Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The mini writing retreat is over. Elen and her family were incredibly gracious about sharing their home and time with me. We found a nice rhythm of writing, talking and writing that allowed us to be social as well as productive. Elen is one of the most thoughtful people I know. She puts a lot of time and effort into everything she does; really considers the ramifications of her thoughts and deeds before she acts upon them. I learn much from her.

Having a desk to work from was more beneficial than I remembered. I could spread my papers and research notes out around me instead of balancing some on the couch and others on the footstool. Some of my comfort may have had to do with the fact that I wasn't fighting a cat for the mouse. Electronic or not there's something about a mouse that cats feel obligated to hunt, even if it's in your hand.

Back at home, I quickly assessed the odds of setting up a desk in my office. I used to have both but gradually migrated to the living room surrounded by the zoo. I multi-task while I write. That wasn't necessary while at Elen's and I suspect that accounts for a large part of my productivity. Of course I did spend a fair amount looking out the window and watching the neighbour wash his car. Procrastination exists everywhere.

Sometimes it's important to hang out with friends, even change the scenery a little bit to gain some perspective on your work. Fortunately, the retreat was a lot calmer than landing on a branch in the middle of rapids.

3 comments:

  1. Of course I did spend a fair amount looking out the window and watching the neighbour wash his car.

    Well, if the neighbor happens to look like Gerard Butler, what else could you be expected to do? ;)

    eelvor - a drink made by eels which puts humans in Extreme Wishful Thinking mode

    ReplyDelete
  2. I should be so lucky. :sigh: Gerard Butler :sigh: Nah I was lost in the idea that it was that warm outside when you were under snow Merry.

    ReplyDelete
  3. *Of course I did spend a fair amount looking out the window and watching the neighbour wash his car.*

    LOL I didn't know you were doing that. Don't you think it's interesting that Merry and I picked up on the same sentence? ;-)

    I'm looking forward to seeing that desk when you have it all sorted out.

    Come again, soon.

    ReplyDelete