My trip to the Highlights Campus - A Visual Diary (Aug. 2020)
- Michelle Reynoso
- Aug 30, 2020
- 1 min read
Our best laid plans are often upset with things we never anticipate, and my writing since COVID fell to that fate. I lost my creative inspiration and intention for several months, which put me way behind my schedule. With a deadline looming, I had to turn things around. Part of that reversal happened in big part thanks to Yin Chang and fellow storytellers at 88 Cups of Tea. Participating in 88 Cups of Tea sponsored weekly writing events and the encouragement from the group really helped me jump start my work-in-progress, and after getting my mojo back, I knew I needed one more thing to galvanize my initiative...a return trip to Highlights Foundation in Milansville, PA for a much-needed writing retreat.
I completed that trip last week and oh what a trip it was, like a salve for the soul and a connection to the writing muse. I wrote the most I’ve EVER written in such a short time; 27,128 words. It was the push I needed to get this draft in high gear. What follows is a visual diary of my trip, to share my experience through pictures—the writing, food, walks and inspiration that made this trip extra special. And now I share this with you, in hopes it inspires you too!
Made it Highlights! (entrance) A stop in Honesdale for coffee My welcome to Cabin #12. My home for 4 days of writing. My view at the other cabins. More cabins... Take a tour of cabin#12... The cozy desk, ready for work. Another view of the desk. Every cabin has lots of books. A wider view of the cabin. Getting to work. Big goals! Fave spot, on the porch. Feet up, writing with a view. Working at the desk. More writing w/ cozy blankets. Writing at night. View from cabin window. Word garden, words of wisdom. So important:here & everywhere Two goals every day. Simple. If there's time...read. Word lookup while writing. Dictionary in the room: a gem! Look who this belonged to!!!!! COVID safety strictly enforced More reminders. My bio among other attendees. Views of campus... Leading up to the spot we eat. Right inside is the kitchen. Headed to breakfast: peaceful. Morning mist. The campus in the morning. Morning, headed to breakfast. The view from my cabin. Another campus view. Looking towards the trail. At the end of the day: sunset. The fireplace. Outdoor dining spot. Headed for a walk: TRAIL. Trail pictures, fave spot. Walk: Meditate: Relax. Amazing day for a walk! Busy bees. I love this pic. Sun. Nature. Quiet. Peace. Capturing the beauty in photos More amazing flowers. Fluffy and sharp contracts. Ferns in rich green hues. Life within death. A rock looking like a creature Blackberries: wild & delicious The quiet of the trail. Deer prints in the mud. Ok, now the food. So good!!! Takeout to enjoy while writing Breakfast is my fave meal. Mmm Healthy. Green. Refueling. OMG soooo goooooood!!! Did I say I love breakfast?! On another walk, on the road.. A different kind of quiet. Captured this beauty. Loved this image: tree w/ sign One of my favorite shots! Corn anyone? Look at the ant. The cows figuring me out... And this one, a stare-down. Kaia, neighbor dog followed... ...me back to campus. Look at the lush green campus. So sorry to leave this place. Last views.... Thankful for this trip. Thank you Highlights staff!!!!
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