Of Whoopie Pies, Mitered Squares and Beowulf Sweaters

Home: This is where I want to be.

Another day on the island equals another day of bliss. This morning I kept my promise and got up at 5 am to lead a sunrise walk to Burnt Head. Fortunately Holden also kept his promise and got up who knows when to make sure the group— and there were a lot of us— had hot coffee to take along on our crack-o-dawn jaunt. Thank you, Holden! You’re the best.

Down at Burnt Head, a flock of seagull-sized mosquitoes attempted to thwart our efforts to immerse ourselves in the quiet beauty of a rosy-orange horizon. We persisted though, and I found gratitude in my heart for the mosquitoes, because with each bite came another opportunity to complain (for the sheer sport of it of course) about poor me and my itchy knees/legs/feet/butt/etc. 

The sun creeped up looking like a peachy lozenge, rewarding us for dragging our tired selves out of bed so early. And then, after another wonderful breakfast at Monhegan House, I hightailed it back to bed to catch a few more winks so I could be all rested up to a) fend off Eva’s barbs and b) knit my fingers off.

Tunisian crochet keeps Eva from succumbing to devilishly idle hands. 

 With word of an impending storm informing our itinerary planning, several knitters decided to get in a good hike today just in case—poor us—we are “stuck” in the house knitting all day Wednesday. And some of us (including yours truly) just lazed around, shopped over at the mall, and counted our blessings and our stitches.

In my case, blessing and stitch counting came together in a stunning Venn Diagram of Unbelievable Kindness when I stepped inside to find Susan secretly fixing the admittedly hairy garment I made that Eva calls my Beowulf Sweater. Last night when I brought it out to show it off it got a huge group laugh. So okay, it looks like it’s still part of a goat (I believe Evelyn said, “That thing looks like it can still walk…”) and kind of still smells like a goat. But it is my pride and joy, mohair made from angora goat fleece spun by my friend Lisa who raised the goats herself (and I even met them). I did have to admit that the sleeves were a little long—by about 15 inches each. But over dinner, Alison and Susan assured me that the fix would be “easy.” 

Evelyn is our official Kool-Aid yarn model.

Well, that's what they said BEFORE they saw the Beowulf Sweater. Here I would like to take a moment to discuss relativity as it pertains to my knitting skills and also the word “easy." As it happens, Susan and Alison both apparently learned to knit whilst still in the womb, whereas I can still be found sometimes fumbling through garter stitch potholders. Thus we can safely conclude that one gal’s definition of easy fix is another gal’s nightmare in goat’s clothing. Alison, who will be winning this year’s award for Most Patient Teacher Ever, spent a good deal of time teaching me how to cut (yes CUT) and then unravel part of the sleeve to shorten it. I sort of failed miserably, but she persisted very kindly and calmly in educating me, supervising as I eventually managed to get about two stitches on the needles. 

Catherine took this shot looking down from above.

 Then today Susan took over and picked up where Allison left off. In fact she went ahead and just made those sleeves the right length. When I walked in and saw her doing this, I was reminded of just how many skills I have picked up on these retreats. This is my fourth time out with Knitting and Yoga Adventures and it is because of what I’ve learned here that I am now fearless with the cables, curious about charts, and currently in the midst of a lace shawl pattern that five years ago would’ve brought me to my knees.

If Susan keeps this up she's getting a guest spot on Breaking Bad.

For me, coming here means, among other things, knitting in a manner that is on par with playing tennis with a better partner. I have to push myself to keep up, but it’s a pushing that I am delighted to go for, no complaints (well, except for sport). I have learned, more than once, that what I thought I couldn’t do, I certainly can do. That would count as an exceptional experience for any knitter, but given my aforementioned potholder fumbling, I have to say I'm never not totally amazed at what the coaxing of the pros can yield in the hands of an amateur such as moi.

 Raising a little shell down at Lobster Cove.

