Squam

We were welcomed with handmade touches- little pompoms, felted scraps and crocheted doilies hanging from the cabins and trees.  As if the shores of Squam Lake weren't beautiful enough on their own, a bit of knitted sparkle helped to set the mood.  That is the magic of Squam...you never quite know what to expect.

This is now my fourth year attending Squam, and I have seen it from all sides- as a student, volunteer, employee and teacher.  I can tell you that no matter how you slice it...there is always beauty aplenty.  I had no expectations this time around, and with no schedule, I wasn't quite sure how my days would pan out. 

As the week naturally unfolded, I settled into a restorative rhythm as I found myself with time to knit around the fire, engage in fulfilling conversations with friends old and new, enjoy leisurely mealtimes, and wander through the woods, camera in hand.  In short, I felt completely filled though my days were without plans.

In our roles as mothers and wives, we so seldom find ourselves with free time.  There is always a load of laundry waiting to be done, a meal needing to be cooked, a toddler wanting to be read to.  Not that there is not joy in the daily family tasks, but to be gifted with a break, away from home, away from chores and responsibilities, is truly a luxury.  That, combined with the amazing community of women, is the reason that Squam keeps drawing me back.  The added beauty lies in reconnecting with nature- breathing deep and inhaling the lushness.

I felt so blessed to have spent time laughing, sharing and connecting with some of my favorite ladies, especially Kellen, Amanda and the Crazy Canadians (aka the Lettuce Knit crew- love them- seriously, someone needs to give Denny her own comedy show- stat).  And oh...do they grow their babies cute up in Canada or what...get a load of those cheeks!  This little one is starting her knitting obsession young, already wrapping herself in gorgeous yarn.  A true Squam poster child.

It's hard to believe that come September, I will be making the trip to New Hampshire with my own little one in tow.  Juggling teaching and a two-month old will be interesting, to say the least.  That only makes me more thankful for the relaxing, restorative time that was had.  I have a feeling it will be my last wide open free time for quite a while...!