Porch sitting
is one of my most favorite pastimes. It gives time to reflect, time to slow down, and time to plan ahead. It is also the best place I know to write!
This was my fourth summer renting a house on the Mendocino Coastline, but this was the very first time I rented one by myself. Oh, I’ve gone away for writing trips before and stayed in places that inspire me, but never have I been so indulgent to rent a house for just little ole me! Let me tell you my friends,…….. it’s spectacular!
A few of my girlfriends were like, “What the heck are you doing going alone? Won’t you be scared?” Another friend wondered what I would do with all that time alone! (Ha! anything I wanted). But the funniest remark came from one of my dear friends that said, “Oh my God, my mother would die! She always taught me to be scared of the Boogie Man! I can hear her now! ‘Keep the lights on!’ Will you be ok?” I answered, “You know when your husband and the kids all leave and you get the whole house to yourself? It’s just like that but for days!” I believe it sunk in then because she sighed and said, “I love it when that happens!”
At night
I got to enjoy a fire because it was actually cold on the coast, which was a welcome change to the 95+ degrees we have been experiencing here in Lake County. The sound of the fire and warm taste of some red wine, relaxed me into a place where I could let my mind drift into the world of my characters I was writing about. I had finally finished outlining the last few chapters before I had to depart.
Having packed up my belongings, I took some time to meander along Hwy 1 to take a few photos. I love to play with my camera and see what fun things I might stumble across by driving along. I drove down a few roads I’d never taken and also stopped at a place I’d always wanted to explore but never quite had the time.
I was quite lucky the day was clear of fog and I could look out over the ocean for miles. Stopping at an interesting resort, I found just sitting on a cliff near Little River, this fabulous place called The Heritage House Resort & Spa. Well from the highway it doesn’t look that big but apparently it has over 30 acres of splendor! I will most certainly be looking into that place for a getaway! Hubby would enjoy it too! Can you say, massage? Plus the dining menu looked incredible.
Nearly home and full of ideas to complete the saga of my novel, I drove into Lake County from the Napa County line. Not wanting to go the usual route, I took Hwy 128 over to Cloverdale and drove through the beautiful Alexander Valley and entered Middletown on Hwy 29 at around 3:00pm. As I drove, I was thinking about the Valley Fire like I have done each time since that terrible incident. I came across this fantastic barn that every time I see it I think, “Wow! I am so happy that place didn’t burn because it puts a smile on my face every time I see it!”
This lovely barn has grabbed my attention each time I drive past it so on this day, I drove down their driveway, and not only was able to capture this American Barn, (as I’ve named it), but a cowboy working on his fence as well. It’s such a blessing these folks didn’t lose it in the fire.
Well, I was intending to drive around last week to look over the Cobb area and specifically Anderson Springs to see what has changed, been cleaned up, or rebuilt since the fire but my dog got pretty sick and I spent days babysitting her instead. Several hundred dollars later, she is improving so that is a good thing. My quest to visit that area will take place soon though.
Thanks for reading and supporting my blog, my book, and my spirits! I hope each of you spends some time this summer relaxing, and renewing your spirits as well. Peace to all!
