Ticket to Write

I've been back this week at Colonyhouse, 

the Oregon Writers Colony Retreat in Rockaway Beach where I go a couple of times a year.

Here Life takes a back seat and writing, center stage. 

Last year, my writing partner sent some of my Colonyhouse photos to the OWC board 

who decided to use one for their website. 

Instead of payment, I opted for a few free writer's weeks 

in exchange for the use of the photo below.

And we've been typing away this week 

with a few breaks for beach and lake walks.

A couple of blocks away, I found the perfect bench for resting, 

meditating on the tides and general all 'round enjoyment. 

And no visit to Colonyhouse would be complete 

without a trip into nearby Manzanita

(where I like to spend the afternoon writing at the

window counter of the Manzanita News and Espresso Cafe).

The storefront got a new face lift

(and mural--though I miss the bright red benches)

My mother loved Manzanita's beach and long stretch of quaintness.

I think it reminded her of Pt. Reyes in California

as it does me. 

An afternoon topped off

by a gorgeous drive back to the cabin.

A few wild elk along the bay.

One last evening before rushing back home,

to its cares and worries

that have nothing to do with my characters

and everything to do with Life.