It’s that stressful time of year again. In a week and a half, we will be turning our clocks forward and loosing an hour of sleep. It’s not just an annoyance. The week of the spring time change brings an increase in heart attacks, car accidents, and on the job injuries. Springing forward can be hazardous to your health. So for years now, I have been retreating while the rest of the world advances.
A do-it-yourself artists’ retreat in a pretty little cabin in the woods is the perfect antidote to the stress of springing forward. I work on a novel draft while Dearest covers leather with tiny beads in the Cheyenne-style loop stitch. We immerse ourselves in our craft or in the hot tub as we gently adjust to the time change over several days. It is a time of peace, creativity and relaxation for us.
There’s still time to arrange your own Spring Forward Retreat. Your interests may vary, but here is my list of “must-haves” for a private artist workshop for two.
1. Comfortable Cabin: Sure Dearest and I enjoy a good back-to-nature camping trip, but that’s not the point of a writing retreat. Our cabin of choice is temperature controlled, has a comfy bed, a full bath and kitchen, and best of all, a hot tub. Getaway Cabins in the Hocking Hills takes good care of us!
2. My computer: Like many writers, I have my favorite way to write and organize my work. The familiar writing software is my creative home. I draft in OmWriter then copy and rough-edit the day’s work in Scrivener.
3. A phone and internet-free zone: The cabin does have a TV, but it tucks away out of sight in a armoire that we never open. I am always amazed at how clear and focused my writing is when I’m not distracted by an incoming email, getting tagged in a pic on Facebook, or taking time away from writing to look up some detail or factoid. Make your writing retreat purely about writing.
4. A new notebook and pencil: I know I just said I write on my computer. But I need the notebook and pencil next to the bed in case I get an idea just before falling asleep. I chose a pencil over a pen because I also use it next to the hot tub, and ink will run if it gets wet. There is nothing like the promise of a fresh empty notebook, but I learned that I need to keep it simple. No fancy journal for me. A basic composition book is perfect. If the notebook is too fancy, I don’t want to spoil it with “just” random ideas and scribblings.
5. Layers: Dress in layers. Pack a raincoat and warm jacket. Bring a shawl or lap blanket for sitting outside. March is a notoriously fickle month for whether in many places. You never know what you will get or how long it might last. Daily hikes for inspiration can quickly turn miserable if you’re not dressed appropriately.
6. Food and supplies: We enjoy healthy snacks and hearty meals to prepare at the cabin. To keep it simple, we do all the prep-work and measuring in advance so we just have to toss it in a pan or throw it on the grill. Since Dearest is a chef, we dine well! Most important is a good supply of my favorite tea.
7. Music: Dearest selects an assortment of Native American flute and tribal music. The peaceful flute clears my mind and the drums energize me. The result is a relaxed-alert state ideal for creative activities and generating ideas.
What about you? What would you bring on a creative retreat?