This weekend, I was lucky enough to speak at Scribblers' Retreat Writers' Conference in St. Simons Island, Ga. I returned to Virginia last night to a fully bloomed Shenandoah Valley---which is actually a nice little metaphor for how I feel at the moment. I'm back. And I'm ready to get fingers to keyboard with my new manuscript.
My recipe for a mind in full writers' bloom? One part old friends, one part new friends, a dash of different scenery, and a heaping spoonful of awesome speakers. (Expect some faboo "Pointers from the Pros" posts very soon!)
HIGHLIGHTS
My husband and I used to live near Atlanta, so we decided to make a week-long trip of it and first spend some time in the ATL to visit friends. I didn't make it out to the school where I used to teach this time, but I did get to see a few of my favorite former students and their families---and I not only got to grab breakfast with my first teacher friend who was about 50% of the reason I made it through my first year of teaching there, but I got to celebrate my three-year Friendiversary with my teacher be-fri, who was about 50% of the reason I made it through my last insane-o year of teaching.
Oh, and I got to watch Beyond Planet of the Apes, which is freaking amazing. Highly recommend (after watching the original Planet of the Apes, of course). But I digress.
 |
| Rockie & Ricki -- Reminiscing about all their crime-fighting adventures! |
From there, I flew to St. Simons while my hubbster drove to his alma mater, the University of Georgia, to math-education it up with his major professor and the rest of the math-ed all-stars there. He said everyone kept asking him why he went to Athens instead of St. Simons with me, and here's why:
 |
| Not one, but TWO balconies in my room. ROCK STAR! |
The second hotel, the one where the con was held, was awesomesauce as well:
Sink #1. Yes, that's a Keurig on the left -- and, yes, that's pretty much the coolest thing ever!
 |
| Hi! I'm waving to you in the mirror! (Nerd alert!) |
Sink #2.
 |
| TWO sinks in the bathroom -- fully stocked with Bath & Body Works swag (tons of which I may or may not have taken home!) |
I'm sure some of it had to do with the ocean and the outside of the hotel, too. Hello -- during my first lunch there, I happened to glance out the window and spy two dolphins.
Me: "Om nom nom -- this wrap is delicious. Wowzas! Dolphins!!"
Everyone else: "Duh. We're at St. Simons."
 |
| A view from my room. |
 |
| Trolley! |
My session went well, and I had a great time meeting fellow speakers and attendees alike. As I said above, I'll be blogging some of the fantastic info I picked up -- can't wait to share!
I flew back to Atlanta in the wee hours of morning, and we got stuck in traffic that ended up adding three hours to our trip home. But, Molly made a friend while we waited:
 |
| This cutie pie saw her in the back seat, and they were barking and wagging their tails at each other every time we would end up next to one another. Adorbs! |
That's all for now -- must put some of this inspiration to use!
I hope you're all feeling inspired today. Any recipes of your own to share?
Great post, Ricki! I had so much fun getting to know you and listening to your presentation on platform building. I've already put some of it to work for me.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm inspired and I must get back to edits and endings. Woot! Good luck with your own works.
Would have loved to see you! Let me know next time you are in town. I am working retail so my schedule is really flexible. How was Danny P.? I do hear from him now and then.
ReplyDeleteCarol
@Denise -- so much fun hanging out with you as well! Ooh -- can't wait to hear what you've done!!
ReplyDeleteHope your edits finish up smoothly!
@Carol -- Next time for sure! We were only in the ATL Mon-Wed, so we didn't get to see a ton of people we would have wanted to see (you & Chuck OF COURSE included!).
Dan is doing v. well -- SKINNY, but well! I hope you're doing well too!
I love that post conference Buzzy high, the rush to get back to writing!
ReplyDeleteSo jealous! It sounds like you had a great time! That hotel looks like it was great.
ReplyDelete@December: ME TOO. I wish I could bottle that! Or pensieve it!!
ReplyDelete@Kaylee: It was fab. But dude -- RWA is going to be ah-may-zing!
aw, that place looks AWESOME! I'm glad you're feeling inspired <3 and I can't wait to hear all the pointers... I'm in need, these days.
ReplyDeleteMe too!!
ReplyDeleteAwwww - yay! Love the pics - glad you're rejuvenated and inspired. I need a conference - BAD. Send some of those awesome vibes my way please. :)
ReplyDelete*sending*
ReplyDelete