June 29, 2005
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Teresa is sick so I’m going camping instead. When I was at the store it was all I could do to keep myself from — What do you call that where you jump up and click your heels together? Fortunately I was wearing my red clogs and didn’t want to risk injury. I am so loving all the annual events this season. Did I mention I made strawberry shortcake?
I realized, in the store, what makes this year so great is that last summer my house was on the market from June until October and between moving, which I did in increments, and getting the landscaping finished so it would sell, I didn’t have much of a summer. And the summer before I had a new boyfriend so we did a lot of fun things but they were all new things, his things.
So this summer I’m not gonna miss any of my favorite traditions. I’m going to camp at a place I used to take my first dog swimming. I was a pretty good swimmer and when we lived at this beach I’m going to, I’d take my Springer Spaniel to this lake and she and I would swim out pretty far. God I loved doing that. I wasn’t sure whether I was more like her or she was more like me but we were tight. We’d get out in the middle of the lake and fool around. I’d swim straight for her and our noses would touch. She loved it. Not far from there — This is where the dunes are — I knew a secret trail and she and I would walk probably three miles up and over this huge dune, in the middle of nowhere, then I’d have to get down on my hands and knees in some places and crawl through the animal trails to get to the ocean. I probably won’t be going there, except to look at the dunes.
Smores, I’m having smores!!!! And I’ll cook a steak and baked potato over the fire. I just bought a bag of Ceasar salad. I kind of like the dressing and packets of cheese and croutons. I don’t use the lettuce, it’s gross. I’m picking up some smoked salmon. I like that on Ritz crackers with a little cream cheese and garnish of chives. Mmmmm. On Wednesday nights I started taking a diet Coke to class so I could sit there from 6:00 – 10:00 without nodding off. It’s about the only time I drink pop. But in the store I saw the cutest miniature cans. Maybe I’ll get one of those airplane-sized bottles of Jack Daniels to mix with it. I even got excited buying plastic cups and plates. Shit, I forgot the utensils. Wait, I have a set of camping utensils — Yellow, sturdy ones in a cute bag. I got peaches, cherries, watermelon, pineapple, red grapes, and mango for a salad I can make ahead. I’ll have bacon and eggs one morning, with toast. Actually, that will be lunch. I’m just gonna go out for a latte in the mornings. Then I’ll come back and make my fire and WRITE. I’m extremely anxious to write the thing about where someone comes to your door for the Creative Writing Challenge or whatever it’s called.
I signed up for that and never have seen my name on the list. Then I voted, on two separate occassions, but never saw the winning subject, until today. And now I’m leaving. Oh, well. I have come to enjoy writing in notebooks. I bought one at the grocery store. I’m itching to get at it.
I’ll be back Friday. I’m gonna miss you bad.
Comments (16)
you sound so excited! Sounds like a great time coming… you’ll be missed definitely. I am almost done with my entry for the Creative Challenge, just want to reread again tomorrow. I am amazed how quickly I came up with it- the creative juices are flowing, I hope to hear your honest critique when you get back. Be safe out there!
Have a fantastic time Camping. I don’t know what I’m going to do this weekend. It’s a long weekend here in Canada, as July 1 is Canada day. I have no idea what I will do this weekend. I want to do something fun, but I usually just photograph the fireworks. I don’t really want to do that this time, since he will probably take her to the fireworks. And I don’t want to know what she looks like.
I hope you have a fantastic time. Remember though that places change, and that your feelings about them may change too.
I’ll miss you too.
Have a wonderful, wild and free time in the bush with your puppy and tent and campfire and notebooks… come back to us reconnected more strongly to the earth, with the wind in your hair, with the trees and dunes and water in your eyes, and writing to share~ *hugs xo
Have fun!
sounds like a great trip! you should have a wonderful time… take notes! write!!!!!
this exscursion sounds like so much fun and filled with so many memories, i hope nothing spoils it for you:)
…that sound like a nice weekend you have planned, very natural…i suppose if the clicking of heels was done very gracefully, it could qualify as an “entrechat.”
I just love to read your posts…you have a special way of “being right here” that I envy. Your adventures and descriptive prose is amazing! Thanks for sharing!
take care,
paulygrl
Traditions are so important! I’m glad you’re getting your dose of them this summer. We had our first s’mores the other night with a firepit in the backyard. And we went to the county fair last night with another family. Worked out great because we could send the kids off to do the rides while we wandered and looked at all the exhibits. I’ve never gone at night before. Still need to do a barbecue at the neighborhood pool. Actually got invited to one last night but opted for the fair instead. I think having things you do and food you eat only at certain times of the year makes you appreciate the “now” all the more. Oh-and I loved the swimming with the dog thing. I’ve never yet had a dog that liked to swim. Must not be a herding dog thing.
Sorry I’ve not been communicative. It’s just been crazy here.
The Dance story is about jazz dance. I’m supposed to talk to dance teachers about their philosophy of teaching. It’s not due until Sept. 10, so I don’t know why I’m stressing about it.
Thanks for your kind words on my blog.
Lynn
RYC: Don’t be too jealous of my Dance article. They pay very badly and I was appalled at the contract. But it’s a big deal magazine, so I agreed. I took dance for many years (mainly jazz, but ballet and tap, too). I may come to you for advice!
Lynn
Wow, you are the outdoor gal. Love to camp too but I think you are miles ahead of me. Cheers
That all sounded like so much fun! I’m not much of a camper…more a city girl, but I don’t mind going with a few people. *smile*
ryc: I’d known Emma for about a year and a half, through Xanga. She’d even called the house to talk to my son. (She was a week younger than he.) She was bright and funny and caring…and bipolar, clinically depressed, had post-tramatic stress syndrome and was anorexic. Her blog was a series of extreme highs and lows. I just found out yesterday that she’d died…and with a little searching, I found out how: she stepped in front of a train. It was heartbreaking, but I know she’s happy now…
I love you…GFW
Camping, Jack and Coke and a notebook sound like a good combination! Have fun! =)
dan
I still buy notebooks but I guess I’m so used to typing fast that I find I lose my train of thought when I putting it down in ink. Thanks for dropping by.
And so, you gorgeous wild woman of great skill, how was it? You’ve been around, leaving the greatest comments, and while I adore your Xangan visits, I want to hear from you too-! Hey, I’m going to be gone till Friday probably, and might not be able to hang out here… thinking to try and post, but with 8 hour work days and all the talking, might not be able to get around to reading and commenting, so if you don’t post today… hint, hint. Love ya-