As some of you know, my bride and I took off for a mini-vacation the first week of May.
It was needed, and I didn’t realize it.
We visited the tiny tourist town of Leavenworth, in Eastern Washington, staying at an Airbnb for the first time, and it was lovely. We had our own hot tub, a private place on the river with an acre of landscaped property, and it took me all of ten minutes, upon arrival, to realize how much I needed a break from life.
We spent three days being tourists, eating at sidewalk cafes, walking the dogs on the many nature trails, probably eating too much, and really doing nothing but relaxing. I did no writing at all, and my muse appreciated it. We talked about our future plans, talked about our past, and talked about our love for each other.
When we came back home I was refreshed, re-energized, and eager to write and dive into outdoor projects. All it took was three days away from it all. Three simple days. Seventy-two hours of downshifting, putting on the brakes, and saying “No Mas” to it all.
I highly recommend it.
I’m sure three days, for many of you, does not constitute a vacation, but for us, it was the first vacation in ten years, and it was heavenly.
That’s all I’ve got for you, other than this thought: it is so easy to get wrapped up on the business of living. We must do this, we must do that, we must hit deadlines and we must do extra, always extra, on the go, flitting about, marking items off our to-do list, and I’m not so sure the lifestyle I have lived, for so long, has been good for me.
It only took me seventy-two years to figure that out.
Yes, I think it is important to have projects. It is good for the mind, and body, to stay active.
But sometimes it’s also good to do absolutely nothing but relax and enjoy life.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Bill, perfectly said! And we are finally getting away in July. going back to Disney World aka my most favorite place to be. But seriously cannot wait and truly do need time to get away from it all. So, couldn’t agree with you more here. Thanks for sharing and Happy Tuesday now 😀
Janine, I am not surprised at all that you are returning to Disney World. Anyone who knows you knows that’s where you would most like to visit. Have a great time when you do go!
You are absolutely correct, Bill. A getaway can do wonders to the mind and the body. I’m happy that you and Bev could get that time away. Now, I’m sure your creative juices must be tickling you to write something 🙂
Thank you Rasma! Now all I have to do is make the time on a regular basis for more trips. 🙂
Beautiful, Bill/Bev.
Felt like real quality to me. Awesome, Bro! Sweeettt!!!
Thank you my friend! I hope this finds you well and happy.
What a beautiful post!! ❤❤
Oh, how I wish I could go on a vacation right now..
I have some people who aren’t very pleased with me at the moment. Been making myself sick all day stressing about it. I learned why I shouldn’t ever give into my temptation… not even if it seems harmless.
Get to see those people later tonight… hopefully I’ll be coming back home in one piece. Guess it just hurts having someone who loved you turn away and hate you and your whole family.
I’m sorry- I had to spill the beans on this. It hurt to keep it inside all day.
Have a blessed week.
Well shoot, Camryn, I’m so sorry you are going through that. No, it is not fun having people turn away from you. I am amazed anyone would actually hate you, but I’m glad you felt free to spill the beans in my direction. If it helped at all I am happy.
You take care, and I hope you find some happiness tomorrow.
Thank you so much Bill! It’s amazing what people will do once you have pointed out their wrong actions… but I’m doing better today. Soon I won’t have to deal with them ever again 😊
Good for you for taking charge of your own happiness!
It sounds like a really great time Bill! So glad that you got a chance to get away. It can help so much!
Thank you, my friend! I think I might have to do this vacation thing again before I die. lol
Bill, you have no idea how refreshing it is to read these words. You’ve kept such a tight schedule with your writing – even working on holidays – that I worried for your overall health. I know you’re physically healthy as a horse, but not giving yourself downtime is detrimental to the spirit.
I’m so glad you and Bev had a good time. Sounds like you did lots of reflecting on what’s important. I’ll bet Maggie and Toby loved the change in scenery and routine as well. I’m once again reminded of The 12/59. I know you know why I say that.
I think choosing Leavenworth as your getaway was brilliant. The Bavarian vibe made it seem as if you’d traveled to a faraway land, without having to actually do so (and no passport required!).
I feel your sigh of relief. Every now and then we need to simply chill and empty out so we have room for all we endure.
