would make Bev a dull girl, and I sure don't want to give the impression that I work all the time, or that I'm dull. Annoying at times (I've been told), but rarely dull...

So this Friday I'm heading out, in a caravan of two cars full of six giggly women, loaded til the sides bulge, with sewing machines, cutting mats, rotary cutters, power strips, pajamas, board games, wine, snacks and chocolate in various forms. We're headed to Chataqua. This is what the website had to say about Chataqua for any of you 100 - 1200 miles south of me:

In the southwest corner of New York State, just 10 miles south of Lake Erie and Interstate 90 lies a beautiful 23 mile lake, Lake Chautauqua. On the northwest shores of Lake Chautauqua is the world famous Chautauqua Institution, a cultural resort like no other in the world, in its over 125 year history, Chautauqua Institution has provided its participants with stimulating lectures, famous performers, symphony music, opera performances, ballet, all manners of visual and performing arts, lively debates, inspiring religious speakers and music. Presidents, ambassadors, actors, authors are among the many who have spoken from its famous lectern.

A little photo of Chataqua Lake, for any of you who haven't been this far north.

We're attending a quilting conference that is expected to draw FIVE THOUSAND WOMEN, and contrary to what you may think, if you're getting a visual of a bunch of women sitting around with buns on their heads, and laced up corset-style dresses, we're a fun, crazy bunch who happen to love quilting. We're staying for two nights, in three efficiency rooms, and have already figured out how to drag tables together to set up a sewing center where we can stay up way too late chopping up pieces of fabric so we can sew them all back together again. The speaker is Eleanor Burns, known as The Stripping Lady, not because she undresses more often than normal, but rather for the quilting technique she promotes.

The photo is teensy but this is where we're staying, St. Elmo's Resort, inside the gates of Chataqua. That means we won't fight for parking spots every day!

I've been stashing my allowance for months for this little trip. I found out today I don't even have to drive, I get to sit in the middle seat and knit the whole road trip. There's a quilt show of 900 quilts one day, and of course there will be vendors selling fabric, and street vendors selling foods that consist mostly of grease and salt. One whole weekend away with girlfriends eating too much, sleeping too little, possibly spending a bit too much, talking and giggling til I'm hoarse - All play and no work - I'm all over it!

Labels: Girl Talk