Before the retreat: We were
instructed to bring old magazines to the retreat, to cut up and use. So I hauled some National Geographics from
1990 out of the attic. My husband looked
at them suspiciously and said, “What are you doing with all those old magazines?” I said, “I’m taking them to the retreat, and I
will not be bringing them back home.” He
cheered up and said, “Oh! Is there
anything else you can take to the retreat and not bring back?!”
During the retreat: And here is what we did with the magazines
at the retreat.
It was either a “vision
board” or else a “stuff I like” board. When
making it, I was rather unfocussed. Plus
it’s hard to find stuff about God and faith in the magazines we had
available. Mine ended up as a mish-mash
of things I like now, such as soup and cookies, and things that are
unattainable goals, such as being clutter-free and saving the planet. Not deeply spiritual, but to me, God is
behind, in, and through every part of my life. There is something heaven-like about a bowl of hot soup or a good pie or a story or a restful night of sleep. The retreat was full of affirmation, which is a privilege and a blessing
and a necessity.
We were instructed to bring our favorite photo of ourselves,
and that is the photo in the middle of my collage. I am the one with the red beard.
For the object representing me as a work of art I brought… Einstein, of course! He’s my muse when I am attempting to write about science. He enjoyed getting out of the house, although perhaps he didn't dress warmly enough.
 |
| Einstein thinking about making a Linus Blanket |
 |
| Einstein at the Table of Temptation |
 |
| Einstein, posing in front of somebody else's very artistic vision board |
We painted these mason jars with some sort of glass
stain. I tried to get artsy-fartsy with
mine, making strategic drips, but it only ended up looking, well, drippy. Still, it makes a pleasant glow.
After the retreat: We
drove home in a snowstorm Sunday afternoon.
I was driving, and dropped my two friends off, sliding the whole way
around town. I said the word “Crap” and
other more interesting synonyms numerous times before finally getting home,
exhausted. It was a harsh re-entry. I want to reschedule next year’s retreat for
March instead of January.
 |
| This was BEFORE it snowed on Saturday, and again on Sunday. |
4 comments:
I miss Hiland's Women's Retreat so much. Even if it was in January and I dislike winter. The friendships and fellowship were enough to warm any heart.
I'm glad you survived re-entry, if only barely. Your view from that window is beautiful!
I'm glad you had fun--even though the reentry weather was icky.
I don't think I'd be any good at focusing for that kind of a project either.
It's hard enough to re-enter after a weekend away but a snowstorm just makes it even harder. I've said that word and a few synonyms a few times this week myself! Our roads are compact snow and ice, getting to be more ice than snow at this point.
"Table of Temptation" = perfect name!
Post a Comment