Making Time. A Mama Retreat.

One old friend. Two sewing machines. Three knitting projects. A huge collective fabric stash. And a road trip to a cabin in the woods.

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  There was coffee and chai. Good food and nice wine. Sewing and knitting. There was quiet and conversation. And "oh-my-god-this-bag-only-took-me-an-hour!" exclamations. (Oh, the miracles of crafting without interruption.)

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There was a walk in the woods. Along the river that gave my clan our name. To the spot where Pete and I were engaged some 13 years ago (both of us in chest waders and me soaked through) and then beneath the hemlocks where we were later married.

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There was an auction. Aunt Lois's auction. It was bitter-sweet and I bought up embroidery stitched by her mother, my Great-Grandma Nellie and some other treasures I'll share with you some soon day. I stood beside my mom and watched as memory-steeped possessions left, box by box that grey morning. Letting go.

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There was much remembering and sharing of family stories – new and old – and wondering what will ever bring me back to this little town where my family has lived for two generations now that Aunt is gone.

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And then we returned to the river. To knit. To sew. To rest. To play.

Now I am home, steeped in gratitude. Appreciating Pete. Appreciating my kids. Appreciating home. And appreciating my made-it-in-just-one-hour bag. Appreciating making time for myself all weekend long.

I am blessed.

Love,
Rachel

14 thoughts on “Making Time. A Mama Retreat.

  1. Elby says:

    Our hearts ache to let go, but there is beauty in the eternal cycle. Your aunt’s treasures will go on to be loved and cherished again by others. And so we are all connected…as always.

    Peace to you and your family.

  2. Pamela R says:

    Someday, my friend. I envision a day when my kiddos are ready to be on their own and I pack up my sewing machine, knitting needles and a couple of bottles of wine and we hit the road. Ah, I feel it calling me. 🙂

  3. Denise says:

    I laughed when I read “old friend” considering the first thing I did this weekend was pull out the ole hair dye to put off facing all that grey just a bit longer! Ha! It was a beautiful weekend indeed. The stillness and peace has managed to come home with me as well. Soooo good. Much love to you.

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