While in Missouri this month, my darling daughter created a quilt shop stop list for our drive home. When she started down this dirt road, I had NO idea what was about to happen. In fact, even though there is a sign in this first picture, I didn't see it - just the dirt road through the soy bean fields.
Well, now. It's kind of a sad morning as we are packing up and have to load the vehicle. Yes, I'm whining a bit, but I AM sad that the retreat has ended. I pack up my stuff in the room and head into the center. Jen's quilt is up on the wall -- borders on. I have no idea what time she went to bed but has to be oh so tired.
We all get our areas packed up and there is just SOOO much. Consolidate, consolidate, consolidate. Once we are all packed and things are out of the room, there is a brief moment of relaxation for some. This has been a fabulous time and we are in unison that we wish to return. A Facebook group just for Doan Girls Retreats has been created and it is for those who have shared this amazing experience. I cannot express strongly enough how inspiring and genuine they all are. The love they have for each other shows in all they do and how they work with others in the company. We really don't have a single complaint to share. This experience has been OVER THE TOP.
Good Morning from Hamilton, Missouri - the home of Missouri Star Quilt Company. We are having a BLAST and loving every minute of being here. Everyone is up and fed and ready for the next class to start. We are making the Half Moon Rising Table Runner. Circles SCARE me so this will be interesting.
Good morning to all!!! We are up, showered, fed, and ready to learn. As I approach my table, there is a gift bag for each person awaiting us. Inside are lovely little treasures. How fun is this? Up front, the teaching area is being set up and I've taken a seat on the front sofa so that my visual needs will be met. I KNOW people think it's something else, but the fact is that I learn better when I have a clear view of what is being taught. People and things in front of me are distractions and I miss things. I even did this in church for YEARS. It's just how I learn. As I wait the front is finished up.
Let the classes begin!!! We are dressed as quadruplets and ready for whatever the day may bring. Remember that this is new to ALL of us and we're just going with the flow.
Y'all know that I can't just go on a trip and drive past fun stuff. I've got to get out and explore just a wee bit. Didn't you know that? Did I take it for granted that you did? At any rate, today, we are leaving from Mountain View, AR and two hours away, just south of Branson, is Top of the Rocks Lost Canyon Cave Trail in Missouri. Now, in the interest of transparency, I did call my friend, Ramona, to ask about this place first, but she didn't know anything about it. Well then - someone has to take the first step. We do get a bit lost finding the exact location we wish to be at, but are soon through the doors and boarding our golf cart to adventure. We are No. 46 and are told that that is important to remember. Apparently some folks get disoriented and forget where they parked along the way. It could happen. Once we have our cart, let's get this party started. The view is beautiful but I know it's gonna just get better. At least that is what the website said.
Driving along the road in Missouri, Jen and I notice a billboard for Lambert's Cafe - Home of the Throwed Rolls and we just start laughing. Too bad we just had lunch. Then --- just a wee bit further down the road, Samantha spots another billboard and this one says QUILT SHOP (behind Lambert's). Alrighty then ---- we take the exit and are soon at Sew Simple Quilt Shoppe in Ozark, MO. From the moment we walk in, I am drawn to a longarmer in the back and ask to watch a bit. She is quilting sheep into a child's quilt and it is just so darling. Then I start to wander a bit.
