Tomorrow, I am going on a 4-day scrapbooking retreat with five of my good friends. I am beyond excited. We rent out a retreat house and are planning on
thoroughly enjoying a long-weekend of relaxing, eating (maybe a few glasses of wine too), crafting, and catching up with each other.
I will say that this annual event takes a LOT of time
and planning, but it's so worth it to me.
Generally, I work on about 20 scrapbooking layouts while I'm there, and this year is no different. I had to print out all of my photos, look
through my crafting stash to determine the supplies and tools I need to have with me for each, shop for items I didn't have, and get each layout organized into plastic pouches.
I also
had to come up with ideas for the meal I'm responsible for making. Each of us is responsible for making one meal. I had to write up a grocery list, ensure I have the recipes with me, shop in my house and the grocery store for ingredients, and be sure they're all packed up.
We have a Secret Sister exchange, so I had to buy/make items for that, as well as get them all wrapped and ready to go.
I had to choose my outfits for the weekend (mostly comfy clothes) and pack those up, along with my toiletries and such.
My husband tends to most of his meals
while I'm gone, but I always leave him one meal to heat up...this year I made him enchiladas.
Tomorrow, I'll be getting my hair done, which means one less thing to do.
Then, we'll have to transfer everything we're bringing from our homes into the vehicle. My friend, Jane, and I drive up together in her pick-up truck...and trust me, between the both of us and everything we
have to bring, we fill every inch.
Some folks may say...it's SO much work. Is is really worth it?
My short response? A big, resounding YES.
I always come back from this annual event feeling refreshed, happy, satisfied with my productivity, and ready to begin talking about next year's event.
Do you have something you look forward to every year? I'd love to hear about it! Reply and let me know.
If you don't have
something you look forward to annually, come up with a new tradition. Doing so keeps your eyes on something good and serves as an avenue for lasting memories.
P.S. And have no fear.
I've pre-written this newsletter for the next few days while I'm away. So, yes, there will be an issue in your inbox tomorrow morning!
