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Shoe created by Lynn at create...breathe
"J" tag created by Sarah at The Gypsy Mermaid
I'm on the fence about a few things lately...
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Wooden beeswax tag I made in Anna Corba's class
Baby bootie gifted to me by Lynn at create...breathe
All of these GREAT BIG creative retreats are coming up and I just can't decide if I am going to register again this year...or not.
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red silk rose created by Sharon at A Fanciful Life
miniature shoe gifted to me by Debbie at Talking Trash
Late last year, I registered for a retreat in Savannah Georgia that I'll be attending at the end of April. I'm really looking forward to this one as I've never been to Savannah before, plus I'm so excited to be meeting some new blog friends, especially my roommate ~ Karen of Some Days are Diamonds.
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birthday party hat created by Sandy of Sew Revived
"all for love" tag created by Tiffany of Shabby Scraps
tiara gifted to me by Stephanie of Crowns & Pearls
There is talk around blog land of new retreats, registration openings, who is signing up for what, etc.
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enameled pendant created by Sue of My Mother's Pearls
"J" tassel created by Chantal of Wishblooms
And I'm here with my panties stuck on the fence...debating whether I will sign up for them this year...or not.
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nest and floral collage created by Sarah of The Gypsy Mermaid
scapular my Dad wore around his neck when he passed away in November 2009.
Last year was a VERY busy year for me and when I look back on it, I really don't know how I did what all I did. It was an emotional roller coaster and I was an emotional wreck. Although when you looked at me, you wouldn't know it unless you asked. Then I would fall apart. One day I'd be traveling and having fun but in the back of my mind and heart, I'd be wondering if this was going to be the day I'd loose my father.
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I attended two retreats last year. Silver Bella (for the second year in a row) and The Texas Bellas Retreat. Both were awesome as I really loved meeting up with my long time blog friends but I think I've come to realize that I like the smaller retreats the best. The ones that are not rushed by classes and time limitations. The ones that you can just sit and chat for hours and share inspirational tips in between creating and snacking. The ones that you can spread out on the floor, take your shoes off and just be you, like no make-up, hair in a pony tail and favorite jeans. The ones that everyone knows each other by their blogs, visits often and leaves comments. More importantly, the ones when they see you in person, they run up to you with a big hug and call you by name...
You know, the "sister type" of retreat.
name tag I made myself a couple of years ago...for just in case no one knew my name ;)
This is my inspiration board below, or shall I call it my inspiration nest. It is a metal bird cage given to me last year by one of my best friends, Janet. After cleaning up my studio recently, I finally hung it up. I just love it. I have filled it up with gifts from blog friends, some of whom I've met in person at retreats and some of who I've only met through blogging.
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I still have some empty spaces on my inspiration nest to fill and I don't like being on the fence in fear of missing something great or missing the chance to meet someone special.
I dread the thought of not seeing my friends again but I dislike the thought of the all day classes and the rush-rush of a busy weekend even more. What the heck is wrong with me? Am I the only one?
Am I the only one on the fence?
Come sit on the fence with me and tell me your thoughts
OR
push my butt off the fence (but be careful of my panties) and tell me which retreat WE should be going to!
;)
Pa-leeeze!
49 comments:
I promised my hubby that I would wait and see what workshops were lined up for Silver Bella before committing.
I want to go (and maybe even be less shy this time), but I have to be realistic...
Also -- I am getting such joy out of my first post-Bella swap, that I think I could be content just doing a series of those (I don't think I could handle more than one at a time)...
There are some pretty good choices out there, that's for sure...
Oh, Jodie--you KNOW you want to! You don't strike me as the sit-at-home kind of girl! Maybe just not ALL of them this year...pick and choose...
Someday I'll have to choose one--I keep hearing about them and it sounds like so much fun!
Some days we have no energy and can't see past our front door...tomorrow may be completely different and your soul will be soaring and excited to get out there again...wait and see!
Hope you're having a wonderful night...whichever side of the fence you're sitting on!
Jodie, I am just sooooo looking forward to finally getting to "meet" you in Savannah - which I think will be a . . . less than Silver Bella - more than "kick off your shoes" kind of an event. I think it will be more personal, I think we'll both know other gals and have a great time . . . and learn new stuff!
Hey, a bottle of Pinot Noir, a bottle of Whiskey and we are GOOD TO GO! Let alone, Ghost walks, antique shops and FOOD! YES!
Love you.
:) Me.
