Nancy stood out on the deck as she savored the smell of hot tar and car fumes. Overlooking the parking lot, she could see as well as hear the roar of the highway in the not-far distance.
Escape.
Escape from a distracted husband, a screaming 3-month-old, a demanding 2-year-old, and a house that needed cleaning weeks ago. Escape from bottles of expressed breast milk, of small sharp Legos that found her feet in every room of the house. Escape from a garden that needed watering and a refrigerator that needed to be filled.
Escape from her life.
Here was where she escaped – in this small beige room with one dirt-paned window, one soft-mattressed double bed, one decades-old desk with non-matching chair, and one woman. Just herself. Nancy twirled around the room like a queen in her castle.
This motel room, only $19.99 for all these queenly accoutrements, was Nancy’s castle once a week when her mom drove 30 minutes to Nancy’s house and said – “Go, this is your day.” The grandmother babysat for six hours. And each week Nancy’s mom thought her daughter headed to a friend’s for a cup of comfort, to the hairstylist for a cut, to the salon for a manicure or a massage, never noticing the bag Nancy packed in her car with the real essentials for her one-day of freedom.
Nancy opened the paper bag, purposely using something nondescript to cover her real reason for racing out of the house with a gleam in her eye.
She pulled out her notebook and two pens and placed them lovingly on the well-scratched wood desk that faced…nothing. She sighed as if in the middle of intense lovemaking.
Nancy picked up the pen and began a poem. Within the hour she’d written three poems and began a short story.
About a queen in her castle.
Three hours later she pulled out the last two things in the paper bag. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a now-warm can of Coke. She continued writing as she chewed. Think and sip. Chew and digest the words.
The queen was commanding her subjects, and they obeyed.
The story was completed.
Nancy packed up her essentials, found her car in the almost-full parking lot, and drove home anxious to hug her darlings, fill the refrigerator, clean the house, water the garden, and tell her mom all about the great massage she’d just enjoyed.
Yes! Just peace and quiet and a get-away from the routine. Writing takes her to a fantasy place far beyond the shabby motel room.
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Writing IS the ultimate escape! ❤
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I agree with that for sure!
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Yes…this is a good therapy and meditate, which allows you to read in peaceful mind.
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I´m sure many young moms could use this escape to maintain their sanity. A great story.
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This story is “fictionalized truth,” which means there’s a lot of truth in here, Darlene. 🙂
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I thought perhaps.
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Very nice!!
Best Regards,
Nancy
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I love that you read my blog, Nancy. Such a supporter! And I love that you read these early ealry in the morning. 🙂 xo
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Who would have thought to go to a motel to write? I never thought of this during those early years–the local diner was the only place to go (and all the locals looked at the notebook-scribbler like she was crazy). Great story again my friend!
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Diner/cheap hotel. The idea is the same, yes? Young creative moms find a way to keep their creativity alive amongst the urgent constant needs of their young children. In my case, I never thanked my mom enough for that one day a week she gave me. ❤
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What a great escape of body and mind! She is fortunate to have her mother able and willing to do this babysitting.
When I was trying to finish my dissertation with a baby in the house, I hired a local high school girl to come over for a few hours in the afternoon to take care of my daughter while I sat upstairs and worked.
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I figured you’d understand Nancy’s motivation here, Merril, and her need to escape, just for a while, to “find” herself and write. You were so smart to hire someone to give you that needed respite to finish your dissertation. We are women…hear us …. WRITE. 🙂
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😀❤️. My daughters wouldn’t take bottles though, so I had to stay close by.
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Same with my two. 2 1/2 hours was my max “away” time.
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That’s so interesting that we had the same experience! Mine then learned to drink from a cup very early.
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When we need to write, like Nancy, we become quite creative at how to get it done. Great story, Pam!
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Smiling. So true, Jill. Creatives need to use their creativity in many ways to make sure they can… CREATE. ❤
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i enjoyed this… it would make for a great story, a novel about escape… god knows we all need that, and time to write. a mind massage. this piece has been a light mind massage for me. thank you for sharing.
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What a spectacular compliment. The best kind of stories do give us, the reader, a glorious mind massage. Thank you so much for reading and for commenting. 🙏
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you are most welcome x
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Oh the power of the pen. … I also kept thinking about our niece – who is a mother of a 2 year old – and with twins due in January.
