Two weeks from today, I’m going to be sleeping in a bed that looks something like this:
And eating food that looks something like this:
I’ll be leaving North Dakota for Pennsylvania in the early-morning hours to be part of a Founders Workshop put on by the Highlights Foundation.
Founders Workshops take place at the home of the founders of Highlights for Children magazine in cabins among the wooded hills near Honesdale, Pennsylvania. When I applied to take part in a workshop on young-adult novel-writing, I figured my chances of making it in would be slim. The workshops tend to be small and intensive, and participants must prove they’re serious about their craft to gain entry. In June, I received word I’d been accepted and I’ve been looking forward to it ever since.
A bonus is that my dear friend Mary from Minnesota will be joining me. We’ll hook up at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport and travel together from there. I think I’m looking forward to that as much as the workshop itself. It’s always more fun to embark on an adventure with a friend in the seat next to you.
Mary and I both sent off our 15 required pages this week. Later, I received an email from her announcing the sendoff entitled, “Into the Clouds.” Our pages, pieces of our works in progress, have been released into the sky. We don’t know what will become of them. Will they be well-received or not? Will we be encouraged or prompted to move in another direction entirely?
We’re open to whatever we’re to experience from this workshop, and energized by the thought of discussing our work, as well as our hopes and dreams associated with it, with other writers. We know from past experiences that a writer rarely comes away uninspired from such an experience, and we’re profoundly grateful for the chance.
If nothing else, it’s important to change up the scenery every once in a while; to get out of Dodge and glimpse another part of the world for a bit; to find new life for an endeavor through the energetic spirits of fellow travelers.
There are so many things to accomplish on the home front before we depart. There are dinners to be made, events to attend, homework pages to be checked. I have yet to launder the necessary clothes, pack and pull together the itinerary and plane ticket. But in my mind, this adventure is already a success, because I know that I will come back with a renewed perspective, and a friend a state away with whom I can relive it whenever the scenery becomes more static again.
Q4U: What’s the next adventure on your list, writing-related or otherwise? How are you preparing for it? What do you hope to attain from it?
wow. That sounds amazing. I’d love to go with you. Pack me in your back pocket?
Roxane, I am SO EXCITED for you!!!!! Congratulations! And please tell us about it when you return.
Yes. It IS already a success because we have claimed the name and occupation of writer. That’s why we were accepted. My heart started palpitating as I looked at those pictures. I’m ready for my “Walden Experience.”
Tab, oh, that would be fun. Wish we could!
Jane, you know that I will. 🙂
Mary, glad the photos could get you dreaming more deeply. Our adventure is drawing near!!!
Oh, that sounds like a lot of fun, Roxane. I’m so glad you and Mary can enjoy it together. 🙂
Honesdale is about 94 miles north from where I live! Kind of far, but closer than ND, lol! Hope you have a fantastic time, Roxane!
I don’t have any writing adventures on the horizon, but my best friend is getting married in four weeks. 🙂 This weekend is her bachelorette party, so that’ll be fun!
The entire experience is going to be unforgettable. Make sure to save a bit of time for walks in the woods to burn off the wonderful gourmet meals. BTW, I saw a mama bear and her baby when I was there. It was amazing.
Laura, oh wow, yeah, that is a lot closer. I’ll be thinking of you! I’d say a friend getting married is an adventure for sure!
Mary S., that’s right. You’ve been there. Thanks for the warning about the bears. Would be cool to see, but glad to have been forewarned. 🙂
Shannon, still waiting for the chance to meet up with you at one of these things.
I am giddy at the thought of it. So happy for you and can’t wait to hear all about it. I’ve also heard it opens you in a whole new way 🙂 I love when good things happen to good people.
I wish I could tell you what adventure awaits, but I don’t have one articulated at this moment 🙂 But I am working on it.
How exciting! I hope it is a growing and creative place for you! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
I am so glad for you. Have a fantastic and fruitful time.
Roxane,
Just catching up on the week…how totally EXCITING and WONDERFUL for you and Mary to go on this trip together. I can’t wait to hear about your experiences and see the pics of you both!
Unfortunately my next adventure isn’t as fun as yours, as I am in preperation mode for surgery. (The only positive thing is that I am hoping I will have some extra time to write during the recovery phase.)
Blessings on your trip!