In the midst of really hot temperatures and that general never-ending list of things to do, I had a moment yesterday when I decided to change my mind about what this week’s post was going to be—which would have been Part 2 of June’s Harpswell, Maine Retreat Revival.
Instead, in searching for past retreat info, I came across a post from exactly seven years ago—July 4th, 2019—that began with, “In honor of just finishing my first Maine Quilt Retreat of the year…” It struck me that here I was finishing up writing about my first Maine Quilt Retreat of seven years. In this past post, I had compiled class posts of the 12 retreats I had held in both Harpswell and Portland, Maine, from 2016 to 2018—since beginning my blog in 2015. I had already been hosting retreats here in Maine, since 2011.
I had ended the intro with, “This Saturday, I’ll have a new addition to the collection with a post featuring my June 2019 Maine Quilt Retreat” (the Harpswell Inn photo above is from that year). Again, here I was finishing a post for this Saturday featuring my new June 2026 Maine Quilt Retreat.
And that’s when the moment happened—the coincidences seemed pretty cool to my heat-addled brain—and I switched from one post to another. I also walked away from the computer and drove the 1/2 mile (way too hot for our usual walk) down to the shore for a wade in the bay with Tom and our two dogs. Felix likes to go wading with me (he ends up treading water) and Kali likes to jump at water that I splash at her (getting almost equally as wet as Felix). When we got home we all felt refreshed—and the pups had wicked zoomies, more energy than they had displayed for a few hot days.
It wasn’t a terribly momentous moment, but it told me that some days it’s okay to slow down a little and reassess what really needs to get done and what’s okay to delay. Part 2 of June’s Harpswell, Maine Retreat Revival will get finished next week, and in the meantime, an unplanned yet relevant (entertaining and collage-filled) post will take its place—one that was published on another 4th of July, years ago. Enjoy the browse. And next Saturday, “I’ll have a new addition to the collection with a post featuring my June 2026 Maine Quilt Retreat.” 😉
Happy 250th. I wish you a relaxing holiday weekend, filled with good moments.
12 Susan Carlson Maine Quilt Retreats
Originally Published July 4, 2019
The Fourth of July is a day to eat until you can’t eat anymore at a backyard barbecue. Or to gorge on strawberries as they come into season. Or (here in Maine) eat blueberries until they turn your lips and fingers blue.
Today I serve you up a fabric collage blog post feast. In honor of just finishing my first Maine Quilt Retreat of the year, here is a smorgasbord of posts from my previous Maine quilt retreats—2016 through 2018 (Maine retreats prior to those were also prior to having a blog). Sample just one, or consume them all, it’s up to you.
Apparently I’ve gotten more long-winded over the years, as the first few were quite short—more like chips and dip instead of a burger with all the fixin’s (in my case a juicy veggie burger!). So if you just want a snack try one of the first ones. If you want to feel full to the gills, choose one of the later ones.
This Saturday, I’ll have a new addition to the collection with a post featuring my June 2019 Maine Quilt Retreat.
Bon appétit.
On the Road: Harpswell, ME—June 2016 Summertime Collage Quilt Retreat
Susan Carlson Fabric Collage: On the Road Teaching—June 2017 Maine Quilt Retreat
On the Road: Portland, ME Collage Quilt Two-Fer—October 2018