This year is my seventh to go on retreat with this group of artists. We have become close friends and encourage each other, offer ideas for improvement, and push ourselves to create even when the weather is discouraging. With the group spirit around us, we keep creating.

I leave kitties, husband, garden, and chores behind. We plan meals that are quick and easy or eat out at the restaurants nearby. So the focus is painting. I’m usually exhausted when I return, but also nourished in the way that listening to good music is nourishing.