Yearly retreat
Aug. 19th, 2005 07:59 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
deborahjrossAlmost every year since 1980, I have gone down to Laguna Beach for a week or two of lying in the sand, searching tide pools, an occasional foray into snorkeling, and intensive writing. I missed the year we were in France and also when I was pregnant with Rose. I no longer go with the family I had then, but this continues to be a very special place, one to recharge/regenerate/rest. Touch base with inner sources.
In the last few years, other writers have joined me for a week of work, sharing and inspiration. This year will be a mixture of family and writers. Both my daughters will be with me, undoubtedly revisiting many childhood memories, and also Denise Lee. Another writer, from the LA critique group "Spinners" that I helped found, will come down for the last couple of days. And no, Dave will not be coming. He did one year, and it's clear he's not a beach person. Hates the heat and sand, doesn't enjoy ocean swimming. Wants his creature comforts and home. And this year, has mucho mucho work that has to be done Right Now.
So I'm noodling around, throwing clothes/towels/swimsuits into a suitcase, taking a stab at leaving the house reasonably tidy for Dave, trying to remember to leave notes about such things as what dosage of what medication the cats get. Denise and I will drive down together, for company, shared driving, and beginning the adventure even before we get there. I don't plan to be online until I return -- one of the joys of this place is not being plugged in. I expect to return relaxed, refreshed, and jazzed-about-writing. Report will follow.
In the last few years, other writers have joined me for a week of work, sharing and inspiration. This year will be a mixture of family and writers. Both my daughters will be with me, undoubtedly revisiting many childhood memories, and also Denise Lee. Another writer, from the LA critique group "Spinners" that I helped found, will come down for the last couple of days. And no, Dave will not be coming. He did one year, and it's clear he's not a beach person. Hates the heat and sand, doesn't enjoy ocean swimming. Wants his creature comforts and home. And this year, has mucho mucho work that has to be done Right Now.
So I'm noodling around, throwing clothes/towels/swimsuits into a suitcase, taking a stab at leaving the house reasonably tidy for Dave, trying to remember to leave notes about such things as what dosage of what medication the cats get. Denise and I will drive down together, for company, shared driving, and beginning the adventure even before we get there. I don't plan to be online until I return -- one of the joys of this place is not being plugged in. I expect to return relaxed, refreshed, and jazzed-about-writing. Report will follow.