Once Susan finished up shortening the sleeves, I popped the sweater on and immediately people took notice, declaring that the Beowulf Sweater now, in fact, looked splendid. And it does. Then took a stroll out in the village and I am not kidding when I say I lost track of the number of compliments I received. In conclusion, I think it's safe to say: “What a difference (removing) three (excess) feet (of sleeves) makes!” And all joking aside (for a nanosecond) I learned something new about design and repair.

When she was done spoiling me with personal lessons, Susan then whipped out some excellent yarn and schooled us all in mitered squares. I figure I can master this technique by the morning and plan to finish a king-sized quilt before we hop on the ferry Saturday. 

And now, still more pics...

This picture reminds me-- next year let's play Mobius Strip Poker.  

Tea and Honeycomb.

If Eva were a Kennedy...

Breakfast of champions.

Holden preps for our big Friday dinner: Hand Painted Linguini. 

Do you think we should go for a clam sauce or a pesto? Decisions, decisions! 

Lobster Cove sunset for those who understand that getting up at 5 am is not for everyone. 

Old friends. Sat on the soft couch like bookends. 

Party Animals.  

Still more party animals. 

Mary Alice had two of these. Don't tell her I told you. 

Alison makes me CUT the Beowulf Sweater.  

Alison discovering that no good deed goes unpunished.  

Contemplating what to do with all that leftover sleeve.  

Bless Holden's heart: 5 a.m. coffee. 

For those of you who missed it, this is what 5 am looks like at Burnt Head.  

Profiles in Courage (against mosquitoes)

Susan crocheted this while the rest of the group was out hiking. 

Look at that lozenge sun.

The man, the myth, the legend: Wee Hour Coffeemaker Man!!

Chocolat chaud & Cherry Scone at The Mall.

Suzette holds in her hands a metaphor for a week of knitting-- it's called Whipped Cream on Top! 

No, Susan is not being attacked by a poodle. This is the Beowulf Sweater begging for treats. 

Because it's Knitting and YOGA adventures-- Melora, demonstrating that yoga keeps you young, leads the class in her patented One-Two-Cha-Cha-Cha move. 

Patty, modifying to protect her knee, invents the horizontal One-Two-Cha-Cha-Cha move.

What happens on Monhegan Island stays on Monhegan Island.

Remember that episode of the Brady Bunch when Marcia helps the nerdy girl look hot for the astronaut? Well Susan tamed that Beowulf Sweater so watch out NASA, here I come...

Preparations for the big festival. 

Concentration on mitered squares.

In fact, it was a concentration competition. 

Susan holds up the prize to be awarded to the greatest concentrator. 

Happy Feet. 

We need a hat model on Aisle Five... hat model... aisle five, please... 

Maybe if I dress up like a jelly fish swimming in a tangle of yellow seaweed, Holden can pretend he is running the Monhegan House and Aquarium!
(Alternate caption: If only Birdman were here, he would mistake that yarn for worms and come closer and closer!)

It's hip to be square.

Look Ma, a lace lap warmer!

I see, honey! That's very nice!

It's still hip to be square.

Be there AND be square.

Getting squared away. 

I'm running out of square jokes. 

Occupy Monhegan! 

Hay, hay, hay! 

Look to the right. Those aren't just whoopie pies, people. Those are red velvet whoopie pies. I ate enough to transform my gluteous maximus into my own private whoopie cushion. 

Monhegan Island Retreat 2012-- Let's Get This Party Started!

It's not a retreat unless we have lobster cookies from The Standard Bakery in Portland to eat on our drive to Port Clyde.

Welcome aboard y'all! I'm your official blogger Spike here with the first installment of Monhegan Blog 2012. Today we take a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at some of the pre-planning action, glimpse the joyful chaos of the ferry dock, revisit our time on the high seas, and allow are jaws to drop in wonder at my ability to capture so much island beauty with a mere iPhone. Let us begin...

Here, benevolent alpha, Patty, gets out her beloved clipboard to make sure that there is a lobster cookie for each and every attendee, as well as our van drivers, Norman and Tom.

The vans arrive to transport us mermaids to Port Clyde where we will catch our Pirate Ship to Monhegan Island and unearth a booty of all things knitting. 

