Rambling Friday: Getting Away

We didn't get to take our usual vacation at the beach this year. Hubby was too busy, and we had
(me: reluctantly) to agree that it just wasn't possible this year. For the first time in several years. 

But we did sneak in a short weekend away with some interesting and fun things to do. And we did decide to take a week off for a trip to one of our favorite places to visit: Tennessee. And our family with us made it just that much more enjoyable. 

Besides taking in some fun things to do, we love walking by the streams, driving slowly up the mountains to enjoy the scenery, and trying to catch sight of bears, deer and other various animals. We also have special stores that we enjoy visiting and occasionally buying an item for a gift or that just catches our eyes. 

One good thing about going to Tennessee is that it's not a bad drive. Plenty of places to stop, eat and even visit. We've gone to so many sites through the years that it's usually a re-visit for us. Still, after so long a time, it's nice to re-visit. 

Sometimes we stay in hotels, other times we rent a cabin. Either way has its advantage, depending on the length of stay, reason, and desire.  One great reason to choose a cabin is the freedom to eat there if you want. Another is: cabins, many times, have "built-in" activities to do. Especially as cabin rental businesses want YOUR business so anything they can do to attract you to rent from them is a plus. That means you have games and other entertaining things that keep children, teens, and adults alike busy if it's raining or you want to stay in an evening, etc. 

Whether far away or close by, I highly recommend taking a few days to relax and enjoy yourself. It's totally worth it.

Next, on the list of being with family and friends? Thanksgiving. We'll talk about that later...

Serious Wednesday: One Important Rule...

Downtime.

What do I mean? 

Writers push themselves many times. They have deadlines. Times when fans and readers want books, more of your books, and we certainly don't want to disappoint them. We push and push, sometimes book after book until...

Burn out overtakes. And that is not a good thing to go through. Let me share a bit about 2019 with you.

I was writing and writing, busy with getting everything done, one book after another, research, promotions and more. Until when 2019 arrived, I couldn't write. I tried, I honestly did. I struggled, with no thoughts, no ideas how to proceed, until I finally realized I needed a break. I needed a period of time to rest, collect my thoughts and enjoy life for a bit. 

That was my whole year. Rest, recover, rejuvenate my mind, my body, and soul. 

And in 2020, I was ready to begin writing again. I hit the ground running with two books published. 2021 has seen the same results. But I've learned one thing which I should have known all along. Sometimes our bodies try to tell us something important. It's okay to take a break. It's okay to wind down with other things that give our minds a break, our bodies time to exercise and overcome the focus on one thing that we love. It's okay to spend extra time with family and friends. It's okay to rest. 

Remember, if you feel you're dragging your "writerly feet" then take that break. Whether short or long, do it. Allow yourself to renew your spirit. You'll be much better for it. More relaxed. More focused. You'll have clarity of mind and that zeal to write will return. 

I highly recommend taking breaks. They're a valuable part of a writer's life!