On Saturday, the sun came out. This has become so rare, it's an Event. One must respond to Events appropriately; that is, immediately scrap the "to do" list and hit the road once more. Chris took some gorgeous photos of a beach scene in a different part of Rhode Island that I thought you might like to see:
The sun came out on Sunday too, after a particularly violent early morning rainstorm. We were able to go to Chris' race and then join up with friends for some dinner and bookstore hopping. I'll share my new books with you in the next post!
My second of third writing classes was last Wednesday. We opened the class with a warm up exercise. First we had to list, in two minutes, things that made us happy as a child. Then in another two minutes, we listed things that make us happy as an adult. Our group leader pointed out that typically, things that make us happy as a child are objects, like a doll or cookies or toys, while adults tend to list more philosophical ideas like "health," "travel," etc. It's a fun exercise to do even if you're not planning to write anything; try it!
The rest of the class focused on an exercise in the book where there is a photograph of stairs. You are to pretend you are walking down the stairs into your past, and for five minutes write about your earliest childhood memory. We then broke up into small groups to share our stories. Mine was a description of my great-grandparents' farm, with the dusty road to the barn, and some wildflowers growing nearby. I think I was only about four years old at the time.
Finally, we took two minutes to write about what was in the box, another illustration in our workbook.
It looked exactly like the box that contained the wheelbags I bought Chris for his bicycle, for our anniversary that day, so that's what I wrote. Other people who shared described things from their childhood that were packed in the box.
Our group leader said that she is hoping to offer more writing classes through the bookstore, and I would love to take them, though I'm still out of work. I went for an interview about three weeks ago, but haven't heard anything yet. So it's hard for me to decide about the classes right now.
...Then this nice lady named Virginia came out and found me. She took me back to the shelter, and to the vet for a checkup. I hated that part. But then they started to give me medicine for something called hyperthyroidism, and I began to gain weight. I wanted to look healthier so that I could find a new home...
Looks like it was a gorgeous weekend! Your class sounds like it's been a good one.
Posted by: Chris | June 16, 2009 at 08:27 AM
Those photos are gorgeous! The only part of Rhode Island I've seen is I-95, so obviously I need to see more!
Posted by: Dorothy W. | June 16, 2009 at 07:25 PM
Glad you're enjoying that writing class and hope you can take more. Looking forward to seeing you in RI over the weekend =)
Posted by: sarah | June 17, 2009 at 07:36 AM
What a gorgeous setting!
Posted by: tiennie | June 17, 2009 at 05:44 PM
I think that taking the time to learn and grow is a wonderful way to use the time you've been handed. Another job will present itself, but how often do you get the chance to pursue a passion without scheduling constraints?
It's like a gift in many ways. It's OK to enjoy it while you can!
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | June 17, 2009 at 07:59 PM
That's such gorgeous scenery!
It looks like everyone is enjoying the writing class. ;) You'll get a job but it's great that you are able to take advantage of things like a creative writing class.
Posted by: Sydney | June 17, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Hi Virginia! glad you're doing better :) hope you find a home soon!
THOSE PICTURES!! We had sun peak out today but I don't have any surroundings like that...
i love reading about your writing class. glad your leader is going to be teaching more classes!
Posted by: Sarah | June 18, 2009 at 03:44 PM
Amazing! And what inspiration for your writing class! I love the idea of immersing into a writing class. Good for you, Debby!
Posted by: Lynne | June 19, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Rosie (and I think that's you!), you are certainly looking content now that you're healthy and happy!
I haven't been able to do much cycling this year, so I'm living vicariously through those who have! Thanks for the pictures.
Posted by: Brigitte | June 22, 2009 at 11:19 AM