Entry #615020, added on 10-27-08 @ 12:03 pm EDT
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| Writing Away Retreats | Entry #615020 |
I returned home from my beautiful writing retreat in Vail, Colorado on the 21st (very, very late at night). The entire experience was inspiring, encouraging, and fantastic. I have not been so relaxed, calm, and comfortable in... forever. Okay, ever.
When I arrived in Denver on the 17th (which I thought would NEVER come), I was picked up at the Vail Transportation Center by Cicily (our host), Russ (our award winning author), and Lee Ann (our award winning editor). Russ and Cicily immediately gave me a hug making me feel comfortable instantly. And in true Alabama style, Russ insisted on putting my (gigantic and heavy) bag in the vehicle.
I should add as a side note here that I had an anxiety attack that morning, something most people know I am prone to with my craziness. Reason? Not nervous about flying, I love to fly. However, I am careful about who I am around and get a little freaked out around people I don't know. That's not to say that I don't step out of my comfort zone but I had an attack thinking about the fact that I was going to be hundreds of miles away in a house full of straight people I had never met, unsure of how they would react to a big dyke. But then I met them.
When we got to the lodge, all I could think is, "Are you fucking kidding me with this?" It was like some elaborate fantasy. The room was completely gorgeous. It looked attic style with slanted wood walls (and not wood paneling, ma), beautiful large window, a sculpted metal framed bed, and a door that led out onto my own personal balcony. Add in a walk in closet, the softest damn rug I've ever felt, a leather rocker, and a down comforter and you know I was in heaven.
Preparing for my four+ day stay, I unpacked immediately and made myself at home. I took out my laptop, sat in the rocker and started writing. Then I went downstairs and had some wine, brie, and jelly. Pretty good stuff for a kid from the trailer park. We all got along immediately and had so much to talk about. Our dinner was incredible. Please don't ask what we ate because I'll have to e-mail Cicily and say, What was the menu again? All I remember was stuffed pork roast one night (the first night I think), mashed potatoes with gouda, sweet corn with honey butter, tri-tip steak marinated in apple cider and cooked on the grill, etc, etc, etc. Every single thing Cicily cooked was absolutely phenomenal. You cannot even believe how good. But it wasn't just her cooking in the kitchen. We all milled around with our drinks, taste testing, and talking.
We got in the hot tub that first night about Lee Ann, Cheryl, and I sat long after dinner was over talking. We discovered some serious heartaches in one another's lives. And no one cared that I was gay. In fact, they really were related or close to a gay person. They were all for gay rights. And not the people who say, "I have no problem with gay people. I know...3." They really were genuine.
My days were filled with me waking up early, eating some gourmet breakfast, and sitting in front of the fireplace writing on my laptop. Then I'd go upstairs and write some more in my favorite bedroom- mine. Eat some lunch, write, take a little nap, and write. I went for a walk in the beautiful mountains and found a great creek at to...write. The creative energy that flowed throughout the house was absolutely incredible.
The second evening, we watched a movie based on the Stephen King short story The Secret Room with Johnny Depp. Great movie by the way. With or without margaritas!
The third evening we had our readings. I read a short story that I wrote for my literature class, Under Veiled Protection and I got so much positive feedback and incredible compliments, my head could barely fit through the door.
The fourth evening, I sat down privately for an intuitive reading. It was a surreal experience and really too personal to give a lot of details on.
During my stay, I also met with Russ, Lee Ann, and Lisa (our life coach) to discuss my novel that I had submitted for review. Russ and Lee Ann gave me such great feedback. I heard so many times what a great writer I am and that I will be able to get my book published. They also told me the ways to go about doing that. And that I need to go after the big presses. Yes, I'm THAT good. Wow.
Lisa and I had a great discussion based on where I want my writing career to go and how to achieve that. Every single part of the retreat was perfect. Absolutely perfect. I have not one single complaint or "I wish we could've...". Cicily did an absolutely incredible job and believe it or not, this was her first retreat.
I made lasting friendships with Cicily, Lee Ann, Russ, Suellen, Ted, Cheryl, Lisa, and Tracy. Thank you Cicily for your love, encouragement, and making this happen. Thank you Lee Ann for your Southern sweetness, honest conversation, and inspiration. Thank you Russ for your chivalry, respect, and inspiration. Thank you Suellen and Ted for your friendship and humor. Thank you Lisa for helping me to see what I need to do, your friendship, and your humor. And thank you Tracy for the incredible massage, the friendship, the reading, and for another way to look at things. And thank you Cheryl for your friendship, the excellent conversation, and the humor you brought.
I couldn't have had a better experience if I had planned it myself.
Peace and love,
Angie |
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