Fall Card Making Retreat 2011 by Roxanne Sambley

This fall I had the opportunity to spend a wonderful get away weekend with two of my daughters, my sisters and some nieces at the lakeside Bear's Den in Tennessee. We couldn't have asked for a more restful place to bond and have fun. While everyone had something that they wanted to do (or not do) I wanted to spend time working on my greeting cards. At home, I always find something more pressing and necessary and so my playtime is far and few between. At the lakehouse, I was able to set up a table with all my supplies and come and go to my projects. There were several times that I was downstairs alone and was very content to have that solitude. Other times, the girls joined me and we were able to share ideas and supplies without getting in each other's way. I really enjoyed my time at the lakehouse and hope to be able to return someday.

Roxanne

Holiday Family Retreats creating a new tradition!

Have you thought about making memories at a family retreat? It has been exciting seeing family's and friends want to use Bear Den South for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Meeting family half way may ask everyone to travel but it also takes away the burden of one person having to host the family and clean their home twice.

Many families grow over time causing problems for family members who have downsized. Sharing the cost of a rental allows the group to pitch in and help one another. It also allows you to explore wonderful vacation homes that provide a larger space for your group to play and hang out. Don't forget to set up a schedule for cooking and cleaning and always plan on one get away meal so that no one has to deal with the dishes. After all this is a holiday vacation.

Plan on setting aside time to do things as a group as well as quiet time to read or snooze. Many people often try to plan too much and feel they need a vacation from their vacation when they get home. My friend Amy's family breaks up their vacation into A, B and C days. Each day has a different agenda. A could be an activity filled day, B half day with the morning or evening free to do what you or your family would like and then C can be an on your own day. Changing up the schedule allows everyone to find some group and alone time.


Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season. Hope to see you at Bear Den South for a Mama Bear Retreat in 2012.

Liz