The theme this week was relaxation.
Sunday
I was still in Vermont in the beginning of the week with Kath, taking walks, talking writing, and being carted around Rutland by her friend, Kathleen. I think my favorite part was when we were headed to Art in the Park and Kathleen started singing some old song (the radio wasn’t on) and Kath jumped right in and sang with her.
It was like getting a glimpse at what Taranne and I will be like some day. Two friends who’ve known each other since college, who— despite talking frequently— don’t get to see each other that often. When they do, they fall right back into old habits as if time and space could not dictate their closeness.
Monday
More walks and a little pool time before we made the drive home. Kath didn’t want to leave and my heart broke a little for her because I know that feeling well.
Tuesday
I needed a little Fishes (Amanda) time, so we had a date night and I cooked for her. The food didn’t turn out half bad, so that was a win.
We went over to her place after and she played around with my hair a bit. Best. Friend. EVER.
Wednesday
We all need more puppies in our lives.
Thursday
Sooo… my mom and I have this thing for rocks. I can’t really explain the affinity for them, other than to say we both like nature and appreciate the earth. But that sounds hokey as hell. I guess I just like how time and wind and water has resulted in this unique little creation… Which I realize sounds just as cheesy.
My mom has been keeping an eye out for something cool and earthy for me to keep some of my collected stones in and stumbled upon this bowl-esque thing on Etsy. We sat and sorted through all the ones she had gathered in a decorative container on their table, some of which were mine from my childhood days. My dad hovered nearby, bemused, as I’d pick one up and say, “Oh, this was is definitely mine,” and my mom would say, “Let me see… Oh yes, you found that one.”
“Rocks!” he exclaimed. “They’re rocks. From years and years ago. How do you know which one is yours?”
My mom and me: “Oh, we know.”
Friday
The Procrastinators (AKA Kurt and the Hot Pockets) finally got to meet in person for the first time! We arranged a stay at Thistle Dew, an old farm building an old writer from Remsen rents out as a place for writing retreats.
We talked, we laughed, we played footsie (on accident… we’re not used to each other having a bottom half), and talked some more.
I had the attic room. I was first to arrive, and when I told the woman and her adult daughter that I’d been signed up for that space, the daughter said, “They put you up there? It’s kind of… rustic. We’re still renovating it.”
But mostly I thought it was the perfect space for me.
Except, you know, late at night.
Me (texting at 11:35 PM): So I’m at this writers retreat and I have the attic room and I’m definitely not scared right now 😂
Tomaino: I feel like you’re scared
Me: I’m a badass bitch. I got this.
Tomaino: For shizzle
Me: But, like, if I die tonight, remember me fondly 😂
Tomaino: Ehh I’ll forget you somewhere between 30 and 70 days
Me: As long as you remember me fondly for those 30-70 days
Saturday
Photo Credit: Thistle Dew’s Facebook page
Saturday was a good day. We talked over coffee then Joannie made us a delicious breakfast (every meal each person made was friggin’ amazeballs… except mine. I mean, mine was decent but I just ordered from Lafa). When we took time to actually hunker down, I got started on the first chapter of my new project, keeping in mind the brilliant notes from our brainstorming session around the campfire the previous night (especially the one from Tracy). In the afternoon, I took a walk with Kurt, Corinne, and the resident pup, then, since we’d all hit our writing goals, we played Taboo with Andrea, talked with her husband, and had our Runes read by Kurt.
We’ve already booked a date for all of us to go back in November during NaNo.