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Wow. Your niece has a handful. I wonder if she is a writer and a lover of the ocean just like you, Frank.
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I know she is worried about what is to come, but she’ll give it her best. But I will suggest to her that she creates a day for herself!
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An excellent and important suggestion for your niece, and one she will thank you for, I promise!
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Lovely! Are these memories or dreams? What a special mother.
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Hi Jeanette! Memories filled with some fiction too. But I know now that I never thanked my mom enough for those hours of writing freedom she gave me. ❤️
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I sympathize with that feeling. I daily wish I could thank my mom for being a supportive parent. We can never love and thank enough.
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So true. Xo ❤️
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I love this! There have been times in my life when it was so hard to find my own space, to read, write, make pots, wander and take photos. Sometimes it took some scheming.
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And writers are fabulous schemers. After all, look at the plots we come up with! 🤭😆
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I am in awe of fiction writers! Aside from a short story or two, the complexity of fiction writing escapes me. Write on!
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Delightful story and process for self care. You and Nancy are dedicated writers who nourish themselves with writing. Kudos Pam. 😍
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Thank you for your kudos, Brad. They always make me feel wonderful. Now you keep on writing and photographing, please! ❤️
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Photography is what calls me and grounds me. Writing is a weird by-product that sometimes feels good and too often a struggle. 😃
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While I’m not a fan of lying in general, I think it is perfectly acceptable in this story. A fun one, at that
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I feel the same way. Although this was kind of more a fib than a lie,don’t you think? After all, a mind massage is better than any other kind of massage in my (writer’s) mind. 😁
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Massages and fibs own me completely… 🙂
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Oh, Billy Ray. I’m quite sure that is the case. 🙂
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I’m loving visiting and reading your content, they are always the best!
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Why, thank you so very much. I certainly love having you visit and read and comment! ❤️
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So many moms can relate to this escape-and-write adventure! Good read!
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So glad that you came on over and visited my blog and read my castle-writing story. Welcome!
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What I love most about this story is the comparison between Nancy, the writer, and a queen commanding her subjects. It is so apt. But I also love the secrecy of getting away, the love of a mother for her daughter, and the love of the daughter for her own family. Thanks for sharing this, Pam.
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Thank YOU for reading my story so closely, Amy. Although my story is fiction there is so much truth to it. May we all be writing queens in our castles! Xo
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A great story, Pam. I wouldn’t have to lie about going to a massage. Actually, my mom and hubby would know in a minute I would never do that. They know I’m as mad a the proverbial Hatter and leave me plugging away at my keyboard.
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Smiling at you and with you Robbie. Back when I was much younger I didn’t call myself a writer yet. It is interesting how a lot of people who write, though, do so in secret, isn’t it? 😨
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I feel that people I know in my professional capacity and who know I write are completely amazed about it. I think they think it is extraordinary that I can write books as well as do my job in corporate finance. They are generally not creative. I think I write when no-one else is around because I want peace and quiet.
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Terrific.
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Thank you John! 🤓
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That is a VERY creative solution to a normal problem for many mothers. I’d love to see a $20 motel these days that I wasn’t afraid to stay in. 🙂 Now we can’t even go to the diner or coffee shop.
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I’m wondering if in the rural towns there would be a hotel that cheap. My daughter and I were forced once (long story!) to spend the night in a Reno Nevada hotel that was 29.99. It was scary! 🤔🥴
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I’ve been in places like that with my last husband. Way too thrifty. I put the chair against the door knob I was so scared. But the cheap motel with the bed bugs ended his ability to choose our place anymore.
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U G HHHHHH! Bed bugs are such a scourge and a fright. Probably the #1 reason to avoid a cheap hotel room. And then there’s the noise from the other room…and the bright lights flashing through the window…and the…Oh, never mind. You know what I mean. 🙂 I like to imagine that Nancy’s get-away motel room was clean and the owner was a sweet gentleman who kept his place nice. xo
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Thank goodness for imagination. 😉
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An escape into the world of words is a wonderful recreation for a busy mom! Can there be a better adventure but I could never think of that! I was so focused.
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My mom gave me three hours once a week to escape when my kids were babies. No hotel rooms near us but I did go into the bowels of a library for that time and write my heart out – with poems! 😁
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That housework is never going to get done is it? Unless Mum managed to fit some in 🙂 🙂
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Haha. No housework needed when two little kids are making a mess every 10 minutes anyway! 🤭🙄😆
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Nancy found the perfect solution to nurturing herself ! My wheels are turning ! Might try this !!
