My nephew and my sister-in-law both died last year. Grief is a funny thing, and it takes so long to work it out. In some respects, my relationship with my sister and my niece is better than it has ever been, and I've been putting effort into that. But I wrote about Jessi and Joyce both on this blog--and it's sort of put me in a funk.Today is my day to get out of said funk.
The castle...
In June, I went back to Glen Eyrie, in Colorado Springs, to attend another writer's conference. What lovely people are at that event! I have made many new friends who have impacted my life in such positive ways. We had an opportunity to celebrate Sue's 50th birthday and it was such a delight to be in the presence of her and some of the people who are dear to her. I had an opportunity to tell them how important Sue is to me, and how she has been such a true friend. I loved seeing the guests at that table letting her know that she matters to them. Sometimes we forget.
The conference itself was great. The four leaders were amazing, and oh so personable. Nancy has not only become one of my favourite people on the planet, she is a great mentor. Angie shared her heart when she talked about evoking emotion in a reader. That woman is wise indeed. Kathryn gave me the only compliment that I hoped for as she read my writing...she felt something. And then she cared enough to help me make it even better. It is enough to make me keep at it. I also listened to Bill Myers, and oh my goodness would I like to sit and learn more from him. He gave the final presentation, and I have never felt so drawn in to a speaker's words.
The other thing about Glen Eyrie is that it is a place where I can let my guard down. There are few places where that happens. I can walk through the grounds and feel safe; I can enjoy the history of the castle, and imagine myself there in another time. I can sit on a bench amongst irises and the resident big horn sheep, and think. It is a good place for my soul.
Reunion weekend....
This past weekend I reconnected with some friends I hadn't seen in awhile. The common connection for us is college, and the fact that the three ladies roomed together in various combinations. Kathinka had moved to England, and now she is back in Canada. I was really nervous going to see them. Joelle is an elegant French lady; Kathinka has these exotic Dutch features. It is easy for me to feel clunky and awkward around them, and yet there is no reason to. We all had a break-down moment this weekend, but what is so great about that is we allowed ourselves to be real, and to be ourselves. It could not have been a more pleasant relaxing time. There was sitting by the lake, kayaking for some, thinking for others. We had great food, wonderful talks and a bit of pampering. Old friends are the best friends sometimes. Certainly it is true in this case. So, you see, I haven't been sitting idly doing nothing, going nowhere. But I think that I will do a better job of keeping up in the future. I don't have any immediate travel plans, but I sure have dreams for the next few years.
