Monday, November 4, 2013

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.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chincoteague / Assateague. My favorite spot on earth.

Jen said...

Ever since I was a little girl reading Misty of the Chincoteague, I've been interested in visiting those islands. Finish that shawl, you are so close!

Judy S. said...

I'm with Jen. Misty of Chincoteague was, I think, the very first "real" book that I owned and loved it. Lucky you to spend time there doing what you love. Great photos! I'd been wondering about your rainbow shawl; you're so close to done. Go for it!

allie aller said...

Beautiful smiles on your faces!
The shoreline looks magical...thanks for the lovely glimpses...

Margaret said...

Love the photo of you and your friend in your shawls...ends and all! ;-)

Recently our priest pointed out that there is a difference between gratitude and thankfulness. The latter is the expression of the former. So let us be grateful -- and say so! :-)

Catherine said...

Beautiful pictures! I haven't been to either of those places in years ~ I remember being so awestruck at seeing the wild ponies ~ especially since Misty was one of my favorite books! Love the close up of you and your friends with your shawls ~ I could use one like that on these cold days!

gracie said...

Beautiful. ..

Laurel's Quill said...

Sounds like a perfectly wonderful weekend, Susan. Love the shawl!!

Createology said...

Lovely...the sunrise, the island, the idea of a stitching retreat with no schedules and two of you with big smiles and beautiful shawls. You will finish yours I just know. Pure Bliss Dear...

margaret said...

wonderful photos of the sunrise. Sounds like you had a great time, hope you got lots of stitching done

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous place to stay and lovely shawls too!

Rachel said...

What a wonderful series of views to distract you from your stitching!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

The pictures are beautiful. What a wonderful place to recharge.
xx, Carol

Elizabeth said...

Ahh! Chincoteague! I grew up in the town of Berlin MD, not far away. Chincoteague is such a lovely place!

Mary Ann Tate said...

I have never heard of Chincoteague but WOW....that first picture....awesome:)

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