scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
Jun 26, 2014 14:43:10 GMT
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Post by scrappington on Jul 10, 2014 12:18:58 GMT
Have you?
There is a great retreat that I have always wanted to go to. I haven't in the past for financial, or lack there of someone to go with me.
I am determined to go to next years. Its a 3.5 hr drive, its at a nice place, great food and accommodations, goody bag, store on site and host store is on way to retreat. Now for single occupancy its a hefty fee. And its a smaller crop I'd say 40 people. Plus you get your own 6ft table.
I so miss going to crop be it a 12 hr or weekend at the LSS. The LSS's in our area are gone.
I'm normally shy, but at crops I wasn't. I don't have kids, so I'm not escaping for a weekend, I just like being at a crop.
My concern is its a far drive, its expensive and well to actually shop in a real store and not online...ooohh its going to be an expensive weekend.
So have you done it. Have you gone away to a crop / retreat on your own that was a far distance away?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 23, 2024 0:24:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2014 12:28:20 GMT
I haven't but I would if there was one I wanted to go to. I've lived in big cities the last 30 or so years so retreats end up being places near me. I routinely drive 2.5 hours to see my parents and 6 hours to see my dd. As long as your car is in good operating order there isn't a need to worry to much. I do have an AAA membership just in case.
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 10, 2014 12:34:28 GMT
Go for it! I haven't gone alone, but I do go with some friends. I only knew my one friend the first year. All the other women were very friendly.
If they aren't super friendly, I'd just listen to my iPod and enjoy my time.
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Post by myboysnme on Jul 10, 2014 12:40:40 GMT
I have and actually almost prefer it. I do have one friend who almost always goes to retreats with me, but I would go alone to have a chance to get away, crop and shop.
I prefer cropping alone so actually it would be great for me. And I don't have any need to socialize when I am there, either. I am happy to go to my room and hang out.
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Post by alissa103 on Jul 10, 2014 12:44:58 GMT
I would go. I've never been to a retreat like that, but if I had the opportunity and no one to go with, I would go alone. I have gone to crops alone and have found most scrappers are friendly and welcoming. You will have one big thing in common, so that helps! Before kids, I used to travel for work and would check out all the LSSs in whatever city I was in (this was when there were lots of stores in big cities - scrapping heyday). I'd often sign up for classes or crops in the evenings and I NEVER knew anyone! It was fun. If the other people aren't super social, or you feel out of the group, bring your iPod and listen to music, scrappy podcasts, or whatever. But I bet you make some new friends.
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scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
Jun 26, 2014 14:43:10 GMT
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Post by scrappington on Jul 10, 2014 12:55:04 GMT
My vehicle is new so I'm not concerned on it making it there or anything. Just I've never driven that far on my own. I do like that I don't have to wait for other people and I can pack up and go when I want. I am sitting at 98% I want to go. I order from this store all the time so I just can't wait to see it as well. It's not till next May. They have one in October but its sold out already. Its even held at a spa so I could get a facial, or a massage etc.
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Post by alissa103 on Jul 10, 2014 13:02:05 GMT
The part about the spa has me sold. Ha!
3 1/2hour drive is easy. You won't even need to stop for gas! Get a book on CD or download one to play via your car's Bluetooth. It'll fly by!
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jul 10, 2014 13:44:32 GMT
Yes I have and yes I would,
I love doing things solo. I used to go to crops by myself all the time when I lived in Illinois because I didn't know any other scrappers. I went to them regularly at two different LSSs. I also went to my first Creating Keepsakes convention by myself.
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oldcrow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,828
Location: Ontario,Canada
Jun 26, 2014 12:25:29 GMT
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Post by oldcrow on Jul 10, 2014 14:07:05 GMT
Yes, I would in a heart beat.
I need to register for one I found but need to wait until I return from vacation. Hope I am not too late.
I am in Canada too. It seems like they are all long distance from me. But the one I hope to go to is only about an hour away.
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Post by ferblover on Jul 10, 2014 15:28:28 GMT
DO IT! I did it and I am so not the type to do that at all. A fellow pea was having a weekend get away and needed another person, I raised my hand. I didn't really even know her from the boards, just saw the posting and put on my brave hat. I had fun and we have done it again a couple of times. workingclassdog will tell you that it all worked out fine since I turned out not to be a cereal killer Plus if it all turns out bad, you have a story for the brand new Cropping Nightmare Stories- it really does boil down to how we can entertain each other right, lol! Treat yourself and enjoy your cropping time!!
