Dear Readers,
Don’t even bother looking for me. I’ll be long gone by the time you read this post, hidden in the safe harbor of a cloistered monastery somewhere in the world.
Rest assured, you will all be in my prayers, and I will be back in a week or two.
Love,
Roxane
*****************
Can you spell h-e-a-v-e-n? This is the way all writer-mothers should begin their summers, no? And if not this, then perhaps by creating some other closer-to-home haven to find peace amidst the busyness and chaos of family life.
I’m undeserving and extraordinarily blessed to have a chance to start the summer by plunging into a project that needs my attention. And I’m tremendously grateful for all of the pieces that have come together in order to make it happen: especially to the Sisters at the monastery, my in-laws for taking some of the kids during this time of mama’s refuge, and for my husband for holding down the fort and keeping the teens in line.
Before leaving, I’ll complete one last mothering task of taking all five kids to the dentist for their regular check-ups. Once the last one has been properly investigated and run through the routine, I’ll head out to begin my working reprieve. During my time away, I plan to do a lot of reading, ruminating and writing, as well as praying and reflecting. I’m looking forward to sharing some of what I’ll experience upon my return in a week or two (not sure whether I’ll have reliable Internet access where I’m going, but check back next Wednesday to see if there’s an update waiting).
I’ll be thinking of you all and hope that by sharing this, you’ll be inspired to seek a summertime hideaway, too. We all need time to reboot, and for me, the time is now! I’ll likely be drawing on this solace for the rest of the summer.
Peace be with you!
Q4U: Where will you find your summertime refuge?
Good for you, Roxane! I hope you have a relaxing and productive time away. Happy summer!!!
The beach is my summertime refuge. But when I can’t be there, a big grassy park with lots of trees is perfect too. 🙂
Roxanne, this sounds wonderful. Blessings to you for being able to do this and to your family for understanding your desire to have that privilege and allowing you to have it.
When I was a teacher, and our daughters were in second grade and kindergarten, I went with another teacher to an International Reading Association convention in Toronto. At the closing session the presenter said, “Ladies and gentleman, my one piece of advice to you is to go home and listen to your own children.” I did what she said to do, and it changed my life. Until then I had been pumped to tell my family about my wonderful week, but letting them tell me about their week was a liberating experience for me as “Mom”.
Laura, thank you kindly, and oh, the beach sounds mighty nice too. 🙂
Barbara, what a wonderful thought! I will take you up on that. Thanks for the great insight! I know the kids will have a lot to share. They’re spending time with their grandparents in a lake town and I know they will have many stories to relay. 🙂
I hope you’re having a wonderful time on your getaway, Roxane!
I tagged you in my post today! You don’t have to play; I just thought you’d like to see it. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Roxane,
I am so happy that you get to experience this blessing! May your time away bring refreshment to your soul and energy to mind! Blessings to you!