It was a lovely weekend by the sea.
I took another writing retreat (these are getting more common in my life), but this one was much more restful and rejuvenating. I admit, I was rather proud of myself, because I think I am getting much better at cultivating a creative process that is actually enjoyable, and not just obsessive and exhausting. Last time I went to the cabin to write, I took one sorry little excursion away from my computer. This time, I allowed myself ample time to roam around the cliffs overlooking the sea, read poetry, lay in the sunshine, and make delicious food. I usually gave myself three writing sessions a day that were about 1-2 hours long; I discovered that having limits for my work time and giving myself rewards was a much happier and even more efficient way to go.
I had such a delightful time, AND I wrote some decent stuff. I think writing is getting easier for me…slowly.
The illustrious Mr. Rigsby joined me for a day, as well, and my stomach muscles are still sore from laughing so much. He wins the award for the person most likely to crack me up. He did a good job of letting me work, and he did a good job of encouraging me to go lay by the pool, too. Mr. Rigsby is very skilled at loafing–among his other talents, of course– so he is teaching me how also to loaf. The first hot sunshine of the summer was an excellent invitation to leave the cabin, abandon my words, and just go play outside. As usual, I have beaten Mr. Rigsby at acquiring the first summer tan (don’t worry, I even use sunscreen), and I am still as vain as ever about this 13 year competition between us.
All in all, it was very hard to come back from the weekend. When I got home last night, I bought dinner and sat out on the grass at 10 p.m., just sort of picnicking on a beautiful summer evening and refusing to go inside. These summer days are glorious, but the summer nights might be even more exquisite. Last evening, there was that warm, refreshing breeze that I haven’t felt since last August.
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2 comments:
Fantastic! Or better... FANTASTIC!!!
Oh Kim. It sounds so much more than good. The abandoning the words to play outside. I love that. I am glad for you and the time feels sacred, just reading about it on my computer screen. I don't know who Mr. Rigsby is but congratulations on winning the tan competition:). Your words just wafted me back to illustrations in a children's book that I remember so well still... about the lupin lady who lived by the sea. The pictures just got me- and the ones in my memory still do... the hillsides, the breezes rustling the sea grass, her shawl fluttering playfully in the wind as she watched the children tumbling across the beach... things I haven't thought about since I was little. Way to do a weekend by the sea... and live.
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