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cricket7
Shy Member
Posts: 10
Jul 10, 2014 15:46:08 GMT
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Post by cricket7 on Jul 10, 2014 16:01:41 GMT
I went to a 3 day scrapbook retreat by myself and met two woman who have become good friends! Go with an open mind and I'm sure you'll have fun!
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Post by workingclassdog on Jul 10, 2014 16:07:56 GMT
awww ferblover my favorite cereal killer. She was the brave girl! Funny story... Shannon (aka Ferbie) joined our crop retreat, one person joining eight or so of us (she is the one that should have been nervous!)...anyways, my husband said before I left, "well what if she is a serial killer?" I said "well it is one of her and eight of us, so hopefully we can take her down." She shows up.. all 4 feet 5 inches and probably not even 100 pounds soaking wet. I think my six year old is bigger than sweet Shannon. I started laughing and told her my husband was a little worried you might be psycho and kill us all. I knew at first glance she was perfect match for the group! The rest was history only if we can all get back together soon!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 23, 2024 0:24:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2014 16:10:07 GMT
I haven't done it myself, but when we were hosting weekend retreats, there were always several ladies who came by themselves. We typically seated them together, and it didn't take long before friendships developed and they were having a great time! I would say "go for it!"
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Post by ahiller on Jul 10, 2014 17:10:22 GMT
I would do it!
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Post by vicloo on Jul 10, 2014 17:49:51 GMT
Our little group hosts twice a year retreats at a beautiful bed and breakfast. Group is very small, no more than 12 women at a time. We do try to encourage other "crafters" to come join us, even if they are alone. There is a single bedroom available if they are more comfortable with it. We have new and different people every time. So yes if you want to go please do. We look forward to new people. But there is quite a bit more socialization at our retreats since we are a relatively small group.
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Post by nesser01 on Jul 10, 2014 17:59:26 GMT
If there were any ever near me, I would absolutely do it. You should, too. It will be fun and a great experience. I love to drive so the 3.5 distance would be a breeze. I'm strange though, because I find traffic jams relaxing....but that's a whole other thread. lol
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Post by berta147 on Jul 10, 2014 18:02:10 GMT
I would go in a heart beat if you can afford it and don't mind the drive GO! I have no problem going anywhere by myself. I drive to see my sis, almost 8 hours. It is always more fun to have a buddy, but I would be happy by myself too. I can see lots of scrapping and relaxing getting done. The hardest part for me would be the wait until May
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Post by anniefb on Jul 10, 2014 19:10:59 GMT
I'd go too. I've gone to a number of local crops/card making classes by myself and everyone is always very friendly. I'm sure you'll hardly notice the drive. Sounds like a great opportunity!
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Post by mommamoonrn on Jul 10, 2014 20:25:23 GMT
I go to crops by myself all the time. None of my friends scrapbook. People are always friendly and I have a great time!!
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mallie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,253
Jul 3, 2014 18:13:13 GMT
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Post by mallie on Jul 10, 2014 20:33:40 GMT
No, I would not. I've gone to crops alone and each time left early because people were so unfriendly. I'm not looking for a kidney donor, I'm just hoping to exchange chitchat and apparently that's too much to hope for. I'm not an introvert and don't really value time alone, so packing up my stuff and traveling to be alone while everyone around me is having a good time isn't my idea of a good time.
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Post by woodysbetty on Jul 10, 2014 20:35:19 GMT
Sometimes its good to move outside your comfort zone.....go for it!! I bet you have a great time!!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 23, 2024 0:24:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2014 20:44:09 GMT
My vehicle is new so I'm not concerned on it making it there or anything. Just I've never driven that far on my own. I do like that I don't have to wait for other people and I can pack up and go when I want. I am sitting at 98% I want to go. I order from this store all the time so I just can't wait to see it as well. It's not till next May. They have one in October but its sold out already. Its even held at a spa so I could get a facial, or a massage etc. The secret to driving further than you have ever driven is to break it down in distances that seem manageable. I know I can't comfortably sit for longer than 2 hours. So I plan my trips with pre-determined stops along the way. For me they don't have to be long stops. I just need to stand up and stretch a bit. Friends or coworkers may be familiar with the route you'll be traveling and can suggest some good stopping places. Since this is your first long distance drive you can think of it in terms of "just driving to ___ " (what ever distance is fine with you) Then from there you'll drive just another 40 miles (or however far doesn't make you nervous) It also gives me some piece of mind if there is someone I can call during my trip or at the end and let them know how my trip is going. For me it is my mom. Driving back from Missouri yesterday I saw a google car. That was fun! You sometimes see some really cool stuff going down a road.
