My summers for the past 30 years have included deadlines. Often pressing deadlines, which meant I was writing every day, no matter what else was going on, no matter the beautiful weather, no matter family get-togethers, et al. My summer travel was more likely than not tied to a writer’s conference rather than being a true vacation. Conferences are fun but they are also work.
So I have to confess to being a little disoriented by the whiteboard that hangs on my office closet door. This is where I write all the deadlines that relate to a book. Initial draft due date. Revision letter due to me. My completed revisions due back to the editor. Line edits due to me. Etc.
At the moment, nothing is there. What a change!
Not that I don’t have things to fill up my time. I’m studying for a math exam that will happen later next month. I have not used algebra in way too many years. Way too many decades. Ack! So my Algebra 1 for Dummies has become my new best friend. 😉
I am working on a client’s website in my Website Design by Robin capacity, but this is a project that can’t be done quickly due to the nature of the work and the client’s needs. So I do the work as it comes to me. No panic. No pressure.
I’m continuing to work on ideas for a new series, and I like how the first book is shaping up. What it needs now is some brainstorming with my writing buddies. Great timing since our annual retreat is right around the corner. In fact, I leave tomorrow. Yea!!!
And if I don’t use some of this downtime to reorganize my walk-in closet, then I’m going to have to hang my head in shame. It has become the equivalent of a junk drawer.
But mostly I want to take time to breathe, to simply enjoy the summer days, to walk around the yard and enjoy the latest sunflowers in bloom, to watch the birds on the feeders.
Taking time to breathe is something we all need to do on a more regular basis. Busyness can consume us.
Are you taking time to breathe this summer?
~robin
© juanjo tugores / Dollar Photo Club
Robin Lee Hatcher
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Cannot wait to see you, Robin! Off to have lunch with a friend who’s visiting in town then back home to pack and get ready to jet out of here tomorrow. Love you, roomie!
I’ve got everything packed except for a few items I’ll need in the morning plus my pillow and laptop. Cannot wait to see you, too. So in need of this retreat.
Thanks for the reminder, Robin. I have a beautiful beach to walk on or to sit on and read a book, and it’s just a three minute walk from my house. Deadlines can wait, summer is fleeting fast.
Amen, Lynn.