Well, I'm a little bit weird in this regard. When I read about such retreats I always think that it must be fantastic to meet a lot of girls with the same interest at once. When I'm there I'm not so sure anymore. It's kind of overwhelming for me and I would rather be with only a few girls. I see others having a lot of fun in large groups but I guess I'm just a "small-group-girl". So I will gladly join you at the fence :-)!
xoxo,
Julia
Mmm over here there are no art retreats at all, so no choices for me. But please can I sit next to you on the fence? Love that bird cage, it is one of the very few things that are available in the States and not over here (yet), which is good. Have a lovely day!
I am with you Jodie on going to smaller ones. I checked into going to the Savannah one but after reading all about the intense creating... a little over my little pea-picking head:) Anyway, I would love to meet all of my blogger friends face-to-face but I would enjoy the smaller gatherings over the huge ones. Have a blessed day Jodie!
I much prefer small and intimate in any kind of setting so I can certainly understand where you are coming from. I would say if you are having reservations, then you need to follow your heart and do what is right for you. Maybe Savannah will give you more insight. If it is small and personable, you may find that is definitely more your cup of tea. Believe me, we all change and once used to be fascinating, fun and exciting, can all of a sudden be overwhelming. It is quite possible that God gave you so many opportunities for fun and excitement last year because you needed to take your mind off your dad and what was happening with him. This year may be one where you sit back and do much more contemplating. Do what is right for you. Many blessings, Tammy
Jodie,
I am with you 100%!! mom and I have been talking about all this. It sounds like everyone is trying to out do one another and the cost is outrageous! I want to do smaller scale and be able to relax, create and enjoy. I hope you were describing mine:) hope to see you soon!! Love you - Chantal
first i have to say, that i would SO love to go to Jenn's event...i know it is going to be wonderful, and lots of fun...lucky you...as for the bigger events, i don't think i would enjoy myself at those...too overwhelming for a shy girl like me...
********BIG PUSH**********
Get off that fence girl and do something! ;)
Now you know you can always tag along with me on my trip to Cali!! Its not a big one. Come on now... come on! And besides you havent been sitting on that fence long you have the travel bug and your always going weither its with your vet friends, sweet hubby, loving Rosa, sisters and neices, and of coarse your most favorite church point girl ME! hehe Just sign up for where you want to travel to not for what classes your taking or whos all going. GO FOR YOU!!! I still say everyone we love should come down in our parts and have a southern LA weekend the right way! Call me when you get a free day. We can plan something and talk about all the events! hugs
toodles-
sarah
Well girl I don't know how to help you here. Maybe you could hold your OWN retreat and organize a theme and invite bloggers and like minded souls to come to you and get your groove on at home!!!!!!!!
I'm just sayin no matter where they are held, somebunny is in charge right?
Jemellia and I were just trying to decide as well. We signed up for Mary Englebreit because she is a legend and we can take two Kaari meng classes (say no more). I was signing up for Creative Connection but realized you can only take one class per day. So it is back to Silver Bella for us. I would like to find a way not to be so exhausted next time. So one old and one new for us. But feel free to take me to France...
Jodie! :) What a whirlwind of fantastic events coming up- as I've seen across blogland! I have so desperately wanted to attend Jenn's event, and it's my first one, so I'm not sure what to expect!! I'd love to go to Silver Bella, but I'm afraid I would lose myself there with so many girls and not enough time to really get to know a lot of them!! I hope that you pick out some that are inspiring to you and where you can really relax and let go and just have a fun girly time!! I haven't even met you yet, but I just know I'm gonna love you to pieces and I hope that we end up at another event together in the future!! :D
Wow you really had so many wonderful swaps and gifts last year. Lovely eye candy and inspiration for your creative space and for us too!!
I would love to go to a retreat too but would want to go to one that is more laid back and casual and one that I could learn new techniques at too.
I still think you should put one together for us!! You seem so organized and energetic!!!
Think about it!! :))
Savannah sounds wonderful!!
That will be my next getaway with hubby.
Dear Jodie,
It's difficult for me to answer these questions, because I'm unlike you in the respect that I do not like being over-scheduled, and I don't like social events, except for those of my own design (like family gatherings at home).
I don't normally ever watch Oprah, but the other day, Jerry Seinfeld was on there and Oprah repeated a quote that he apparently said to her last year when she was talking about the fact that she was feeling stressed from over-scheduling and he responded in regards to her life "It's yours to design".
I liked that and nodded in agreement. For me, numerous events, no matter how inspiring, stress me out to the point where I've lost my joy.