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Go for it, Jeanne. And then you can thank me later. 🙂
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Such a gift we grandmothers can give our daughters. In this case, she definitely put the time to good use. although I think my daughter would prefer the massage and a nap. 🙂
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Haha. I KNOW my daughter would prefer a real massage and nap. I’ve helped out at times, for sure. But it gets hard with three of the little devils. :-0 🙂
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Housework is over rated. Good for her. Super story, Pam
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Thanks John. If we balance housework on one hand, and writing on the other, you and I both know which one is more important!!!
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If I balance housework on the one hand and almost any thing elce on the other, I know what is most important. 😁
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I like your attitude!! 🙂
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This story whisked me away far beyond a bottle of Calgon. Remember that commercial? Like you, I would choose a library to a Motel 6 any day!
I love, love, love the frame for your story.
You stay fueled by your wondrous imagination, Pam. Right now I feel a quart low. This story was a pick-me-up. Thank you!
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Oh my gosh… Calgon. That takes me back. I can’t imagine you being even a pint low on imagination, Marian. But I’ll take any credit for revving you up to a gallon or more of creative writing. ❤
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Didn’t see that coming! What a great escape for a mom! Loved your story!
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Thanks so much, Patricia. Yes, if a young mom is desperate enough (and a lot of young moms are) an escape even in a cheap hotel room to write and BE is s saving grace. She comes back an even better mom, then. ❤
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Well done! For me it was a bubble bath and a book behind a locked bathroom door for an our every Friday night (reading) in those good old days. Had I been writing, a journal would have replaced the book.
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Great comment, Bette. For me, it’s STILL a bubble bath and a book behind a locked door! 🙂
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That was delightful. Perfectly drawn.
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Thank you, Jacqui. Those of us who raised kids know how important it was to not lose ourselves, and generally writing poetry or prose sure helped us stay “found.”
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What a wonderful story, Pam. I got all choked up for some reason. The grandmother’s kindness? The feeling of freedom? Creativity? That fantastic “mind massage” that comes from being immersed in the imagination? The self-care secret all for her? The feeling of being ready to go back and love the real world that follows? Ahhh. Maybe all those. Loved this, my friend. ❤
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All of this, Diana. Because we’ve been there. Done that. And are so grateful to those who have helped us believe in our muse. THANK you for our comment. xo
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❤
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Kids, no kids; housework, no housework, empty refrigerator or not… we could all use some “me time” away. I wonder if that grandmother makes house calls?
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You are so right, Janis. May we all realize the importance of “me” time and follow our passion, whatever it may be. ❤
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Good stuff, Pam! I think any of us can relate to that “wanting to escape for a brief time feeling.” That was a great hook! One of the lines I liked the most was “She savored the smell of hot tar and car fumes,” as those would be things most people wouldn’t enjoy. I immediately thought of my wife, who grew up on a ranch. Sometimes when we’re back visiting, we’ll be walking along, and she’ll say, “God, I love that smell!” She is referring to cow poop. That totally cracks me up.
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Your comment cracked ME up. Ah, gotta love how smells can bring us back to a childhood time, or a time when we were happy. Even if it’s cow poop or hot tar. 🙂
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We all need this massage on a regular basis. Well done, Pam. I write better even if I’m 20 minutes away from home, sitting at Starbucks, with faces I could recognize. I’m alone but not really alone. I could tune out all the sights and sounds.
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Your comment helps non-writers understand why they see so many writers pouring words out on paper in a cafe (or hitting keys on their laptop). Away from the duties of home, and yet with the ability to gaze into an imaginary place while in the middle of a Starbucks. 🙂
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Yes, Pam, it reminds me of some non-stop talkers verse quiet thinkers. I think many thinkers’ outlet is writing. ☺️
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I think you’re right!
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❤ 🙂
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I remember when we had just adopted our 6 year old son. I needed some time by myself. I started yoga classes and that helped. What happened to all the energy that we needed in those years to survive. I love your story. Gerlinde
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YES, I discovered yoga around that same time, too, Gerlinde and it was a great survival technique (and still is). As far as the energy? Well, there’s a reason most people don’t have young children when they’re 50 or older. 🙂 🙂
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Fantastic! I loved this story. It was perfect.
