Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Quick Check In

Okay, Christmas and New Year's provided me my longest blog-break ever, and I sure missed writing and YOU.  Just wanted to jump on here today to say hello and that I hope you had more smiles and laughter than tears and yelling during the holidays.

Margaret went back to school this morning, and in a moment I'm heading off to the country to try to do some writing. The house where I'm staying has no internet connection, which could help me be a tad more reflective and productive. No promises, though. When I was in college I rented a hotel room so I could be alone and complete a major project. I specifically asked for a room with no TV in it. You can imagine how delighted I was when I discovered a tiny black and white model in the bathroom. Yep, instead of doing my project, I found myself perched on the bathroom counter in my pj's watching "Battle of the Network Stars."

Much love to you today. See you in a few days...

35 comments:

Amanda said...

Hi back! Good luck on your writing!

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

Enjoy your time of reflection. Praying it will be productive for you.

Loukia said...

All the best to you. xo

darsden said...

Best wishes to you and yours in the new year Anna. May many blessing be upon your family this year. We carry you with us!

Meredith Self said...

Good luck! Praying!

Alexandra said...

WIshing all the best for you, Anna!

xo

Anne said...

Happy New Year Anna! Enjoy your quiet time writing.I am the same way I just can't think with other distractions!
We continue to pray for you all!
xx
Anne

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your writing!

Peg said...

Good luck in the writing and enjoy the peace and quiet. Thanks for all of the support on my end...it's greatly appreciated.

dwerrlein said...

Hi Anna, I'm glad you're getting this time. Years ago my sister gave me a hotel room for a weekend so that i could finish my dissertation. i was so focused I never even slept in the bed (although i went and laid down on it once just so I could say I did). time like that is so blissful and productive--usually in a variety of ways. I hope it proves to be for you as well.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Thanks for checking in. Praying that you have success with your writing. ((HUGS))

andnowwearesix said...

Wishing you and yours all the best for 2013 and all the good that will (continue) to come from your lovely written words. And at the risk of being repetitive, don't forget there's a flat in London with your name on it if you want a writing enclave abroad...xo

Julie said...

I thought of you and your sweet family several times over the Christmas holidays. I hope you can feel all the prayers that come your way from those of us who read your blog. Enjoy your time away! This is a wonderful idea and one I may have to utilize in the very near future. Time and space just to write - how fabulous.

Susie - Walking Butterfly said...

Haha! Enjoy the time away (from us). I pray that you'll find clarity, direction and inspiration.

NanaDiana said...

Have a wonderful time away. I hope it is productive and blessed. xo Diana

Anonymous said...

I have a lovely guest house you are welcome to use anytime....I can remove the tv and hide the wi-fi code. I mean it.......you can stay there. (((hugs))) Mariann Alicea

Anonymous said...

Hope you find some peace of mind. Please keep in mind that letting go of a "planned" project just might be what brings you the greatest satisfaction and comfort. You do not owe us ( or anyone!) an explanation of what you and/or your family has endured. Sometimes upon reflection one realized that simply letting go without any explanation is the healthiest answer for just for you, but also perhaps most importantly for our still-present loved ones. Something to consider, at least. Love and hugs to you all!

Rach said...

Hi Anna,

I hope your internet hiatus was wonderful--although I'm glad you're back, if for no other reason than to let us know you're alive. ;o)

Good luck with the writing--I always find it impossible to focus unless I'm under pressure...

Hugs!
Rach

Japolina said...

Oh Anna! Battle of the Network stars on a black and white tv! Ha

Happy New Year and good luck writing!

Anonymous said...

Happy new year to you and your family. Enjoy the alone time and best of luck with the writing... though you do not need luck as you are a natural. I look forward to reading your book one day.

K A B L O O E Y said...

I LOVED me some Battle of the Network Stars. Feisty little Robert Conrad captaining a team, Gabe Kaplan sporting a terry headband. Good times. Speaking of which, Jimmy J.J. Walker was probably out there paddling a blow up rowboat in circles. Hope you have a productive and contemplative time.

Suzy said...

So good to hear from wonderful you! Love the college story. Happy new year, happy writing, and praying for no stomach bug ugh. Love and prayers to you.

Unknown said...

I have definitely been thinking of you and praying for you this entire holiday. re the writing - you already are a writer, so it's really not a huge jump.

Marinka said...

Oh, I loved Battle of the Network Stars! Here's to getting lots of writing done. I'll wait right here.

Vanessa said...

Thinking of you today, Anna, and sending love and hugs and prayers. Hope the words are flowing off your fingers and pen.

tracy@sellabitmum said...

Much love and Happy New year. xoxo

Bluebird49 said...

In college, there was a purpose for that project!
THIS project has a far greater one, and will touch so many more, Anna!
Love, Sherry's Mom

Beth said...

Hi Anna! I hope your writing retreat is inspiring and productive! I was just given a similar gift, and it was wonderful. I need a little bit of internet, though. I think I did OK because I could control the distractions (at home I can't control my family and my guilt for being away from my family!). I was also under a reasonable time crunch. I wanted to make sure I had something to show for the sacrifice Rob was making being in charge of the household for 5 days over the holidays!
Thinking of you lots. ~Beth

Princess Kate said...

Enjoy your time away with yourself. I hope the words flow freely. Peace my friend.

Anonymous said...

OK, I had nearly an identical experience in college of trying to complete a project at a hotel -- but all I did was watch TV. So, assuming you have somewhat similar fears, let me offer a touch of advice (do you hate unsolicited advice? so sorry if you do). Write just a single page, and then give yourself a reward (even a huge reward), whether that's some time in front of the TV, a food treat, 2 hours of lolling around, or anything else. Then go to page 2 and repeat. Sounds excessive right? If you have the kind of anxieties around writing that I do, you will eventually realize this is the only way. Let me do the painful trial and error for you. I suffer TERRIBLY from writing-anxiety. This is the only thing that worked. love and support, Erica in VT

Heidi said...

All the best to you, Anna!
Scott and I went away for a few days and my goal was to not think about writing, get all refreshed, and then come back to it. (I have another round of edits to do.) Now I'm back and taking the weekend to further my 'not writing'. I feel so guilty reading your post! I hope it's a good, productive few days for you.
You've been on my mind so much lately..

katie said...

enjoy the break! and hope that it is a very productive one! xx

Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants said...

Sending your all the encouragement in the world! I know you are going to do this so well!

Lu said...

Your blog is lovely! Unplugging is so important to do. Bravo to you for doing so!

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Luke 1:37