Mark Levine over at
Mindful Literacy wrote a post titled "Your Favorite Place". After reading his post I decided to follow suit and write about my favorite place. I've had several places that I would consider my favorites over the years. But every July since last year I will think about Manasota Key. Summer before last I followed my friend Joy Hawkins on Facebook as she spent three glorious weeks at the Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key and wrote about her experience. Since I live in Florida and I've been on both coasts, I have to say I prefer the west coast more than the east coast. So last year I was thrilled to learn that I was one of five teachers in Florida chosen to spend three weeks, like my friend had, at the Hermitage Artist Retreat.
My cottage sat on the beach.
I had a view from my writing desk of the bay to my right across the two lane road, and the gulf to my left.
I accomplished more with my writing while I was there. However, there was something even more important that I accomplished. I learned how to put away school and relax just for me. I have always struggled with this. I took so many pictures while I was there. When I am becoming anxious and non-productive I pull up those pictures and IMAGINE that I am on that beach once again.
It didn't matter if I watched the sun rise, the sun set, the storms roll in. It didn't matter if I walked with the turtle lady looking for new turtle nests or sat quietly and almost alone on the beach and listened to the waves crash. I was relaxed. I have found that when I can not physically go somewhere, that sometimes pictures will conjure up those happy memories. So I ask you, what is your favorite place to go and why?
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