I moved to the North Carolina six years ago this August, and it was one of the best things I ever did for my writing. There is something about this place, the green, vibrant, almost endless beauty, the sound of waterfalls, and all the animals that make their home here. Animals I am careful to avoid for the most part, but who always thrill me when I see them: deer and groundhogs especially. I think the peace of this place has helped me to write, but also the hum of life that seems to flow under the surface of every day here. I have found a home on a hillside that teems with life.
Here’s a photo from the window of my writing room. When it’s cool enough to write with the window open, which is most of the time, I get the added Joy of hearing the wind in the trees and feeling the breeze while I work. Of course, when I am dedicated to getting my word count, I don’t register most of these things, but when I look up to take a break, they are all there waiting for me, supporting the flow of my writing the same way the cushion of my chair supports my lower back.
If you’re reading this, you might be wondering why I haven’t been online in so long. Mostly, I’ve been writing new books. They’re not ready yet, but they will be. Meanwhile, as you look at the photo above, you can see a little of why I have been so distracted. So much beauty, and I finally decided to share a piece of it.
Good for you, Christy! Whatever soothes your soul is what’s best, especially your living arrangements. My hubby died last year of Alzheimer’s (which he’d had for 15 yrs) and I couldn’t wait to leave the hustle and bustle and traffic of Sacramento. So I sold our home and moved to Napa where my daughter and her family live, got into a small senior apt that is easy to take care of, and I’m enjoying the greenery and cooler weather. Yes, it’s still very much in “civilization,” but it’s a charming small town and it suits me and my little Yorkie, Maggie, very well. Lots of walks, safe, friendly, easy to get around in…perfect! Changes are hard at first, but as time rolls by a kind of peace settles over you. So happy you’re happy where you are! Keep on writing.
Janice, I am so sorry for your loss. But I’m glad you found a beautiful place near your daughter to live and find happiness. Your place sounds perfect.
Hello Friend, I’m glad to hear you are still being creative and loving your writing life. I’ve missed you, would love to get together and catch up! 💖
Hello sweet Gina! Yes we must get together! It is very good to be writing again
For the last two days I have had the privilege to be in a cottage by a stream in the blue ridge mountains. I have journaled each day of the sounds and sights, the looking and the not looking, of a chipmunk stealthy with a morsal – I saw where you live – listening and not listening to the quietude, the symphony of birds, trickles and, and… serenity. I paused for I don’t know how long this afternoon and sketched, tried to sketch what I saw. What I captured in my drawing was nothing. All is there, Free but not for the taking. Thus I try to give somethings nothing words can’t describe but do to some. A sketch. A babble. Babbling. See the black stripes on the back of the chipmunk? Fleeting. Freeing. Awakening. I saw where you live. Can’t go there. But. I. See.
Gary, I see you love it up here as much as I do. Being in these mountains really does feed the soul.
Thankful for serenity.