Lisa and Spike confer before separating for the ride to the Clyde. Lisa is telepathing, "Spike, keep control of that pretty big mouth of yours, sister!" Spike is telepathing in response, "I will if you give me another lobster cookie."

On the dock, with an hour to spare before departure. we strategized where to shop in Port Clyde. 

Then we eagerly awaited the moment we would step onto the dock and both literally and metaphorically begin our transformation from harried mainlanders to Fantasy Island inhabitants. 

I pretty much take this same exact picture every year. In my defense, the date always changes. Also, what I love about this picture is that just looking at my ticket (which, yes, nearly blew away) I get as excited as a little kid who has just been given a new pony.

As has been the case for many years now, Suzette carries a remote control hidden on her person. This she uses to manipulate her incredibly shy friend Eva, who -- totally against her will-- finds herself leaping up and showing off at unexpected turns. And nope, you don't even have to pay extra for the show.

Mary Alice and Evelyn breathe in the salty air and contemplate dressing as pirates for Halloween. Arrrrgh!

See those yoga mats? They are instrumental in the fight against the effects of Whoopie Pies.  

For our meet and greet, we enjoyed Holden's amazing Monhegan House Party Snax Smorgasbord, including some artichoke dip that is so out of this world I'm trying to convince Mary Alice to use it as a full-body wrap as part of my massage. 

Couldn't you just sit around the Monhegan House Dining Room and eat this stuff all day and all night?  This is the menu from our first evening.

And the party officially begins! Salud!

More party people.

Yes, it's possible that Holden was drunk when he took this blurry photo designed to show off a trend I started years ago-- wearing a headlamp to knit in the parlor. Everyone made fun of me and then, of course, everyone ran out and got their own headlamp. Great addition and very fashionable. Oh, and it's possible that Holden wasn't drunk, maybe he just didn't have his glasses on. Or maybe he's an impressionistic photographer. 

Here, attendees quietly plot ways to break the 10 pm noise curfew. 

Our first full day we began with dyeing yarn using a very sophisticated technique developed in France in the 16th century... First, we took the finest wool. See below.

The Finest Wool. Next, we got the sort of dye favorited  by Renaissance dyers: 

That's right-- Hey Kool-Aid! Here I thought Susan sort of randomly discovered the dyeing properties of Kool-Aid but apparently there's some science to it. Some active ingredient in the stuff-- maybe the same ingredient that sends kids climbing the walls when they drink it-- also acts as a fixing agent, the way vinegar does. 

Who knows what evil lurks in Suzette's dyeing technique? The Shadow  knows!!

Isn't this like camp for big kids? Don't you love it? 

Susan explains the chemical reaction that occurs when blending Uber-Berry, Mango-Pineapple, and Guava-Coconut flavored Kool-Aid with handspun yarn taken from goats raised in the Swiss Alps by monks. 

Eva wonders what effect the Kool-Aid will have on her shiny finger rocks.

And then we wandered over to Burnt Head where I attempted to convince the newbies that I had created all of this with my own two hands. They were not buying it. 

Here, the group decides whether or not to vote me off the island. Whew, I got a reprieve. 

We came home from the walk to check how our Kool-Aid yarn cakes were baking up. They were baking up nicely. 

Then I went for a wander down toward the dock. So there are more things I love about Mohegan Island than I can count or name. One is that, in addition to the possibility of strenuous hikes, there are plenty of pleasant, easy strolls to take that reveal the wonders all around us. Here, for example: a random squash conference was underway. 

Then I checked out the handwoven doormats. Aren't they lovely. And don't forget all the cool studios. Today I went to Winter Works and scored some excellent stuff crafted by the year round locals. 

Ahoy! What to Expect...

Thar she blows! Monhegan Island!

To those of you returning for another retreat, WELCOME BACK! To those of you joining us for the first time WE COULDN'T BE MORE DELIGHTED TO HAVE YOU! Welcome aboard. What you see above is the view from the little ferry that takes us from Port Clyde over to Monhegan Island, where you will, upon disembarking, immediately shed all worry about all things.

