Over a week ago, I found myself in Shenandoah National Park, in a cabin, writing. If you've been keeping up with me for a few months, you know that my dream is to have a cabin in the mountains where I can go and write my novels.
At the end of April, my What's Next group individually holed up in hotel or house (or, in my case, cabin) to spend the weekend working on their What's Next projects. I had (and still do, truth be told - just different stuff) a ton of things to do for Write Well U, and a whole weekend to bang out stuff seemed like a good idea.
To top it all off, since I know I want the cabin-in-the-mountains thing, I figured I'd try it out and see if it was really for me.
The verdict? Yes and no.
The second I drove into the park, I was in love. :) Shenandoah has many overlooks, and I wanted to stop at each one. I did actually have to stop as the What's Next group had our first call-in to share what our goals were. I wasn't at the cabin yet, and I wasn't sure how my cell phone reception was going to be, so when I found the perfect overlook and had several bars on my cell phone, I stopped. Here was my view a couple of thousand feet up.
Not bad, huh?
The call ended, and it was time to check-in and find my cabin. The cabin wasn't nearly as magnificent as the views. First, it reminded me of my dorm room in college with the sink right there in the main room. Rustic, but okay. I brought my stuff in and went down to dinner at the Lodge, one of the many things I was looking forward to (say it with me, "Blackberry cobbler"). After dinner, back to the cabin to truly unpack.
Hmmm. Not a three-pronged outlet to save my life, so plugging in my laptop wasn't going to happen. I also had cords for my cell phone and iPod speakers (the truly important things). There was only one outlet that fit those, and it was by the aforesaid sink.
I trotted myself back to reservations and asked for another room. I told them I was there to hike and write, and while I didn't see a problem with my ability to hike, I was going to have problems writing if my laptop ran out of batteries. They were filled up, so there was no chance of me moving to another cabin. Additionally, they told me that if I had been able to plug in my laptop, it might blow a fuse as the wiring in these original cabins were old. However, they did offer to charge the laptop behind their desk for me.
It wasn't ideal, but it would work. I moved in, and set up some things to make the space cozier. In retrospect, this was the smartest thing I did. I had brought my cabin life map with me, as well as my Oggz Egg, Zena Moon's creative fire candle, a candle that came with my Joyful Business Guide, and a dragon. The resulting space was colorful and cozy, and I had a constant reminder of the life I was creating.
So I had my creative space, and I was fairly happy. The next two days I spent hiking and creating. I didn't get as much work done as some of my fellow What's Nexters, but plugging along for hours on end wasn't my original plan. I knew I wanted the whole shebang - the environment, the view, the cabin, the creative fire, the writing, the inspiration, the hiking.
For the most part, I got all I wanted. The only thing is that my eventual cabin will be a little more essentially equipped. You know, with things like outlet and enough electricity to power my laptop.
Here's to the dream coming true - soon!
Hi Dawn,
What great inspiring photos! I am definitely feeling energy for a personal retreat. This summer has joy-fully been about family and moving house. It feels like it's time for some Laura time. I did enjoy the Shenandoah Park photo - brings back memories from my childhood visiting the mountains.
My retreat probably involves ocean waves and salt air - that is truly rejuvenating to my spirit. I think I'll set an intention. :)
Let me know when you write the ebook about how to get rid of "mommy-guilt".
I'm checking out your Wow program too...you have me intrigued.
PS: Loved that you included your Joy Candle on your retreat!
Posted by: Laura | August 13, 2007 at 12:05 PM