I'm back, dear friends. I'm happy to return to blogland, though sad to have ended my summer getaway. I don't know how to summarize the past week. It was phenomenal. I'll likely do a series of posts, starting with snapshots of my destination: Big Sur, CA.
There, I attended a writing workshop at Esalen retreat center. The workshop was led by a favorite author of mine, and much of the world, Cheryl Strayed.
Cheryl was kind enough to hunch down for this shot.
Funny, when I looked at the photo, I thought,
Geeze, my head is tiny! Cheryl, on the other hand, claimed, "My head is so big." As we laughed, Jimmy, spouse of another wonderful author, Samantha Dunn, told Cheryl she need not worry because "Ted Kennedy had a bigger head." I couldn't believe I was in the middle of this conversation. It doesn't get better!
Though Cheryl has plenty of reason to have a swollen ego - her book,
Wild, will be released as a movie starring Reese Witherspoon, she's buds with Oprah and spent time on Oprah's residence in Maui, she has a beautiful family, she's been a successful writer for many years, etc. - she isn't at all big-headed. She's incredibly down-to-earth and humble. I admire her more than ever.
More stories to come. In the meantime, I'll make rounds as quickly as I can. Thank you for your patience; I've lots of catching up to do.
I'm extra appreciative of all your support (emotional and financial) with my Every Dollar Counts campaign for suicide prevention.
Life is beautiful right now. I hope you can say the same.
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I'm working my way backwards to get caught up. Glad you're back (and sorry I didn't even know you were gone). What an experience you must have just had!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it awesome when you're hitting on all cylinders and riding the crest of the wave?? Love ya Robyn!
ReplyDeleteWow - an amazing experience in a sublimely beautiful spot.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good time. That's cool her book will soon be a movie. Every writer's dream...
ReplyDeleteGreat location and wonderful pics! Glad you had some R & R. Now, on with those posts! LOL
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity. I'd probably look like a munchkin next to her, too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful getaway!
ReplyDeletegorgeous pictures
ReplyDeleteI forgive you for having a small head (wink, snort)
Glad you had such an awesome time and a book to a movie is sure a nice perk indeed. Always great when people don't let such things go to their head as well.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures of California make it look like God's own country, Robyn. Cheryl does seem to dominate the photo, but it may be an optical illusion.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you enjoyed your vacation. Lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteI remember when Cheryl was on the Sunday morning show on OWN. I wanted to read Wild after I saw that, but I didn't write it down and totally forgot about it. I just added it to me Reading List. How awesome that you got to meet her!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow you went to Esalen? I have of course heard of it but never went. Big Sur is such a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteThank you, kind people. Yes, I was there, at the place Cheryl calls "the beauty spot."
ReplyDeleteSo many more stories too, and I can't wait to share.
Hugs,
xoRobyn
Beautiful area to spend time. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeletegreat photo. i love that pic of the tree. that is totally awesome. happy you had such a splendid time. awaiting other photos. cheers!!
ReplyDeleteYou do look tiny in that photo, a cute little munchkin. Is that politically incorrect?
ReplyDeleteNo, it's not, Stephen. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the complimentary insult. Smiles. Besides, nothing is politically correct anymore. Long live munchkins and oompa loompas!
ReplyDeleteHey Robyn,
ReplyDeleteHope you're sitting comfortably! Yep, it's me, arriving here to finally leave one of my highly cherished comments. Or something like that.
I'm happy to have noticed your return. Although I can certainly understand your mixed emotions.
What an adventure you had. Cheryl seems like quite the nice lady. I'm reckoning she was starstruck around your good self.
May life continue to be beautiful for you, dear Robyn.
Hugs,
Gary :)
x
I'm glad that you had a great trip, and can't wait to hear all of the details. I'm sure that you learned a lot, and heard some great stories!
ReplyDeleteBe grateful that you're not a fivehead like me!
Julie
Wow, what a great getaway! You are hanging out with the famous people now? How long before you pretend you don't know us? Hahahaha... Just teasing!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, yes, your head is small. Glad you had fun. Hope you can keep that holiday/vacation spirit going.
ReplyDeleteBig Sur - wow! That's a name as mythical to me as Camelot. (I've never been west of IN.) I bet it was wonderful, and I may be a bit green with envy. Congrats to your friend; I can't imagine how awesome it would be to have a movie made of my book starring Reese - love her!! I'm becoming quite a bright green now. LOL I'm so glad you and your friend had such a great time! <3
ReplyDeleteBig Sur is awesome. I love California. I've always thought I just didn't make it far enough west - a job stopped me in Texas, alas. Cheryl Strayed is very cool - her book is quite a tale. I'd love to hear her read and speak live. You had a great summer vacation.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you're back but sad that you've left your summer getaway. I am still ON my summer getaway, but this is unfortunate because this means that I'm suffering from my "Job Getaway." I'm hoping for better things come the fall.
ReplyDeleteIm glad you had a fun and lovely time!
ReplyDeleteThe place look beautiful!
Welcome back! It sounds like you had an awesome time. I'm so happy for you. Now, wee one with a mega-sized personality, I want details, details, details!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful trip. And such beautiful pictures!! I'm glad you had a good time. :)
ReplyDeleteYou were only a few miles away from me, Robyn! If I'd known I could have driven down the coast a bit and said hi. Of course, you were busy with some very wonderful people. Great vacation.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had such an awesome time. The photos are great!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had an amazing time, Robyn. I'm happy for you!
ReplyDeleteWow, to have your book made into a movie - a *real* moving complete with famous actors…awesome!!
Thank you, all. I'll share some inside info on the book to movie thing. It's really interesting. Plus, there were some stars there from the Hollywood scene.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Hugs and chocolate,
xoRobyn
Hobnobbing with the rich and famous. And a favorite author to boot. That does sound like a fun way to spend your vacation. :)
ReplyDeleteShe's leaning forward. There's got to be some skewed perspective going on in that shot. You know... like the ones where you make it look like a full-grown someone is standing on your hand. LOL
ReplyDeleteNeat pics! Glad you had fun on your trip. :)
Lovely. I want to get out and enjoy nature now.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love authors who are genuinely nice people?
What an amazing trip! I think you had some spectacular views and got to rub elbows with some awesome people. What trip could have turned out better?
ReplyDeleteLovely shots and lovely shot of you.
ReplyDelete(Congrats to Cheryl).
Glad to hear you had a good time. Probably very timely@!
xo