October 13, 2026

Back at a day writers' retreat, anxious to refocus my muse, access that part of my brain that can compose words.  It was chilly and wet today, but 12 of us gathered  together and wrote and shared and ate.  This is now essential for me to do.  I need to write in a supportive group.  It makes all the difference.  Jo picked 3 of us up and off we went with our writing tools and lunch to go hang out in beautiful Whatley.  

Today's reds were so strong, between the sumac, maple and red berries on tall bushes, they were popping against the fog.  It was not raining hard, but the fog filled the space all around the building by 11.  The yellows meld in and the reds pop.

I wrote a lot actually.  At first I wasn't going to share my morning's writing, but I decided I would and I appreciated the feedback I got.  It's the first real writing I've done about the emergency this summer, and the health drama.  I appreciated making sense of it and even if the writing is only good for me, it was important to write. Two of the other women said it was important to hear it, too.

I was so beat when I got home.  I had to lie down immediately.  It still frightens me that I can get that physically tired.  Tonight there is no fluidity in my body and I hurt.   But I am happy.

I came home to an electric tea kettle, thank you, Beth.  I love presents.  So sweet.   

EJ did some shopping for me and I have crawled into bed.

Tomorrow I will run Writers Read for the first time since I believe March or April.  It's making me anxious, which is so funny when you think of how it has been my most favorite activity for the past five years.   I'm sure it will go well, but I admit a little trepidation.