Retreat!

Re-treat  /ri-trit/ Pronunciation Key - [ri-treet]

noun - 1. the forced or strategic withdrawal of an army or an armed force before an enemy, or the withdrawing of a naval force from action; 2. the act of withdrawing, as into safety or privacy; retirement; seclusion; 3. a place of refuge, seclusion, or privacy; 4. an asylum, as for the insane

–verb (used without object) - 1. to withdraw, retire, or draw back, esp. for shelter or seclusion; 2. to make a retreat; 3. to slope backward; recede

I am very pleased to announce that today, the Playfriends are retreating. I included the Webster’s online definitions of the word ‘retreat’ because we will be doing so on several different levels. First and foremost, we are attending a ‘retreat’ in the sense of place of refuge and seclusion. Some could say asylum, but we’ll just stick with refuge and seclusion. :) The cool, foggy mountains of Tennessee with the changing fall colors is just the place for it. Our RWA chapter HOD is gathering this weekend for our annual trip away.

Many of us are also retreating, in the sense of making a retreat. I can hear the voices of Monty Python in my head as they scream "RUN AWAY" and the livestock rains down on their heads.

Yeah, that’s what we’re really doing. Running away from our lives for a few days. No husbands, kids, dishwashing, day jobs, or home renovations. No dogs, cats, or even fish to care for. Just our very own selves, in comfy clothes, sans makeup, eating junk food.

Of course, there will be writing. Some of us take laptops and legal pads to steal away moments of peace and inspiration to write. Others gather in groups for brainstorming sessions. There will be craft discussion and mentoring. There will, of course, be good food and margaritas. There will even be massages and belly dancing. My kind of retreat. Even if someone doesn’t participate in the physical act of working on their writing, there is always the well to fill. Fun, laughter, relaxation – it all lends to recharging those creative batteries.

Myself, I’m looking forward to Playfriend time. Last month, our traditional few hours of plotting and brainstorming were usurped by our day-long chapter workshop. We fit in a few dinners and field trips to make up for it, but I’m still anxious for our time. I’ve got a digital voice recorder and a new book to plot. This is just what I need to get the new story rolling. I’d like to think that several great books have been plotted when we got together. Heck, my last book came out of a late night session at the Krispy Kreme after a chick flick. Certainly greatness can appear after a lounging weekend at a B&B.

By mid-afternoon, the Playfriends will have loaded into their vehicles of choice and hit the road. That doesn’t mean you can slack off, though! If you’re new to the Playground, know that we never truly leave our home unattended. We leave it in the hands of our honorary playfriends – ahem – that’s you! So, keep the blog active this weekend by commenting.

Riddle me this, Batman…

When the world gets to be too much for you, how do you retreat? Bubble bath? A good book? A weekend away? Chocolate overload? Share your favorite tips for keeping down stress and keeping up the creative juices.

Also, today is Friday the 13th. (cue scary music) Whether or not you're superstitious, almost everyone has a great Friday the 13th story. Share yours!

One commenter will be selected to win a fabulous prize! Um…let’s see…in the spirit of Friday the 13th and the Paranormal Pleasures Contest, one commenter will win a copy of a new Silhouette Nocturne – Eternally by Maureen Child.

And if you haven’t entered the Paranormal Pleasures Contest yet, do it now! Time is running out for this great prize.

See you all Sunday night!
SP