Friday Update…
Happy Friday everyone!
It’s been a bit of a hard week for our family...
Rebecca had to go to the Labor & Delivery unit twice this week with some health issues that caused early contractions, closer together than they should be right now. Baby Dunning isn’t due until after we get back from Italy, so we’d really appreciate your prayers that both mama and baby stay healthy and wait for the right timing!
Then last night, I helped Isabella move out of her dorm... and let’s just say, if you’ve ever helped a college girl move, you know the chaos. 😂 She leaves for England and Scotland on Mother’s Day with a school group, so prayers for safe travels would mean a lot too!
May is always a busy month for Art & Faith Creative as we get ready for our Lake Como retreat in June, so between family stuff, scholarship fund details and retreat planning, it’s already been quite a start to the month!
But, I know you’re all wanting to know where we’re headed in 2026… so let me give you a few SNEAK PEEKS of the next retreat we’re announcing!
I already shared about Paris & Brugge last week, which I am SO excited about, but here’s the next retreat we’re prayerfully planning for next year!
Of course, most of you know we host our Creative Retreat in Bellagio ever year on the shores of Lake Como...
But this year, we’re adding an exciting twist!
We’re beginning our journey a little earlier than usual, in a brand new place:
Milan, Italy!
Yes, we’re starting our retreat IN Milan, Italy’s style capital, where history and creativity meet around every corner. And guess what? We’ll be welcomed by my dear friend Rita, who will guide us through the beauty of this incredible city and share her favorite places with us!
And here’s even more exciting news…
I’m taking you to the famous “Navigli Antique Market!”
This is a MUST-SEE vintage market, and we’re going to stroll along the canal’s edge together and browse our way through this special market that only happens once a month. This famous market transforms Milan’s oldest canal into a vintage treasure chest of antique linens, heirloom jewelry, vintage records, posters and clothes… and so much more. This market is one of a kind, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
After a few days in Milan, we’ll all head to Bellagio together and start our retreat back in our favorite village on Lake Como. We’ve got a few surprises for this part of the retreat too, but those will be revealed a little bit later…
So put this retreat on your calendar (and prayer list) because this one’s going to be a very special retreat you’re not going to want to miss! The theme for next year is really special as well, and I can’t wait to share more about that with you soon.
Our tentative dates are May 28th - June 6th, (yes, that’s longer than a week this time!) and we’ll have all the details for you in the next couple weeks. If you’d like to be on the INTEREST LIST for this retreat, let us know by sending us an email or messaging me on Instagram.
Also, don’t forget to join us “virtually” this June IN Bellagio! We have some INCREDIBLE surprises that DearElaine and I are cooking up, and they’ll involve YOU!
We want you to feel like you’re right there with us, so make sure you follow her and I on Instagram. That’s where you’ll see daily updates, fun Reels and a few surprises (and GIVEWAYS) I know you’ll want to join in on!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!
Enjoy some down time, get out your art supplies and let “art wash away from the soul the dust of everyday life” as Pablo Picasso said. I shared that quote on IG yesterday, and how I believe taking the time to connect our creativity to our Creator is a vital part of living our lives in His hands. I hope that encourages you to take time this weekend to be creative as well.
Hugs to all,
Laura McCollough
P.S. If you’re waiting on the Paris & Brugge details, we’ll be sending out an email on Saturday to everyone who wanted to be on the Interest List.