Chincoteague, Virginia

For the past few days I was away on a needlework retreat in Chincoteague, Virginia.  Though the group has been gathering for the past 10 years, this was my first time.

To say I was warmly welcomed is an understatement.  Four days of stitching with no agendas, no classes, and no commitments...sitting in a room filled with talented needlewomen is stimulation enough!

Not to mention the setting...

I couldn't help but wake up a few mornings and head to the beach on nearby Assateague Island to see the sun rise...

Assateague Island is part of the National Park Service and is home to wild ponies and tons of birds.  I didn't see any horses but I did see lots of birds...kingfishers, egrets, great blue herons, etc.

Next year I'll have to take my "birding lens" for my camera.  This year, I was caught quite unawares by the spectacular scenery...

Since we were at the beach, I worked and worked to try to finish that Rainbow Beach Shawl I've been working on for years. (Mine is knitted in Tahki Cotton Classics.)

My friend Carolyn made the same one in muted cotton colors...only difference is she finished hers about two years ago...

And hers is completely finished.  Notice the yarn ends hanging from the end of my shawl?  I still have all those ends to weave in as well as finish the edge.  But I'm close...

Close enough to have our picture taken (thanks Marian).

Spending a few reflective days in such a beautiful environment reminded me of this Gratitude film by videographer Louie Schwartzberg.  

Coincidentally, he's started a 21-Days of Gratitude series and it starts today.  For 21 days we will journey into Gratitude through daily meditations and stunning video and audio presentations.  If you'd like to join in, you may register here.  It's absolutely 100% FREE!

I figure it's a good way to get into the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Happy Monday everyone.