What amazing and supportive comments I have had from you dear friends this week. It is quite obvious I am not alone in dealing with rude customers and trying to make a go of it in this tough economy. Thank you all for your thoughts and the time it took you to respond to me. I appreciate you all more than you can know.
My best girls (my sisters and daughter) are having a quilting retreat this weekend! WOO HOO!!! I have been dreaming of this for the past couple of weeks. We will drive up to Andrea's in Granite Bay, where it is 100 degrees (instead of 66 degrees where I live) and set up our sewing machines and sew up a storm for almost three entire days. Woo hoo again! We can wear sleeveless tops and not worry about our flabby arms. We can eat whatever we want and not feel guilty. We can say anything, knowing our audience will love us no matter what.
I SO need a break. From financial issues, from crazy customers, from the daily grind. A wonderful three days spent with the people I love the most. We will set up our quilting studio in Andrea's kitchen, and sip watermelon margaritas and talk about better days. It will be fabulous.
So, what shall I work on? Here's what I am thinking.
Toulouse.
Prairie Paisley.
Neptune.
And my latest new project, in conjunction with Cheryl at Gran's Place, BIRDSEYE.
What to do? What to do? So many choices, so little time. OK! I am off to pack the car~
Sounds like the best time ever. Can't wait to see what you accomplish. Enjoy, Nicole....you deserve it!
Posted by: Kathleen | July 17, 2009 at 07:28 AM
Have a wonderful time! I know that you will.
Posted by: MichelleB | July 17, 2009 at 07:31 AM
Work on them ALL!
Have a safe trip. Enjoy the time away. And even better, enjoy the time with your daughter and sisters. You've got a trail of quilters green with envy this weekend. Can't wait to see your quilt tops on Monday.
Posted by: Allyson in Alaska | July 17, 2009 at 07:37 AM
I know that you will have the best time! Relax and enjoy the company... sounds like you will have a fabulous time no matter what your project is. And those watermelon margaritas sound DELICIOUS! Hugs, Elaine in SLO, Ca
Posted by: Elaine | July 17, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Look at how organized your projects are all in their own little box! I love that and must work on doing that myself. I would have a hard time picking which project to take too. I guess either the one you most want to see finished or the one that you have the least amount already started. Or the one that will be the easiest to do because after watermelon margueritas your math skills might not be so good. Have a great time!
Posted by: Ferne | July 17, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Oh how fun! Enjoy the de-stressing!! I look forward to seeing what you accomplish!!
Posted by: Tricia T. | July 17, 2009 at 08:36 AM
Pictures! I want to see pictures, so don't forget your camera.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | July 17, 2009 at 08:38 AM
Ahh, I'm thrilled for you to have this much needed break. Enjoy my friend, enjoy! I say take 'em all because I surely couldn't pick one either.
Posted by: Karen | July 17, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Sounds Marvelous! I would really like to try that watermelon margarita too, never heard of that one but sounds so...summery!
Have A good and safe trip!
Posted by: cockermom | July 17, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Oh, my gosh Nicole, you have to work on Birdseye. My pattern just arrived. I love that one. Have a swell time! Nancy in WI
Posted by: Nancy | July 17, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Oh ! Family that sews?? You LUCKY girl! Looks like its a 'Miss Rosie' project retreat! I got to take a couple classes from her BEFORE she published any patterns! She looks very different...I dont' think I would recognize her if I bumped into her. She was a great teacher and alot of fun...Don't forget the camera!
Posted by: Beth | July 17, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Wonderful! I am planning and dreaming of my quilting getaway that will happen in mid Sept. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by: Sharon | July 17, 2009 at 10:51 AM
I say bring them all! And be careful with that rotary cutter when you're sipping those watermelon margies! Enjoy yourself!
Posted by: Beth | July 17, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Aren't sewing retreats the best! You deserve a break and I vote for you to work on Toulouse. I love that pattern and actually purchased it, but haven't done it yet. I belong to a family that quilts also, and we have the best time when we get together. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us.
Posted by: Peggy Reilly | July 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Looks like you can't make a bad decision this weekend, I say work on the project that calls to you the loudest!
i bet those puppies will be so excited to see you when you get home, it will make the trip back to reality easier to cope with.
Have Nothing But Fun!!
Posted by: Thelma | July 17, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Sounds like a fun weekend, and a great way to getaway from it all. I can never decide what to work on, so I would take it all.
Posted by: Floss | July 17, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Have a GREAT time - it sounds glorious!!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | July 17, 2009 at 03:26 PM
Have a great time away from the stresses of normal life, sew , laugh and thoroughly enjoy your self and eat alot of chocolate
Posted by: Jeannette | July 17, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Have tons and tons of fun! Birdseye is on my list of Have to Do's...I love it!
Posted by: Carol | July 17, 2009 at 03:50 PM
It sounds good to me and whatever you decide to do will be perfect it always is engoy your time relaxing I will be thinking of you's having fun send hugs to everyone from me.
Hugs Mary.
Posted by: Nanna mary | July 17, 2009 at 04:12 PM
Have a wonderful time! It is tough everywhere, including in my home, but we take it day by day. Enjoy a stress free weekend :o)
Posted by: Colleen | July 17, 2009 at 07:18 PM
Time away from your regular routine will recharge your batteries and refresh your soul. Have a great time and really enjoy your family and loved ones.
Posted by: Patty | July 17, 2009 at 10:12 PM
neptune!! i see a trend in your pattern selection... ha!! have lots of fun and sew up a storm!
Posted by: jaybird | July 17, 2009 at 10:17 PM
I really liked the part about wearing sleeveless tops and not worrying about flabby arms. That is real comfort with each other!
Posted by: Karen Beigh | July 18, 2009 at 03:30 AM
How wonderful to be able to just be yourself at a retreat and wear what you want, no worries besides how much stitching you can fit into the weekend! I'm sure you'll have plenty to share.
Posted by: Mary Flynn | July 18, 2009 at 05:29 AM