freedom

Probably the most life-changing, practical tip I gleaned from this semester's residency was Freedom--a software program that blocks your computer from the internet for a prescribed amount of time (anywhere from 15 min to 8 hrs).

It seems pathetic that I don't have the will power to leave the internet alone when I'm writing, but even though I love to write, I also hate it. I'll look for any excuse to stop: The clothes need put in dryer! I could really go for some toast! Let's check my email for 10th time this morning...and so on. It's really just self-sabotage. Which is why I'm in need of synthetic self-control. And it works. I've been so abnormally down to business. Because once you set the time, there's no tricking it back. It's over pal. Nothing left to do but work.

"This is what I believe in, what I trust will ultimately distinguish those who want to write and publish from those who do write and publish: work."

--Bret Anthony Johnston (Naming The World)

cambridge, round II

Occasionally, someone will ask me whether I'm excited to be finished with school. But I'm not. I'm dreading it. School is such great FUN! Who would have thought??

I stayed at the Mary Prentiss Inn, a quaint little bed and breakfast a few blocks from campus. They have homemade granola, an Inn cat, and tea time from 4-7pm. This is where you should all stay when you come to my graduation...

my morning raspberry tea.
Who isn't a sucker for tea cups?

Me: overly pleased with my room

Another shot of the room.
Please pardon my mess.

On my quasi-down-day, Suz drove up from New York to visit!
Another highlight.

We decided to take a drive up the cape to Provincetown.

Suz, displeased with the quality of her salmon burger.

Which we tried to mask with chocolate brownie surprise:

it worked!

Stairs to the sea!
Wouldn't this be a great place to vacation in summer?

More Provincetown

Boston was hit with a tremendous blizzard one day, which was pretty cool, except they canceled class that day. Boo. Otherwise, it was a delightful week.

The thing I love most about this program is the community. Being around writers and would-be writers, talking all day about writing makes the occupation seem inevitable, instead of unlikely.

just dance

Before hitting up school, I dropped off my kids at my parents' house. Linds brought over Just Dance 2 for the Wii and we girls had a dance off. No, we had several dance offs. All of which I rocked--you know, channeling my old cheerleading days. Go Team!! Let it be noted: this was one of the most fun things I've done with my sisters in recent decades. I can say that now, because I'm over 30.

Behold:

Just like Julia Stiles in Save the Last Dance.
Except that I can't stand her as an actress.