Only you know what you really want to do, and that's what I would recommend. Do what's going to make you happy. ♥
Blessings always,
Linda
Whoa!! I know you will be able to decide what is best for you when the time comes. It is so much fun meeting your blogging friends, but it is so busy. I have done two retreats the past two years and I am totally exhausted from travel by the time I arrive and a mess by the time I get back home. It is so awesome to meet so many of the girls, but I found I needed my me time for my bestest art buddie ever and we just were not able to do that with a large group. Run here, run there, do this, do that! I find that I cannot concentrate when we are suppose to be in the art mode. I love working alone and I can never complete a project in a big group! Have fun in Savannah! Loved seeing all your beautiful goodies.
hugs,
Debby
You KNOW what I think...
I think it is clear.............your fence is looking pretty darn good and nothing is pulling you off. I feel the same way.......First it is the money thing, second it is the time thing and third is I get to create now......a lot..so I am sitting on the fence here too......someday I know we will meet though......I know New Orleans is on my husband and I's wish list..........I love love your fence and all the creations and creators on it.....you are a lucky girl....Jodie!!!!!!!!!!!
So much nicer to be hanging on your wall than on the post office's!
I know you love Silver Bella so my suggestion is to go to that one and all the small ones you can squeeze in. When you return, your posts are always so happy and that makes me happy!
Debbie
P.S. Be careful on that fence...you don't want to end up with underwear that looks like you got it at Frederick's of Hollywood!
I love what Linda said via Jerry Seinfeld "It's yours to design". LOVE that!
Whatever you decide, I will tell you this, that THEY will be the ones to benefit by having YOU there! What an awesome talent you are and just a superb person!! I know they come away saying "I met JODIE from EVERYTHING VINTAGE!!" I know I would!!
You will make the right picks!!
Have a great day! :)
Lou Cinda
Wow, I just started reading your blog not long ago and it sounds like you are very loved here in blog land! I just love your inspiration nest, what a great idea!
I have never been to any creative retreats but it sounds like alot of fun. By the sound of everyones comments I think you will make the right choice. I always say If it feels good, Do it!
Thank you for sharing all those wonderful items...Life is too short, go and enjoy yourself!!
Jodie,
My butt is right on the fence with you!! I always don't want to "miss out" by not attending the "big events", but, too, am thoroughly enjoying the smaller, more intimate retreats where I have time to really get to know someone, breathe, and not feel like I'm completely wiped out when the event is over! I'm going back and forth right now about a couple of big events this year, but AM signed up for Kim Caldwell's event in July. Her events are always very relaxing, detailed and totally worth the $$$. So, add that to your list of "hmmmm...what should I do"...I'd love to have you come out to sunny So Cal to play!
Xo
Cheryl
I would love to be able to attend a retreat. The past three-and-a-half years have been miserable for me and I'm ready for some fun. But, family commitments keep me stuck at home, not to metion recovering from one surgery (already been off three weeks and will be off two more) and facing a second in just a few months (which will require two months recovery). Oh, how I envy you the chance for even indecision! LOL.
I do hope to attend the Antique Weekend this Fall in Round Rock. I'm already making plans to go as it's a logistical nightmare between work and home. My mom is to be my traveling companion. I told her to just make plans and we'll save our money so if we want, we can buy to our hearts content for out Etsy stores. But, that's all I have planned this year!
Smiles~
Marilyn
I'm not really sure what to tell you. This is my first year attending an art retreat as I only attended bead/jewelry conventions up until now. I know I'm exhausted already since I'm running swaps and helping out with the decor however I'm thrilled about the 4 days of creating, swapping and meeting new people. Perhaps this year you take a break from the big ones...
I am afraid I don't have any brilliant ideas for you as I have never been to one of these wonderful get-togethers...big or small. I always loved reading about them and thought "what fun". Well..I am going on one in just a few weeks. There are no agendas awaiting us...just some of us teaching the others what we know and they don't, good food, good times, shopping, antiquing...that sort of thing. One blogger is driving 4 hours to meet me and then we will drive together to the rendezvous spot with the others. I am so looking forward to it. On the 7 hour drive up we plan to stop at every little hole in the wall thrift/junk shop we see. :) woohoo
Hi Jodie,
I would love to be sitting on the fence with you, sweet one.
Must be so much fun to go to the retreats and meet beautiful people and make beautiful things.
I would prefer the smaller groups where I think they are often more relaxed and friendly.
I know whatever you choose to do, you will have fun!
It was a big year last year, for you and me, both loosing our Dads.
I love your Inspiration nest.