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AerynK
Full Member
Posts: 262
Location: CA
Jul 7, 2014 19:51:37 GMT
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Post by AerynK on Jul 10, 2014 20:50:54 GMT
I went to a Copic retreat last year on my own. Well, not technically, since I have a medical service dog, but without a *person*. We paid the extra for the single room though because of the dog and because of my medical issues. Coughing all night is not endearing, or endurable, for all people!
All in all, it was kinda weird. I'm casual friends with the lady that taught the classes at the retreat, so she "looked after" me and hung out with me a little, but it was completely different than when I went with my BFF. Honestly, if not for Sirius I would have been really, really lonely. I enjoyed the time in the room alone, just watching movies on my tablet and having snacks, but the class experience and the meal experience was really lonely. Mostly just sat colouring on my own. I'm friendly, not shy, but I don't have a ton in common with people my age (most were older too) and have a hard time "connecting" I guess is the word. I'm on the fence about doing it again. Not because of my experience, but because of the expense and the fact that I've done it twice now. Going to a retreat alone is not a deal breaker. It was a little lonely, but it was also time away from home and (though strange) kind of enjoyable time away from husband. Somehow spending all that money is more justifiable when going with a friend and having it be "girl time". For me, I could just learn/colour in the privacy of my own home. Strangely, after I left, I was almost tempted to say I should occasionally just get a room in a hotel with just Sirius and I, to give husband a break and myself a break from home. No classes needed!
ETA: the retreat was in AZ and we are in CA. Husband has a brother a few hours away from where the crop was so he dropped me off at the retreat hotel and continued on to stay with his brother for the 3 days.
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 10, 2014 21:44:14 GMT
The drive wouldn't bother me, I have made longer drives than that on my own. But, I think I would feel lonely at the crop on my own. To me the whole point of going is to socialize with my friends. But, I am not very outgoing in a group of strangers.
Our group does hold weekend retreat/crops and we have had new folks join us and some on their own. I go out of my way to make sure they feel included, welcomed and have someone to talk to (if they want.)
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Post by auntkelly on Jul 10, 2014 22:12:42 GMT
I would go to a crop by myself. It would be nice if there were some friendly people there. However, even if there are not any friendly people I would enjoy getting away and getting some scrapping done.
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Post by ablessedchaos on Jul 11, 2014 0:03:58 GMT
Yes. I've gone to another state not knowing anyone. That was probably the best crop ever!
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Jul 11, 2014 0:12:28 GMT
I would probably go. I did drive one year to Minneapolis to crop with people I'd never technically met, although I "knew" them from a message board. Personally, I AM an introvert so I don't need small talk to be happy. No one wants to talk to me? No prob. I'm gonna listen to my headphones.
I don't consider 40 people to be a small crop-- I am normally at a crop with 10-15 people. For the most part, everyone works on their own stuff quietly. Occasionally a conversation will strike up; often I tune it out. I hope no one thinks I am being unfriendly-- I am just focused on my own little corner of the table.
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scrapheart
Junior Member
Posts: 94
Jul 2, 2014 19:43:59 GMT
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Post by scrapheart on Jul 11, 2014 1:23:29 GMT
scrappington oh yes, Go! It sounds heavenly! 6 ft of scrap space, spa on site, real scrap store! Yes, go!
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Post by cyndijane on Jul 11, 2014 3:10:09 GMT
I'd {love} to go!! My schedule and life commitments/season of life don't allow it, but my SIL goes to 2-3 a year. She's very determined to go to them.
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ReneeH20
Full Member
Posts: 452
Jun 28, 2014 16:00:48 GMT
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Post by ReneeH20 on Jul 11, 2014 4:19:46 GMT
Yes, I have. My friend pulled out last minute and I still went. It was 2.5 hours away, but I've driven 8 hours by myself before. The 2 ladies next to me were very nice and invited me to sit with them at meals. Also when people found out I was by myself they invited me over for meals.
I am friendly, but also an introvert so don't need to be constantly chit chatting. Don't want to talk to me. Ok. I'll be over here working on my stuff listening to music. Want to talk. I am cool with that too.
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