Back from A Writer’s Retreat

My apologies for not tending to my blog last week! I attended a writer’s retreat in Round Top, Texas which I’d love to tell you a little about, and share some of the pictures.

First let me say I had a lovely time, mainly because it was so well organized and the retreat center was terrific. We were there in the off-season, when the grounds were still dormant and the weather was chilly. If it was great under those circumstances I can only imagine what it looks like in the spring or fall!

There are several buildings on the grounds, and the one we occupied easily accommodated all eighteen of us. I was on the top floor, and shared the room with all kinds of antiques and a re-creation of a 19th century General Store.

The night I arrived and saw where I would sleep, I have to admit being just a little apprehensive about staying in the room all by myself. It offered many twin-sized beds, but at the foot of mine was a mannequin dressed in vintage 1800s garb.

I wondered how many times I’d wake up thinking someone was standing over me, but actually those fears never materialized.

It was a good thing my Fragile X son stayed home, or he would have wanted a ride in this antique wheel chair. If my son could talk I’m sure he’d say why walk when there are wheels available?

I slept soundly because, other than the one day we had SNOW, it was warm enough to take a brisk walk along the country roads or on-site paths, like this one.

From Sunday until Thursday morning, I enjoyed the fellowship of several other writers: Tracie Peterson, Janet Lee Barton, Allison Pittman, Cara Putman, to name just a few.

Tracie arranged for some of the attendees to give presentations on various aspects of Victorian life, based on their research. Deeanne Gist gave a wonderful program about the lives and expectations of Victorian servants; Cathy Marie Hake shared an abundance of information and examples of Victorian medical procedures and equipment. And a local history buff came to share A Victorian Lady, complete with a living history presentation of authentic costuming.

There was a balance of fellowship, information and free time to work on our current project. I came away not only refreshed, but as if the time was used wisely and fruitfully.

One special aspect of my time there was connecting with Merrill DeGroot, who did such a fantastic job as our cook. She’s shown here in the middle, with Janet Lee Barton on her right and me on her left. Merrill is not only one of the most wonderful cooks I’ve ever met, she’s also the mom to a very special boy who shares the same Fragile X disability as my own son. We were able to spend some time chatting about our experiences, which was a special blessing to me.

But I have to say it’s a good thing Merrill lives all the way out in Montana—ranching territory! If her kitchen was any closer to me, I’d have a have a hard time not stopping in to see what she had cooking.

So that’s why I neglected my blog last week; between the travel and the schedule, it truly was a retreat, from television and telephones and even for the most part from the Internet and all of its demands. We were able to walk to the office to check our emails, but it was surprisingly easy to let the retreat be almost total. I knew family members had things under control here at home, so other than a few calls to check in, I really did “retreat.”

But here I am, back at my desk, ready to push “send” on my current project. Refreshed, and almost ready to start something new!