It always with mixed feelings that I both go to and return from an art retreat. It is always a busy time getting ready to exit the house and to leave the family - it is sad to be away from them, but enriching and fulfilling to immerse myself in the creative world I feel so passionate about for a time. Then, there is the return home, which although brings joy in being reunited with the ones I love brings perhaps a smidgen of resentment as I am catapulted back to reality and removed from the peace and timelessness being totally focused on creating brings over three short days.
All that said, I wouldn't have missed the artistic journey retreat for the world. This year it was in my second most favourite city Melbourne. The Cathedral had a wonderful Neon sign up that said "Imagine Me and You I Do" As my roomie and dear friend Ursula and I headed off from the city to Swinburne it was visible as the sun rose and as we wearily returned at dusk it still shone.
Jo and Jacky did a mega job and provided a wonderful group of inspiring and talented artists. Misty Mawn Nina Bagley Traci Bautista, and our own home grown Ro Brun strutted there stuff over the weekend.
What a treat it was to finally meet Misty. Misty's was the very first blog I ever discovered, I fell in love with her work and her gentle soul . Misty "s class was an absolute pleasure to be in. I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to share in her generous and inspiring teaching. Misty, gives as a teacher when you think that she couldn't possibly have any more tricks or techniques up her sleeve, she does so with grace, modesty and a gentle warmth, she is a treasure. Thankyou Misty, for all you gave. Traci is such a professional - her class was action packed as was Mistys and bursting with colour. This is a gal that knows the business and I am sure is one of the hardest working people in the business. I didn't get to be in a class with Nina this time - I still have an unfinished piece from Perth! I left that to the nimble fingered, but had the pleasure of sharing some of her wonderful southern humour and good company, Nina is such wonderful company and I look forward to reading more of her wonderful words as she continues her journey back to the southern hemisphere. It was wonderful to see Ro again. This is one talented lady who knows a thing or two about time management. She is so generous and totally oozes colour and creativity. (OK, so it looks like the photos are placing themselves! sorry, I'm sure you can work it out)
I have so much more to share - of both the classes and the streets of Melbourne. Ursula and I managed to fit a whole lot in in a considerably short space of time. Ursula as always was wonderful company and a top room mate - she is slowly, but surely training me in the "less is more" packing method. I still have a ways to go. Fortunately my dear friend is patient as well as talented and generous, and, I must add tolerant! I leave you with her awaiting our taxi on exit from the burbs of Sydney - no prizes for guessing which bags are mine, and which are hers! 
In True "better late than never" fashion, I finally get my act together to join the now finished crusade called "CUT IT OUT" a journey into stencil cutting. There are some amazing examples of serious stencil cutting.
