It's overcast and chilly - perfect weather for writing. Here we are again, my writing buddies and I, on the Central California coast in our favorite spot - lovely Avila Beach). This time I splurged and got an ocean-front room. What a difference it makes to be able to look out on the ocean (rather mean-looking today, given the weather). Inspiration, for me at least, is often dependent on environment. I came here with specific writing goals, and I'm on track for achieving them. Except that now I'm in a coffee shop blogging instead of working on my book, and we leave tomorrow.

I love having this time away. No phones in the rooms (though I do have a cell for check-ins at home), no Internet unless you come over to the coffee shop. Even so, it is up to you to decide not to be distracted, or tempted by some bit of research or need to check for an expected email, or buy one more latte. Anything to avoid facing the one thing you claim - with all genuineness - to really want to do, after all: write.

So, here I am blogging. And yet, I have been productive, and more important, perhaps, I know more specifically where I'm going with this latest project, which is more than I knew when I arrived here four days ago. So, call it a success. But even if all that was achieved was to gaze out upon the waves and dream of a future time when all that was demanded of me was writing, then that, too, can be called success. 

I'll return to write again next spring. And gaze upon the ocean with the same intensity. And accomplish as much, or more, or less. All that matters is that I am here, and the words surround me...