John Hancock Erotica

Dear Sillies,
I've returned from a writers' retreat in Big Sur. Cheryl Strayed and other fabulous writers (all fun, funny, warm, and humble) inspired us, as did the remarkably beautiful setting.

To my friends in the U.S., I hope it's a safe and celebratory Independence Day.
To my friends elsewhere, I hope it's a safe and pleasant week.
To all, please enjoy this re-post. I hereby dedicate it to John Hancock. After-all, his was biggest.

Wild Fun Facts!

As promised, here's more on my writer's conference at Esalen in Big Sur.* Cheryl Strayed, our lead presenter, shared tidbits on the upcoming movie Wild, based on her novel. Her story captures Cheryl's emotional journey as she undertakes an 1,100 mile hike across the Pacific Crest Trail.
*I couldn't afford this retreat but did it anyway. I say this because I hate the filthy rich and don't want you to think of me that way. By "filthy," I mean people who advertise their material wealth. Anyway...

Onto Wild FUN FACTS:

• Reese Witherspoon read Wild, then contacted Cheryl Strayed to ask if she could make the book a movie. Cheryl didn't immediately say "Yes!" She very thoughtfully engaged in extensive conversations with Reese before agreeing (what Reese liked most about the book, why she wanted to turn it into a movie, etc.). They became close friends as a result.

• Wild is an independent film, produced on a budget of "only" $15 million. It was Reese's "little" project.

• Laura Dern (of Jurassic Park, I Am Sam, and many other roles) plays Cheryl/Reese's mother in the movie. Laura is 47 and Reese is 38.

• Laura was at the retreat with me (and 150-ish others); Cheryl had invited her; they became close friends on the set. She appeared a humble person and caring Mom to her kids. Laura wore sunglasses in the dining lodge, preferring to maintain a low profile. I tried not to gawk and stare, while trying to gawk and stare.   

• Cheryl's daughter plays a young Cheryl/Reese in the movie; it's her first acting debut. She's a beautiful, bright spirited girl and looks like a natural in the trailer.

• Regarding having her book made into a movie, Cheryl said it feels "strange".

• Reese is forecasted to win an Oscar for her performance as Cheryl Strayed. I'm very excited for Cheryl. You know how you feel as though you've become close friends with a character of a book? Well, I took it to another level. One night I found myself gazing at a wondrous campfire. I was literally knocking elbows with Cheryl Strayed on one side, author Alan Heathcock on the other. The three of us, chatting, laughing, enjoying ourselves. I couldn't believe it and told myself  "Whether or not this is real, DO NOT MOVE. This is the place to be."

• The trailer looks excellent. I've pasted below.

• Movie will be released December 5. I rarely see movies, but I plan to be first in line for this one. (Sorry I can't figure out how to post the trailer so it's not so wide.)

What do you think?
Ever taken an 1,100 mile hike? Yeah me neither.
Have you read Wild? Do you plan to see the movie?
Actually, I wasn't a Reese fan until now. It appears to me this may be her best performance yet.

Be well.

My Summer Vacation & Cheryl Strayed

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.