The Pond

The Pond

October 11, 2012, Thursday As my writer retreat wears on, I’ve developed a routine. I rise early and take a quick walk around the mountain ridge with my dog Wilson. And then return to the cabin to let the morning mists dissipate. (In the mists, all stumps look like...
The Secret of Fire Lighting

The Secret of Fire Lighting

October 9, 2012, Tuesday The ninth day of my writer’s retreat. The cabin is growing more comfortable. I am almost used to the noises that the woods make.  Each leaf that falls creates a sound—some louder than others. As I type this I hear a strange, irregular drumming...
Equalizing Fear

Equalizing Fear

Friday, October 5, 2012 The fifth day of my writer’s retreat.  I’ve cleaned the cabin thoroughly now, disposing of the mice nests, the ruined clothes, my father’s hats, and my mother’s toiletries. I need to take one more run to the recycling center to get rid of...
Black Bears and Inspiration

Black Bears and Inspiration

“Have you seen that big ole bear?”  Earl’s lip curled in a smirk. It was the second time I’d seen him since arriving at the cabin for my writer’s retreat. Earl lived at the bottom of the mountain in a small wooden structure that at one time might have been tidy but...
Messengers of Imagination

Messengers of Imagination

In Japan, many consider birds messengers of the gods. They fly between the world of the living and the heavens, carrying our prayers and dreams on their wings.  The entrance to a Shinto shrine is marked by a large gate known as a torii, which literally translates...