Okay, okay, that's a pretty big promise. But let me try to explain. I, Spike, your in-house blogger, strive every day to live in the moment. Now of course this is the impossible dream, but I do try. Living in the moment involves trying to spot expectations and high hopes when they arise, and then reminding yourself that when you have high hopes this can lead to disappointment. But there's a big exception to that rule and it's called Knitting and Yoga Adventures. This will be my fourth trip with the group and I'm telling you, no matter how lofty my expectations become, they are always met and then some.

Chilly morning in front of Monhegan House

I don't want to do too much of a spoiler post here-- I want you to discover for yourself what it feels like to step onto the island for the first time, to meet Holden, to immerse yourself in the stunning energy of the island. That said, there's a bit of practical info I can offer to allay any concern you might have, not having been with us before.

The first and most important rule is YOU DON'T HAVE TO MAKE YOUR BED. Or clean your room or any of that. Nor are you obligated to show up at any particular class, walk, meal or event. Oh sure, I predict you'll WANT to. But you don't HAVE to. I have been to lots of retreats, I spend a fair amount of time at Lake Austin Spa as a teacher, and I find myself in these situations sometimes tempted to metaphorically pile my platter high, indulge in all that's offered, to "maximize" my experience.

But on Monhegan Island, if you want to just plunk down on the porch and knit all day-- SO BE IT! Or if you want to take a challenging, all-day walk around the outer paths and if this means you'll miss a yoga class-- that's cool. You can stretch when you get back.

Hostess with the Mostess at the Black Duck Emporium

Our biggest goal as a team is to provide you with a joyful, restful, hilarious, week. I myself like to go in for the walks, the massage, a little yoga, and (I admit) too many whoopie pies.

I will remind you to very carefully go over the packing list Lisa sent you. We've had past retreats that were cold and wet and others that were hot and sunny.  Layers are always a great idea, and I shall role model for you as I bring with me 5,000 layers of hand-knitted garments I cannot actually wear here in Texas except maybe one day per year. The bedding at Monhegan House is splendid-- top of the line mattresses, sheets, comforters and pillows. A spare pair of shoes is always good (and some people-- I won't name names-- might suggest a whole spare suitcase full of shoes).

Go ahead, make fun of my headlamp. You know you want one.

Don't worry about bringing anything fancy to wear. Do consider getting a headlamp -- the first year I brought one everyone made fun of me and the year after that everyone had one. Yes, they help getting around the island at dusk but much more importantly you can see your little stitches great when we sit around knitting in the evening in the parlor.

You can get plenty of snacks and great hot beverages on the island-- I recommend the hot chocolate at the Black Duck and the chocolate chip cayenne scones at the little shop down by the dock.

One last bit of advice-- yes, you can get an internet connection in your room. And cellphones work intermittently (plus there's a landline in the Monhegan House you can use with a phone card). But as much as you can try to set that stuff down and just come and BE with us, well that's going to make your trip the very best it can be, I promise.

See y'all in less than two weeks!!
Woo-Hoo!!
Spike

It's Almost Time!! Can't Wait!

Hey Y'all,
The countdown has begun. In just about a month we'll be heading out for a week on Monhegan Island. For those of you who've been, you know what I'm talking about when I say this is the event of the year! For those of you joining us for the first time-- I cannot wait to see the joy and relaxation fill you as you embark on this wonderful journey with us.

Though we've been sold out for months, we have a sudden opening available. Have a friend you'd like to bring along? Direct her to the Knitting and Yoga Adventures website.  

We can even squeeze in two if they're close friends okay with close quarters. This is an excellent last minute opportunity -- don't blink or it'll be gone.

Have fun visualizing the trip. I'm excited thinking about every single detail from the pilot announcing, "We have begun our descent into Portland," to the ride to Port Clyde, the ferry across to the island, a week with Holden, and yes, even adventures with the birders.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!
See y'all really soon!!!