Thursday, March 4, 2010

The Annual Woman's Retreat

This is my dear friend, Donna, and I. We have just finished doing the "Chicken Dance." Why, you ask? The answer is simple...it was part of the frivolity of our annual woman's retreat, of course! Just a bit of nonsense that we add to an annual retreat that combines spirituality, arts and crafts, great food, walking in the beautiful outdoors and is held at a wonderful center in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.

Last year, our theme was "Nesting." We like to love to decorate to match our theme (us being Silver Bellas and all ;-)) and even have all the accoutrements match (the file folder, the name tag, the journal, the pencils, etc. etc. etc).  This lovely banner was made by Hope Mallott, my swap partner in the banner swap hosted by Kari Ramstrom, Artsy Mama. It was part of her wonderful "A Year Of Color."


Our "serious time" included journaling, discussions, music and poetry around the life cycle of the bird (metaphorically, us as women).We ended with discussions about leaving this world, including the great tunes, "Why Walk When You Can Fly" and" I'll Fly Away." This is me being serious...


In the evening, us Mama Birds, had a Mamma Mia dance contest, followed by the movie. That's where the chicken dance came in (we didn't win but we thought we were pretty cute). 

This is our tenth year of doing the retreat and it will be held in (gulp) five weeks. We are busy getting ready. Donna flew in (like a bird-haha) last week to help plan for "Walk In Beauty." We spent five days busily planning, making assignments for leading sessions, discussing and making lists for "fitting crafts" and tearing our hair out when it didn't seem it fit together. In the end (as is typical) all turned out well. Donna left on Monday (I was so sad as were the furbabies who were treated to daily walks). We both have a lot of work to do but I trust it will all fit together. I will fly to Rapid City several days before the retreat. This year (for the second time), Kat is going to assist us. We are so pleased. She is so creative, fun and a great help. 

I promise I will have pictures...you can trust that some will be really funny!
-Suz

17 comments:

  1. I know it will be amazing. You lit up when you talked about it at Silver Bella!

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  2. Oh man! I miss preparing for the retreat! Lace tablecloths and dyes and all the cutting and pasting...I'll be excited to hear how it goes this year~ Best of luck! great theme~
    Hugs, Stacie

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  3. LOL ~ you have nests on your heads! The pics are great. Loks like a ton of fun!

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  4. Hey girl!! Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog and it feels good to know that I inspired you to start one up! BTW I have an annual retreat with some gals as well and ironically this year our theme is Nesting..LOL! Have a great weekend!

    Sandy xox

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  5. Hi- just heard about you from Lynn at Blue Skies- welcome! Loved your post about the Mall of St Paul- I love that shop as well! Looking forward to reading more!

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  6. Hi! Linda of Blue Skies invited me for a visit! So glad to have found you! I've read your posts and enjoyed each and every one. Yes, even the silly "fluffybutts". As a cat, if I am objective, I am quite talented at spotting true cuteness, even if it is in a dog ;)

    Good wishes for a fantastic "nesting" retreat! Sounds like lots of fun!! Be sure and show pictures on your blog when the dust settles!!

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  7. Wow! Where do you hold your retreat??

    Just curious as I live in Deadwood....

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  8. Pam,
    We hold them at Outlaw Ranch in Custer. Would be happy to email you information.
    Your jewelry looks fantastic! I will go back and take a better look.
    Suz

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  9. Glad the package arrived (so quickly!) and that you're enjyoing it. You know I couldn't send an *empty* sewing box. Glad you like the goodies!!

    This retreat sounds fantastic, Suz. You're all going to have so much fun!! Can't wait to see the pics.

    Kari

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  10. I was in the black hills this last summer...so beautiful there, and lots of great shopping for vintage stuff too! Sounds like a great get-a-way for you and your gal pals..

    Have fun!

    Joy

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  11. Hi Suz
    I am so glad you started a blog! How exciting for you. I loved reading through your post and catching up. I hope to see you and Donna again at Silver Bella, I have so many good memories of the two of you. I wish I was closer so I could attend you retreat. Looks like so much fun. Take care and hugs to you Denise

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  12. I used to go to the ladies retreats that my church held. they were always a lot of fun. I havent been to church, in quite a few years..but I bet they still have them! I bet your next one will go off perfectly!
    thanks for the sweet comment you left on my blog!
    hugs
    vivian

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  13. Hi So glad you stopped by!
    That retreat looks like a blast! Nothing better than getting together with other woman, creating and encouraging each other...and an occasional chicken dance. Hey who am I to judge :)
    Blessings
    Rebecca

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  14. How fun- love the matching jammies!

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  15. Hi Suz!

    I couldn't find your email address anywhere, so I'll just comment again....

    Yes, I would be interested in getting the info on your retreat!

    My email address is shown on my blog---I think it is in the upper left hand sidebar....

    Thanks!!!

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