What is a Faux Retreat?

Back in early January I printed out this picture for my inspiration board.

Why did I put THIS photo on my inspiration board?  Well, I will tell you the same thing I told my dear "Che" when he asked me the same question.  I will go to a Faux Retreat within the next 18 months!  Of course he looked at me like I had three heads and asked, "What's the big deal about this faux thingy?".  "Well", I said, "it is a week of painting classes at an all inclusive lodge with spa treatments available on 170 acres in Wisconsin."  So Che's next question was, "What do you mean 'all inclusive', and how much does it cost?".  So I say, "It's only $1695 and that includes meals, lodging and classes!".  So at that point I had to explain that pretty much every other week long class I knew of started at nearly $2000 and that does not include meals or lodging.  Now my dear readers, there are no week long classes less than 5 hours drive from my home, so lodging is a must no matter what. 

Now, as "Che" and I both agreed, my business is just not strong enough to justify the expense.  Yes, we can "write off" as much as 40% of it.  Yes, the knowledge gained from taking "hands on" classes is invaluable to my business.  But it is very important to remember that I started "The Painted Lady" as an extension of a newly discovered hobby.  Let us also consider that I have NEVER been away from my boys for more than 48 hours. Those boys are spoiled rotten and don't take kindly sharing their mom with anyone. So the retreat was put on the back burner.

Then last month while on our "date night", I filled Che in on this really cool opportunity to go to Faux Retreat for free.  I had just read that they were looking for a "Monitor" (teacher's assistant).  While the monitor does not get to "play with product" and make the samples with the class, they do get the class notes and they get to see first hand al of the techniques being taught.  Dear readers I can tell you this because I know that Che does not read my blog, but I waited until he had a couple of glasses of wine before I even broached the subject.  I knew I wanted to apply for the job, but I could not in good conscience do it without his blessing.  He and I are often on opposite schedules and any diversion from our established routine is very challenging, so I also needed the blessing of my parents who pick up the slack.  Of course being the spoiled brat I am, I already had their okay to apply.  When I told him I wanted to apply, I also told him there was no chance of me getting it.  After all, I am a nobody.  I have been lurking in the online forums and blogs just soaking up as much as I can for two years.  Some of the artists I have been following have been doing this for 20+ years and have the education to back it up.  However, we agreed, this would be good practice for me.  Filling out the application and watching the selection process would be good.  It would also begin to put me on "the radar".  I may not get this one, but I can learn from it.  Long story short and much to our surprise, I made the first cut.  From nearly 30 applicants, I made it to the top 15.  Then I found out I made it to the top 7.  Hubs and I were both stunned!  I think he was actually a little proud of me.  Then I found out I made the next cut!  By then I had 3 phone interviews under my belt and Che was really, sincerely cheering me on!  After a few days of torture, the announcement was made...  Rachel Sejas had been chosen as Monitor for Faux Retreat!!!!!!!!  

What was my reaction?  Well, it is 11:20 right now and I am substitute teaching in P.E. at my sons' school tomorrow, so this is to be continued...................

P.S.  I am tired, it is late and I have not proof read this.  Dad, if you are reading this, I know I made lots of grammatical errors.  Please forgive me.www.fauxretreat.com