Hooked on Midland.

This past weekend the OHCG Annual was held in Midland, Ontario. It was an incredible weekend and it's always hard to decide what was the best part.

Is it the show?
Hundreds of this past year's amazing creations by some incredibly talented artists. For me, one of the highlights was seeing the fruit of the labour of the START committee of 2007. We had 25 faces to put in the display and they were quite a conversation piece and photographed by nearly every visitor.

Is it catching up with folks you haven't seen in a while?
The hugs, the laughter, the quick conversations, the re connections. That wonderful reminder of the importance of community.

Is it the selection of goodies to purchase from all the vendors?
It's a shopping mall of hooking suppliers, with everything a hooker dreams of - and then some. Every year there are colours and textures and so many choices to add to your stash. Books to inspire. New patterns to ponder. The perfect counterpoint to the inspiration in the show.

Is it the program created by the hardworking committee?
Excellent venue, fun-filled activities, great food, inspirational speakers and general silliness. Midland committee - you rock! The drumming circle on Friday night had even the biggest skeptics joining into the Zen. Suzanne Conrod's talk about The Rug Museum of North America was a rallying cry for us all to pitch in to protect the heritage of our art form. Rhonda Kellet's impassioned plea on behalf of the Women of the Congo reminded us that we all have the power in our hooks to further a cause that touches our souls.

Is it getting away for a weekend of no cooking, no laundry, no children, no work?
Yes, it's pretty nice not having to do any chores for three days. Food appears when you sit down. Delicious meals and goodies. Laundry and grocery shopping are not on the agenda. It's like Mothers' Day a week early.

Is it having time to poke around cafes and shops in a new Ontario town?
Yes. Starting with a beautiful harbour, lovely decor shops and lunch in an amazing tea room, there was lots to see. But this year's bonus was a stay at an unbelievable B&B (The Victorian Inn) with amazing hosts Carol and John who made Elaine and me feel like family. Please check out their website (see in favourites) and if you ever have a chance to go to Midland, please stay there and give them a hug for me.

I think the real answer is that it's all of the above. And every year it's a weekend that I look forward to knowing that it will be the same, but different, each time. Since we are all scattered around the province and since we only get together for schools and hook-ins and weekends like this, it's a celebration of people and our passion for this incredible art form.

And I loved every minute of it.