Remember last week when I was complaining about the weather in Colorado? Well this week I am complaining about the humidity in the Midwest. I stopped for gas in Missouri and thought I was drowning. The people who live in this area must be semi-aquatic. I miss my mountains and my altitude. Most of all, I miss air so dry your shower evaporates before it hits your skin. That being said, I'm having a blast.
About a month ago I wrote a post about my grandma Austin's house, and how it was my inspiration when I first started writing. I was surprised to find it still inspires me, years later, in a whole new way. I think it has something to do with being a parent, rather than a child. My values have shifted, my perceptions changed, and that has made a huge impact on what I write and how I write it. I look at this place and I want it to be the same source of wonder for my kids as it was for me. I look at my books and I want to preserve the adventure for them, when they're old enough, in a way they'll appreciate. I guess what I'm trying to say is I write for them now, while before I wrote for me. It's a humbling realization.
Anyway, I'm on vacation so I'm getting back to it. I'll leave you with some pictures of my first muse, and my current muse.
First Muse
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Across the lake where I played as a kid (and mysteriously avoided both poison ivy and fire ants) |
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The dock where I've spent the last two days trying to catch a bass |
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The bridge that crosses the lake |
Current Muse(s)
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My son having a creative brainstorm |
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My daughter with wildflowers she picked herself |
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My husband and son scoping out the fish |
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My daughter and my grandma |
PS: Happy Father's Day everyone. Especially to my husband who makes more sacrifices for his family than anyone I know, and my own dad, who continues to patiently teach me new things. Thanks for helping me change my spark plugs and breaks, Dad. I think I could swap out break pads and shoes with my eyes closed now.
What a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteThat's the kind of place that would wake up my muse too. And those are gorgeous kids. Thanks for keeping us updated!
ReplyDeleteWow, what wonderful views, and a fabulous family, too. It's so fun you get to make this trip - how many amazing memories!
ReplyDeleteYour kids are adorable. I have the same problem with humidity. I'm sure if I lived there long enough I'd get used to it, but with only short visits, I find the humidity suffocating.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us posted on your trip. :)