Please, anything but collages!!

I've got so much on my plate with planning and running the retreat that I don't think I could add another thing to it.

Idk to be honest... I used to write poetry, but I always chalked it up to the whole, "teenage girl angst thing" lol. Maybe once I was introduced to it again, it would find it's way into my hobbies once more. I would go if she was there, but to be honest, I'm not sure I'd think of it as one of the highlights (depending on the experience of course). Also, I couldn't guarantee that I wouldn't skip out to go play volleyball or something, depending on my mood if there were other things going on. I'm not sure it would have the "pull" to me. Just being honest so there's no expectations. I don't want to feel committed to it. One thing that is so nice is the "do what you want" attitude when it comes to that.

I would, however, LOVE a chance at art. An experience to make something to bring back. I know for me, that the emotions I feel there, good and bad, (the intensity of) are not often felt in my day to day life. A channeling for that in art would be really great. Maybe instead of her, we can find someone who would do the same only with art and use different mediums? We could even all bring stuff; whatever we want. Someone may choose clay, paints, chalk, ceramics, whatever... and share. Maybe someone from the local college there (I don't know what kind of school it is) would be willing to donate time to facilitate it or something. Just ideas. I know I'd be up for more of an art thing than a journaling thing. Abstract art, not "crafts." That I would for sure go to.

AND, if we can get an A1c3, craft shops may be willing to donate supplies. Wheels are turning...

Are people more interested in art than writing? I can be talked into changing my mind.

But can you be "typed" into changing your mind?

My humble vote is art.

Art makes me a bit nervous. It can be so powerful and unlock stuff buried deep down. I have used drawing in therapy and it hit some heavy duty stuff and powerful stuff.

I vote for poetry.

I like the writing :)

But i like art too.. I'd be more than happy to help source some things. That way we could do both. It could be a relaxed session or structured. And if we dont get around to it the supplies are there for next time?

Basically im easy. I like being creative in whatever way

Well maybe the poetry thing can be a thursday session - like preconference workshop and people have to pay a bit extra if they want to go. It isn't ideal, but sorta a supply & demand kinda thing,

Maybe we can do the arts stuff whenever. Leave it out like we did the quilt stuff last time. Come and go as you please. If we can, I can work on getting donations. I can bring supplies with me.

Does anyone know how that works? If someone in AZ donates to an OK tax deduction number, does it still count? Is it state or federal? I honestly don't know since I've never had to do that before.

Yes, it still counts. People can donate to the OCADVSA for the retreat.

You can deduct any charitable deductions, it really only matters if you get audited :)

Ok, I've been waiting patiently for someone to offer up an activity that challenges us physically, and not the sweatlodge that stands alone. I've noticed that there aren't many mountains in the area to climb but an activity that we could do that would require us to work as a team or just lend a hand to another.

I'm out for art and poetry but I could find something else to do while you all are busy. Splatter painting???? maybe.

Oh and who here hates journaling?? We kept incredible journals the last few years of the experience. In fact that was an activity in itself this past year, reading the journal by the campfire that we kept from the first year.

I do vote for that physical activity. It looks like beautiful grounds. A hike could be a great idea.... I like that working together to do something.

Let me share a little story with you Judes...

When I got there last year, after we played Red Rover, Red Rover (yeah... we did), I REALLY wanted to go down to the lake and take a gander. NO ONE wanted to go with me and the only kind, gentle souls that went there with me was Leitha and Megs! No one else wanted to "walk that far" LOL. So we went down to the lake and saw a beavers dam. Their loss!!!! hahaha

So then I wanted to go walk in the woods, but the gentleman who runs the place said "You better not do that!" Leitha, Megs and I turned and asked why and he said it was tick season. It was enough for us to do an abrupt about face and go in the other direction!

So... good luck getting people to sign up for anything physical. The slugs wouldn't walk with me to the lake and evidently the woods are off limits (ask River, he'll tell ya). No mountains, no pool, and I'm NOT jazzercising in the cafeteria!

I am totally up for some kind of team building thing though. That could be fun! Didn't Matt mention at one time there was a horse stable near by we might be able to go horseback riding? That would be awesome. And don't forget the Doll House. We could all go dancing ;)

I love the horse back riding idea!!!! I love hiking, I am not so into the ticks or snakes....... but the physical activity/ teamworking thing sounds cool.