Hugs
Carolyn
Oi, I want to go with you so much.... I hate being soooo faar away!!! I should pack up my car and head on down and pick you up and we'll go hit a few markets and classes!!!! I love workshops, but I just can't figure out how to do it all, I know you will have a great time where ever you go!!! There are a lot of talented women out there! It is fun to get together and share ideas and have a laugh, I admire you for trying to get to them all!
Love the bird cage with all the tags!
Hugs,
Margaret B
Hey Jodie girl!
I was just thinking of you and then you came to visit my old leopard self!! I was so glad to see your comment. I was doing the happy dance:)
I was reading your post and I think you should go do what makes you happy. It sounds like you have had fun at these workshops in the past, so I say go do it girl! You never know what limitations will prevent it in the future.
I know exactly how you felt last year when you said you never knew if today was going to be the day you lost your father. I lived that same reality the year before. I know exactly how you felt. I was an emotional basket case shaking inside, but trying to remain strong for my mom. Not an easy thing to do!!
So I say go have fun, you deserve it for the roller coaster ride you had last year. Sometimes you dread the time leading up to the trip, the packing and anticipation,etc. but once you're there I'll bet you'll have a great time and who knows what new friends you'll make!!
Thanks for stopping by to visit me. It was nice to hear from you:)
I hope you are having a wonderful day!
XoXo
Gail
My best advice is to go with your heart and your gut. Our intuition is very strong and needs to be listened to. I have to say that while I loved Silver Bella, I'm still recovering from it! It was actually stressful (but in a good way) as the months leading up to it were so busy, keeping up with the Yahoo board, participating in five (yes, five for me the first timer) swaps, reading all the blogs of attendees, etc. This on top of all my normal life things such as my more than full time job, helping my mom and sister, going flea marketing, taking care of the house, etc. etc. While I love these types of events (I almost signed up for the Savannah one last fall), honestly, I'm just not ready for another as I don't feel caught up. Well, I guess my iMac purchase is also part of it as that was the cost of half of one of these trips, too. I will know when the time is right and which one, and so will you because YOU KNOW. Just be still and listen to what you hear inside. I do have to say though that the smaller more intimate event is one that seems to be calling out to me for that next one, whenever it shall be.
Hugs,
Sharon :-)
Jodie I agree with our dear Sharon, go with your heart and gut. Do it because you want to and you would mourn if you didn't. I want to go to Farm Chicks so bad this year, but it is almost impossible for me to leave Landon. I just NEED to go somewhere and do something. I want to meet a real live blogging buddie so bad. I wish it would be you.
Good luck with your decisions and ya better get off the fence before you get a rail impression on your
you know what.
hugs
hugs
I'm in awe of all the beautiful gifts that you pictured and I love how you have them displayed on your birdcage.
I have never been to a retreat and I think it would be a lot of fun to get together with people with the same passion for creating. Pick the ones that you know in your heart are the best fit for you....if you do go back to Silver Bella you need to come hang out with me for a couple of days in Kansas City (it's just a couple hours from Nebraska)...we could have a lot of fun!
Jane
Hmmm...that is a difficult predicament. I think you should attend the "Kramer Retreat". You will stay at the lovely Terra Cottage Inn in the Garden Room, I mean the Auntie Jodie Room, where you will have nothing but fun visiting lovely historic districts, thrift shops, and antiques stores (let's face it-it's all about the shopping:). Kramer will entertain you (once we coax him out from under the bed) while his mom cooks yummy foods and you sip wine (or beer-whatever your preference:). Anyway, the great thing about this retreat is that it doesn't cost anything (just your trasportation). So add the Kramer Retreat to your list-you are always welcome!
Blessings,
Kim
Hey sweet Jodie,
There really do seem to be so very many choices this year. (None, however here by me, of course!) I can only pick one retreat due to the cost of having to travel across country, so I am looking for getting the most bang for my creative buck, so to speak. As I had such an amazing time at Silver Bella last year (and yes, one of the major highlights was having you recognized my name and run up squealing to give me a huge hug!), it looks like I am Bella bound again this year. I was so selfishly hoping you would be there again, but just want you to know that whatever you decide - go with your heart and do what's best for yourself. (don't worry about lil' only lonely me missing ya - sob!!)
Love ya bunches!
Sue E.
Hey Jodie come with me to Florida for Cassandras Marie event. I dont think Im going to SB this year as Im with you and like a more intimate event. And if you decide on Kims event in CA you are only an hour and a half.....if that...away from me!!
Robin
Oh how lucky you are to be rooming with Karen for the retreat...and Savannah...I have always wanted to visit there! Maybe you can go to Paula Deen's restaurant!
