Respite.

I'm sitting in the nook in my daughter-in-law's kitchen this morning. I'm the only one up. Well, other than Bourbon and Blue, the cats who actually own the house here in the Blue Ridge. It's Sunday. Bright and clear and filled with birdsong (which might be driving the feline homeowners just the slightest bit crazy.) It's hot further down the mountain, but not so much here, so the windows are open. This is the view.


It feels good to be removed from the unrest that seems to permeate the days lately. Although my husband and son have watched some news, I haven't. I've read a little of it, but not much, because I've been politicked out by both our own and Great Britain's travails. I care, of course I do, but I need respite from it. Quiet. Laughter at no one else's expense. Heart's ease.

I'd love to say this few days here with family and writing in this lovely, inspiring place has made my WIP come together, made the words flow, given me delicious writerly aha moments, but it hasn't really worked out that way. I have written. I'm very nearly finished with the story I thought would have been done weeks before now.

It's okay.

It's not the book of my heart, my greatest professional pride, or one I'll ever refer to in a whisper as "my favorite, but don't tell anyone."

But that's okay, too, Because I still hope it provides readers with what the view from Tahne's kitchen gives me. Respite. Quiet. Laughter at no one else's expense. Heart's ease.

Have a great week.

Liz

Comments

  1. Thank you, for letting us know that not everything we write is that burning, dear-to-our-heart story, but is still a viable work. My first book about the Hinton family flowed from my finger tips like honey, while the second book, which is about my favorite character, had to be wrung from my fingers. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks, Linda. That was such a shock to me, finding out they don't all "flow," but I was glad to learn that flow isn't all about quality, either. :-)

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  2. We could all use a bit of respite now and then. Glad you found it.

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    1. It's necessary, isn't it, and I've been lucky to find it in the places I have.

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  3. My fantasy is to find an isolated cabin in the mountains to just write. Of course it would need running water, electricity, and internet access. I'm still looking.
    I'm glad you found a happy place. Write on.

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    1. Exactly. I may housesit if my kids ever need me to! It's not a cabin, but it's isolated and has all the mod-cons.

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  4. we're avoiding the news cycles, too, Liz...not because we don't care, but because it's All.So.Much. Your weekend with family sounds perfect! Great post today.

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    1. All So Much. That's exactly what it is. I usually don't have much fear, but right now I think I do. Makes me sad.

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  5. I so get that. Wishing you more respite as well as aha moments!

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  6. What a lovely spot! Sometimes it's okay if the story words don't flow--these words did, so for today, that's a good thing. Happy you got to spend time with your kids in this beautiful place! Be safe coming home.

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    1. We are home. Good trip both ways and much fun there.

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  7. I love that you had some respite. I'm fixing to have some too and can't wait to sit on the porch and rock and read. We have to have that in our lives to recharge.

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    1. Yes, we do, and I am blessed to have enough of it--something that didn't happen when I was young.

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  8. The respite you've painted her sounds lovely. It is a good time for that. I've cut back on my news time, too. It's not just too much, it's too crazy. It's get me stirred up.

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    1. That's what it does. And a little nausea along with it. :-(

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  9. I love this and am jealous of your respite location. It's awesome.

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