The sea air
begins to slow my heart rate before I even rounded the corner to see the ocean. I could smell the salty breezes through my window and opened the sun roof to fully indulge in the mild temperatures of northern California’s Pacific Coast. Fort Bragg is one of my favorite spots, although most anywhere I go to the ocean will aid in relaxing me.
I took the above picture on my walk, just minutes away from the door of my hotel room. There were no winds really, and people of all ages were sporting t-shirts and shorts. IT’S NOVEMBER GUYS! You just gotta love California!
Stress has been a major factor in keeping me from getting back in the saddle of my writing. I am always finding new and complicated reasons why I cannot find the time to write. I didn’t really plan going back to the coast to write would be exactly a year later, but given the circumstances of a gnarly fire almost a year after the Valley Fire, I found myself feeling that sort of deja vu. The trip to the coast was just the ticket!
This cozy nook
was where I sat to write. I had a perfect view out the window, facing the ocean, and had the ability to see the fishing boats come and go. When I needed a break, I’d stretch and walk outside onto my balcony to breathe the sea air. I chose a room on the top floor for the least amount of noise, and with my calming playlist of music on my phone, it was easy to settle in and get to work.
Once I got into a rhythm of writing, it was hours before I stopped. The only way I realized the time was because my butt was cramping up and my neck was screaming to stop and take a break. I walked some more and wanted to see the locals enjoying their Saturday afternoon.
This father
and son were fishing and watching a small craft approach the harbor near the jetty. The waves were enormous and sneaker waves could be a problem. The mom in me worried this kid should have been farther back from the edge, but that’s just me.
This older
gentleman was enjoying his day of fishing but I still hadn’t seen anyone pull anything out of the amazing surf. Nobody seemed to mind though. Dogs, kids, and folks of all ages were out and playing in the afternoon sun. I had on only a light sweater yet I was hot from my walk and lugging around my camera bag. This man was probably geared up for a more normal day by the water, but I’m certain he was over dressed and quite warm.
Once I got back to the room, I continued on until my stomach reminded me that I skipped lunch. I had some nuts and crackers and cheese I could nosh on, but soon enough I showered and found my way to a restaurant for a more substantial meal. Besides, seafood is one of my favorite things to eat! I’d had fish the first night there and was determined to have crab before I left.
A phone picture
but still, I had to share my wonderfully delicious crab cakes with warm spinach salad! I felt very spoiled, yet it wasn’t so heavy that I’d become a slug after eating it. I still had writing to do once I returned to my room. Time was ticking away.
Having eaten at 5:30, I had an early meal, then wrote until around 9:30 when I just couldn’t sit anymore. Feeling accomplished and tired, I decided to reward myself with a movie, (to fall to sleep to), and one more glass of wine. Before I drifted off, I walked over to the balcony to go out and breathe more of that beautiful air. The night was so bright with this super moon, as they are calling it, that the ocean seemed to be lit up. It was glorious! I said a prayer of gratitude right then. I really couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect weekend!
So I’m off to a great start in resuming the writing process and the novel is moving along at a nice pace again. I’m feeling quite pleased with myself and by this morning, I had finished up another scene before I quit to pack up and make the trek back to Lake County. It was truly a marvelous weekend retreat!
If you are in the area, I do recommend the North Cliff Hotel in Fort Bragg. It’s relaxing and a great location, close to restaurants, shopping, and my favorite, the ocean view and walking trails. Give it a go!
Rest assured, you will be hearing more from me in the near future, as I am excited again about this project! It’s a great feeling to get back something you thought you lost! Thanks for going on this journey with me. Before I close, here’s a picture of the sunset I almost missed while writing last night. I was so busy plucking away at my keys that I almost didn’t see the orange ball drop.
Take care!
