A Quick Retreat Thank You by April

I want to send a big thank you to my writing group, my friends, for our weekend retreat. They are seven of the best people you could ever find, each of whom holds a wonderful piece of our collective puzzle.
Thank you for the conversations and camaraderie, the writing time and filling my empty creative reserves back up.
I love that we moved the furniture to be as close physically as we were feeling emotionally. It's funny, the way people's body language gives you an insight into their mood. I know in some social situations, I'm arms-crossed-and-quiet. Drawn within, which isn't my nature--it t'ain't natural to not want to share. But my weekend was all big laughs and scooting furniture close together. Very nice.
Thanks for the reminder of my sillier self, with laughter that didn't stop until at the end, a teary goodbye, a little nose-blowy...But what's a little phlegm among friends?
I'm sending you each an Iowan Hug ('scuse the corn hairs),
April

We were in full retreat --
but that's good!
By Tim Bogar
Our first retreat was a rip-roaring success. Proof? We’re already trying to work out dates to return to the Hankerd Inn next summer. It was just what the writing doctor ordered. It’s a lovely facility with LOTS OF LIGHT. I feel like I live in a cave after staying there.

Such a simpatico group! I laugh more with this group than with anyone. I probably added 23.7 days to my life. Not that the "goal" is quantity; it certainly improved my quality.

Oh, and hey, I wrote most of the day on Saturday! Occasionally I would be ready to stop for the day. Then I’d think about all the writers throughout the Barn, and I’d keep working. Good progress, and I think I’m on the verge of breaking a logjam.

Shoot-out at the Hankerd Inn
What sparkly evenings: the earth shooting fireflies at the sky, and the sky responding with shooting stars. (Must have been early Perseids.) I saw two and a half. But the first, and biggest, sneaked behind my back, doggone it.

You all are my favorite group ever! I looked forward to our retreat all summer, and now it's in the rearview mirror. But the rosy glow will last a long time.