I’m afraid you’re going to have to try to get along without me next week.
Sunday starts the annual family vacation week on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. There’s no finer place to be in the summer. Your mileage may vary. Which means more beach for me.
We love it there, and have gone there almost every year for the past 13 years. It’s a great place to unwind and forget about the cares of the world.
Last year, we moved a little further north on the island to Southern Shores. We like it there. Like the house we’re renting. Like the beach access.
As I mentioned in my Beach Reading post, I’m going without an agenda.
I am not, like last year, taking my novels to work on. I will not, like last year, be tuned into the Republican National Convention (thanks be to God).
And, more than in years past, I’m really sort of ambivalent about the “have to” things that have always been on the list. I don’t have to go to certain restaurants. I don’t have to do certain things.
If we do, great. If we don’t, also great.
I’m also taking a break from the writing next week.
I know, I know. “Real” writers don’t take breaks.
Truth is I’ll probably write more than I’m anticipating. The laptop is still going.
But, I won’t be writing for editors, or blogs, or news sites. If I write next week, it will be for me. That may later translate for editors, blogs or news sites. We’ll just have to see.
I’m not going to completely unplug, but I’m not going to feel the pressure of having to post something on all my web addresses every day.
Not to worry, I’ll be on Facebook (some) and Instagram. If for no other reason than to point out that I’m at the beach and you’re not.
Wait; was that my out loud voice?
Fact is, I’ll never completely unplug. Already my mind has been racing and I’ve been scribbling in my Moleskin notebook about the writing and blog refresh that I’ll start post beach week. I’m sure there will be more notes made next week.
And, I’ve got some design work that I need to spend time with. So the sketch pad and the charcoals are going as well.
The important thing is, it won’t be here or at the office. I’ll be at the beach.
If somewhere along the way I happen to toss in some productivity, well that’s cool.
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