Rose Cottage

 For the last several years , church members and friends have been invited to spend a fall weekend at Camp Arrah Wanna, on the beautiful Salmon River in the Cascades, near Y'East (Mount Hood). Some congregants grew up coming to camp when young, as have my grandkids.  Salmon - in the Salmon River  This year, all our group's camp fees were covered by a Calvin Grant, which pastor Erika wrote for the 52 week Seasons of Wonder devotional, by (Bonnie Smith Whitehouse). In adition to the books, the grant has funded supplies for recommended creative projects, and field trips, which Bonnie recommends to add depth.  This spring, I led a session on making rose beads as part of a session on making rosaries, and my daughter, grandkids and I have joined field trips.  John, Shelly and pastor Erika Our camp time includes ample free periods in addition to meals, workshops and group activities. My daughter, her 13 year olds and I came this year.   Saturday morning, Lar...

 This past weekend, my daughter's family and I joined other members of our congregation at Camp Arrah Wanna, for a lovely retreat! Our youth love spending time at this rural camp near Wy'East (Mt Hood), and it's a great to have camps for all ages as well.  My daughter Mary helped plan activities, so invited me to lead two creative workshops. In the first, Heart's Ease, we identified several things which weigh on our hearts, and found images for antidotes. We used color and shape for the 'weights', then cut images from magazines and calendars to collage on card stock! Heart's Ease participants The shares and check in at the end are always so touching! And it's always fulfilling to hear that our time together was conforting and helpful. Sarah's Heart's Ease altar Sunshine began folding cranes, and she and Sarah took a major walk, and continued working of their 3-D pieces after lunch! Zander (12) enjoying a walk It is special to share camp time with...