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THANK you – so glad you enjoyed this tale, which was fiction, but yet…not entirely. 🙂
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Brilliant! I agree that writing is the ultimate escape!
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We writers are so lucky to have that escape, aren’t we? 💜
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Oh, I absolutely loved this!!! I raised four children, and I know that feeling of wanting to leave dishes unwashed and the whole laundry-list of things to do from time to time. It does ‘wait’ for us! This was just wonderful…escaping to the the run-down motel for a chance to write and collect ones thoughts. Great story!
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Thank you Linda. Yes, those of us who have “been there” remember that need for a break. Writing was my salvation (and forget the dishes!). 🤓
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I remember those days! (Except for me it was off to a library, county courthouse or cemetery.) Your mom was wonderful to do this for you! 💙 With so many children attending school at home during the pandemic, I bet there are even more mothers needing “massage” time these days.
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I know, Barbara, but less “safe” places for an escape. 😔
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Excellent!
Writing can be a real life saver.
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“Saved” me in many ways. And gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful bloggers like you!!!
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Thanks! Right back atcha!
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xo
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Well done, Pam! Even though I don’t have children, a house, a garden, or a full-size fridge (I do have a husband), I totally get this feeling of peace and escape. We – writers – all need that place and time to be one with ourselves, our minds, and write unobstructed and undistracted. Too bad Nancy had to pay for it. But, then again, I assume hairdressers and masseuses cost more than $20. 🙂
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Good point!! That room was a “steal” for a writing retreat. 😍
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I remember those years, Pam. Great story!
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Oh yessss! 🙂 We survived. Poetry certainly helped me!
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Great escape indeed!
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Thanks for visiting and reading!
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A great escape indeed!
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Beggars can’t be choosers on locale. 😁
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Yes! Makes you wonder why all harassed mothers/wives don’t plot such an escape. (Maybe they do.)
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Such an escape is a necessity for sanity at times!
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Loved this. Writing has always been my favourite thing to do and I do it at random times. Like, while eating and half way through sleep.
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🙂 When the writing muse calls, we need to listen! Thanks so much for commenting.
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Awesome way of looking at the very basic need of a mother 😇
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Yes, precisely. Writing is a necessity for many of us, even in the “throes” of young motherhood. So nice to see you here. THANKS! ❤
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However you can get it. Good for Nancy! ❤
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To quote Ringo Starr, “Ah, I get by with the help of a friend (or grandmother…).” 🙂
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❤
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In my opinion, writing (and reading) are the best escapes ever! I know they keep me sane….
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You and I are in total agreement about that, Ann. (And as it happens, about many other things too!). 🙂
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Beautiful
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Thank you! So glad you stopped by and read my story.
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A great story…
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Thank you!
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I could sense Nancy was desperate for a getaway if she “…savored the smell of hot tar and car fumes…” Oh, wow, wow, wow, Pam, soooo relatable! I am embarrassed to say what I have done to escape, especially in my past life. Well worth the $19.99.
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Erica, please, please, sometime write a post about what you’ve done to escape! Hey, we all relate to these escape stories. Although Mind Massage is fiction, more than half of it is based on fact. And I am forever indebted to my mom for the once-a-week mornings she gave me to “escape” and write poetry.
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Really a good piece of story . Writing is like a mediation
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Thank you. And yes, I agree, writing IS a form of meditation!
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Oh that was wonderful! Boy do I remember those days of needing to just get out of the house away from all that. I wasn’t a writer then. Wonder what I would have created had I known?
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You were creating through your experiences – and it’s all coming to writing use now! xo
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True ’nuff! xo
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❤️❤️
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Oh I love this, Pam! I guess most writers would, hey? Writing is the ONE activity that makes me lose track of time—every time.
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I am the same. Never enough time to write but when we get in the writing mode – time disappears.
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I hope you and yours are staying well. 💕
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Doing our best. Patience certainly is a (challenging) virtue! 🙄😬😉
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This is such a delight, Pam. You have a true ability to draw the reader into the story. And always an unexpected twist. I hope you hare having a wonderful Thanksgiving. Hugs!
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Thank you so much, Teagan. This young mom is half me, and my Muse helped me with the other half. Haha. May we have an a MUSE ing week ahead.
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😀 Terrific play on words. My scary muse thinks that might trick me into opening his door. Bwahahahahaa! 😉
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🙂
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It is looking Amazing… ❤
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Beautiful👌
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