I have had a few emails asking questions about the UN-Tangle Retreat - Holiday Edition that is taking place in Ogunquit, Maine from November 9th-11th, 2012.

1. I'm sorry the pricing confused people - my intent was to actually make it easier, by showing there is a choice as to lodging. OK, here is the "simple" version:

Single room rate (If you want a room all to yourself, no roommate) = $875

Double room rate (you don't mind sharing a room with another student or you are bringing a spouse, etc.) = $725 (per person)

Commuter rate (driving from home, or a friend's house each day) = $500

These prices include the workshop, class materials, lodging for two nights, meals (two breakfasts, two dinners, and one lunch), and all applicable taxes.

Oh and you can save $75 off your lodging if you sign up by Sept. 1st.

2. November - yes, it is cold and you won't want to lay out on the beach... or swim (you wouldn't want to swim, even in the summer, brrrr...). So why November? The hotel is affordable and it is fairly empty so we get treated like queens. During high season, we're talking ~ $300 a night. If you bundle up (or not - sometimes it is still quite warm in early Nov.) there is a wonderful walk along the cliffs called the Marginal Way. It connects Ogunquit (boutiques, restaurants, galleries, chocolate shop...) with Perkins Cove (there's a drawbridge, shops and restaurants). The Beachmere Inn sits right on the Marginal Way. There is a gorgeous view from the hotel, no matter the time of year. Our workroom has a window that looks out at the sea. There is plenty of time to take walks and explore the town. The March retreat started with a small blizzard and ended with temps in the 60's. It's New England.

3. Why Ogunquit? When I run away to work on a book or take an escape, I always go to either Ogunquit or Wells, Maine. They are just far enough away from home, and close to the sea, but not too much of a drive. The Beachmere is my favorite place. When I was there working on Tangled Fashionista, I had barricaded myself into my room (which has a kitchen!), my work spread out all over the bed and floor... I was staring out at the ocean and munching on dark chocolate covered apricots and thinking: "this is the best place to retreat from the world. The only thing missing are some cool people to talk to." In general, I would stay and work as long as I could and usually went home when I got really lonely. "Wow - what if I came up here and brought some other people to tangle with!!??"

4. Retreat? Call it whatever you want. I don't mean "retreat" as in yoga and chanting and massage (although that can be arranged...). I mean "retreat" as in "step away from your to-do list!"
I don't know about you, but unless I'm enrolled in a class or have some other obligation to make art, it ends up pretty low on that to-do list. Even when making art IS your job, it still gets bumped below checking email (and writing blog posts?) ;-) Zentangle is a weird paradox (hee hee) - it is solitary and involves inner reflection and lots of other woo-woo stuff. BUT it also seems to create a craving for other like-minded souls. When you DO Zentangle, you need to SHARE it. And, lastly, by the end of November we all get caught up in that crazy chaos of all the Holidays. I dread that time. I'm guessing that if I prepare myself by calming down, enjoying some art and meeting a whole bunch of super-amazing people (only super-amazing people come to these kinds of things!) - then I think I can make it through the holidays and experience them for what they were intended rather than a commercial rush.

5. It's just a ton of fun! And you get to relax and watch from the side (my usual style) or you can throw yourself in and show off (it's amazing what a little chocolate can do for one's confidence).

Did I miss anything? Post any other questions in the comments. :-)
(Oh - and sign up HERE)

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