Thursday, October 6, 2016

Fifth year on Vashon Island

Yesterday's view from Quartermaster Harbor
Yesterday, after the five of us arrived separately by ferry on Vashon Island for our fifth annual writers' retreat, three of us went for a three-mile walk. The three-mile loop takes us by the harbor, and the brilliant blue skies and fluffy white clouds made quite a spectacle, as you can see here. Then we went back to join the others at our wonderful Lavender Hill Farm to make ourselves comfortable in our respective rooms. I have always stayed in one of the basement rooms, until this time. I am ensconced in the suite, for the first time, and now everyone will have had a chance to experience it.
The large suite, my room for five days
The bed is huge, and the separate bath and sitting room are incredibly spacious. I felt a little swallowed up by all the space, at first. After having slept there last night and getting a great night's sleep, I can see why everybody wants to have that room.
Deb, our facilitator, making a bouquet
This morning we began the work. Deb has taken several courses to learn how to facilitate writing groups using the Amherst Writers and Artists Method. We just spent our first morning session using writing prompts and giving and getting feedback from our impromptu writings. Every year I learn a little more about the method, Deb's proficiency increases, and I get to enjoy the company of my fellow Vashonistas.
The living room
This is our writing area; and we are taking a two-hour break for lunch Three of the women went off to town, while I sit here writing this post and Linda is taking a nap. She stayed up rather late, and as usual I was the first to leave last night so that I could get to bed at a reasonable hour and feel quite rested.

Although the writing work is valuable, it is also quite intensive, so we will continue to have a few days more of writing and then for the weekend will explore places on the island that we want to know more about. We leave on Monday, so I will be here on Saturday and will post from Vashon Island once more. We've got rain moving in, quite a lot of it for awhile, but we three walking buddies will head out each morning at 7:00am for the three-mile walk. It's the best way to start a day of mental exercise, I think. More later.
:-)

20 comments:

  1. It sounds wonderful, the island, the walk, the company, the writing, the room.
    Perfect in every way. Enjoy!

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  2. It sounds like a wonderful break. A place to feed your brain and soul and delight your eyes.

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  3. Have fun!! I know how much you enjoy getting together with these ladies.

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  4. Just a beautiful view from the suite! How lovely. I remember when I was in college I discovered that if I was writing something I was passionate about, or had strong feelings, the words would flow. I've never participated in a writer's workshop, but it sounds fascinating. Enjoy your time with your fellow blogger friends :-)

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  5. So do you discuss each other's writing? Are there details about the mechanics? Is grammar discussed? Okay I shouldn't be asking questions. How do you handle the suggestions? I think I've given you enough for a post.

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  6. What a lovely relaxing break....
    Your accommodation sounds delightful, and hiking and writing to boot !
    Enjoy dear :)
    ~Jo

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  7. Have fun! What a lovely suite and that view is awesome:)

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  8. What a wonderful idea for a break. The beautiful surroundings and good company must provide lots of inspiration for writing.

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  9. Nice furniture in the house and beautiful views, too. Happy retreat!

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  10. what a beautiful place. i'd have a hard time concentrating on learning anything. :)

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  11. What a beautiful room! I hope you have a productive writing weekend. It sounds like a great learning experience. And fun too.

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  12. P. S. I checked out the link. I loved the quote at the top. What a great philosophy. Inspiring.

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  13. The suite looks marvelous! What a view!! Enjoy every minute. :)

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  14. Ooh, I really like that room with a view. Aren't you lucky.
    So glad you are at least getting in some exercise. Would hate for you to have to go cold turkey:)
    What a great idea for all of you to meet, enjoy eachother and to expand your writing skills. Keep having fun.
    It will probably be odd for your Sunday post not to be accompanied by your partner's gentle snore.

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  15. Pretty! I can see why y'all return. And your group makes the most of the time together to learn and bond....that's great.

    Will look forward to more to come over the weekend. Enjoy.

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  16. I envy you gals ... it's a great thing that you're doing.

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  17. Yes, you probably feel like a queen in that room! The landscape looks gorgeous. Have a great ending to your week.

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  18. What a gorgeous place to stay. Wow! There are so many rooms! And they're really cozy and beautiful. I can imagine how much creativity you were able to tap into.

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