I came to your blog through my sister Diane's blog, "Saturday Finds".
I had fun browsing your blog...I will be back soon!
Stay Cozy, Carrie
Hi Jodie
I LOVE your inspiration board {nest}!! Such a gorgeous spot to hold all your gifts! Maybe it's a good thing I live in Canada because I would want to sign up for all the retreats too if I lived close enough :-D
Thank you for visiting & your kind comment ♥
At the risk of whining (yeah, pass me the cheese to go with my whine) You did say you would come see me this year....*whine*...remmmemmmmber? LOL. OK, now that that is out of my system. And yes, if you want small, intimate, cozy...come on down gurl! We is it. We (as in) Paper Cowgirl. I'm posting classes on the blog on Monday. You don't have to take every class, pick and choose. We will have great food and I bet you will see blog friends and make new ones as well. Heck, I'll scoot over on the floor and you can plop down with me...and we can visit. I wold love that. But I will have to wear makeup...lest I scare the crap outta anyone! LOL LOL LOL.
hugs,
c
(paper cowgirl.blogspot) and of course,
yapping cat
That's a tough one, Jodie. Although I haven't been to a retreat, I can understand the exhaustion that results from a busy retreat. I *need* downtime, too! I'd prefer a retreat where I would feel comfortable enough with the ladies to say, " Can we all take a nap now and not make a darn thing for a minute?"
Oh Goodness! I can't help here! I have never been to one of these retreats and want to so bad! I say go to what you can afford. :) That's just the practical me....:)
~Liz
Thanks for visiting my blog. I can't help you with the decision as I haven't been to an event. In fact, I'm so new at that I'll ask you....How do you FIND OUt about all these events. I'd like to go just not sure what my choices are.
karen
Hi Jodie....You will figure out what to do. You are much to creative to let that creative juice just stay inside of you. If you like a smaller retreat, find a SMALLER RETREAT!! I'm new to this game so I have no idea which one to recommend, but I'm sure fellow bloggers will give you great direction.
Blessings,
Jo
jodie,
i don't know how you handled everything that you have during these past two years, and so expertly, i might add. but, girl, slow down just a little, and take in some deep soul-searching to discover what's missing and what you may be running away from. your creativity will unlock to even greater heights. just, one little thing to tell you (with love), the word you repeatedly use is incorrect--it's spelled "lose", instead of "loose".(they are two totally different meanings) that grammatical error drives me crazy. i figured you need to know that since everything else you write is perfect.
peace!
Jodie,
First off , I love all your creations .. I am a bit green that I am not so creative... a bit lazy lately... But I am feeling the need to make something , to do something artistic, even if it's simple and easy.
I totally get you on the smaller get togethers. Mind you , I have never been to any blogging events... but in general , I like small groups and like to be able to be myself also. Do what is right for you and you can't go wrong.
Blessings always1
Gwen
I like them big or small... I guess I just love meeting with and being with other creative souls! I also love to create, learn new things and just be inspired by others. I am thinking about attending the creative conncection hosted by Jo Peckham, in Sept in MN.
I just love your posts Jodie. They really make me feel connected to you. I hope you are having a wonderfully creative day!
Blessings~Hope
What you don't want to be a Junior Bella with me?? :) I understand...there are so many new retreats to choose from this year. It has been kind of easy for me to decide which ones to go to...until my husband gets back I'll be staying home. I have no one to watch my boys...all my family is far away. :) I don't want to twist your arm, but..just teasing, go with what feels right and know that if you miss SB you will be missed.
I've never been to a small retreat, only SB (last year) and while I had an awesome time....it was very rushed. I also enjoyed the shopping part of SB as MUCH as I did the classes! Being with like minded people that love the same things...thats what it was all about for me!
I will not be attending SB this year, but will be on the lookout for smaller events.
Robin
Oh...I so want to push you towards Silver Bella again...BUT, as your blogland/Silver Bella friend, I must say that if you enjoy the smaller events more and find them less stressful then you should focus on those creative retreats/activities. You are right that it IS difficult to spend much time with anyone at SB. I hated that I barely spent time with you this past year as you are one of my FAVORITE Bellas....
Life is too short to spend precious hours doing things that do not fill your soul. So, like Sharon said, you gotta go with your gut feeling...
Give me some recommendations on the upcoming smaller events you are considering as I have only attended Silver Bella and am open to considering other additional options. I know that the April event is one I should definitely consider in the future and cannot wait to read all about your experience as it sounds like some really fun, talented ladies (like yourself) will be attending...
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