I love you, my friend! Hugs to Bev from me, please. And belly rubs for the canine siblings.
Sha, you are a gem. Thank you! Belly rubs have been delivered, my friend. And the hugs were greatly appreciated.
I hope you are well. One day at a time you are approaching retirement. Stay safe and healthy so you can enjoy it when it arrives.
love always
bill
So glad you were able to get away, Bill. We all need some downtime, and after ten years you certainly deserve three days and much more. I hope you make a habit of getting away once in a while. It does a body good. Now, if only I could follow my own advice!
Thanks William! We are already planning the next short trip, so I think I learned my lesson this time.
Sounds heavenly…and the photos look lovely. This is when your muse will strike (even though you want to put her aside for a few days). Happy for you and hope you had a great time:)
Thank you my friend! Right now my biggest problem is making time to write. I have so many outside projects now that the weather has improved. 🙂
Good morning, Bill.
I pleased you, Bev and the pups had a lovely time. I hear so much bad stuff about Airbnb it’s refreshing to hear someone actually enjoyed it. Still don’t think it’s for me, though.
Lockdown here is slowly easing up, but we are at the mercy of that annoying little virus. You just never know what it’s going to do next. I had hopes of going to a local country show at the end of this month. A step towards normality, you know. The organizers took all the necessary steps to ensure safety for the visitors. They had no issue with people arriving with their support bubble however, it was limited to six. There are seven of us and it didn’t feel right to leave someone out so we decided to give it a miss. 😦
On the bright side, we’re looking to get a new kitten to liven things up around here. I’m checking the local animal shelters but, of course, covid is throwing obstacles in our path. But, I am determined.
Your mini-staycation sounds wonderful. Just the type of thing I would totally go for. My husband is taking his holiday at the end of June so I’m looking at little day trips here and there. Don’t know what he has in mind but that’s what I’m planning on. As I said, I am determined. lol
Have a lovely day, Bill.
Good morning Zulma!
Restrictions are lifting here. I wonder if it isn’t premature, but at some point we just have to do it, don’t we? It really has been long enough for all of us.
Mini vacations are fine by me. Going away for a couple weeks, I would be a crazy person upon return. So our mini vacation was perfect for what partially ails me.
I hope you find your new “normal” soon, and climb out of your funk. Have fun with that new kitten. They are fun to have around when they are kittens. Always a hoot!
bill
Hi Bill.
Indeed, these restrictions need to ease up if we have any hope of getting the economy moving again. As I’ve already stated, we’re at the mercy of covid and the best we can do is play it by ear and be ready to change gears as needed.
Adopting a pet here isn’t as straightforward as it is in the States. You can’t just walk in and say ‘I’ll take that one’ and be on your way. You have to register first, they ask questions and may visit your home to make sure you’re a suitable candidate for pet ownership. Then they show you pets that they feel match your circumstances and see how the animal reacts to you. If you’re successful, there are follow-up checks to see how you’re getting on.
Adoption centres take this seriously as they don’t want these animals ending up in a shelter again. I find that reassuring.
Have a great weekend, Bill.
That is reassuring, Zulma! It’s a much better system than ours here, although they are tightening restrictions and making is a bit more difficult here, which is a tiny step in the right direction.
Have a happy weekend, my friend!
I just started writing a bunch of articles on Medium and I have decided to take the weekends off to focus on “other things”. This weekend it’s getting most of the rest of the garden planted. Even though I was “out of creative steam” on Friday, I am already inspired for the writing I will be doing this coming week.
Well done, Donna! Thanks for sharing your experience. Good luck with that garden and with your inspiration.
Very true Bill – and because writing isn’t a 9 to 5 job it can never end! Glad you had such a great break.
Thanks so much, Andrea! I wonder how long I will last before I need another vacation? I hope you are well. Take care and have a fantastic week!
It looks like a beautiful scene to take in! Ali and I go away three days every summer and love it. Last year we couldn’t so this year it will mean even more. I’m really happy to hear you had a great time!!
Thank you, Shell! It is beautiful there. I hope you are well, and I hope you and Ali go away to some magical place with restorative powers.