the fabrics, we ladies each made a living human quilt as a group.  

Some brought the calm colors, or artful designs, there were giggles, the laughter, the kind presence, depth, wisdom, knowing, sharing and learning, personal as well as sewing techniques.

We each brought our selves and together we made a wild colorful intricate quilt.

And these quaint cabins were snuggle in pine trees….

If you look up the hill behind the cabin you will see the Ladies Room.

All in all, what I know for sure, it isn't about where you are, but who you are with.  Thanks Relatives for asking me and for making me feel like one of the family.