I am on a retreat in the Pocono’s for writers. It’s a place that the Highlight Foundation, provides for writers to take workshops or do what I’m doing called an unworkshop. It’s an opportunity for some peace and quiet to concentrate on working on the second draft of my memoir. I’ve only been working this story just about my whole life, at least it feels that way. I need, and want to put it to rest so I can move on to other things.

I was blessed with a beautiful day for driving and the scenery was outstanding as I went up and down the mountains. I love Pennsylvania as much now as I did when I first saw it in 1965. I was 12 years old then. We’d come all the way across the states from California on a greyhound bus. It took 5 days to get to Philadelphia our final destination. Don’t get me wrong. I loved California too, and liked being a California girl. Would have loved to stay there if we could, but Pennsylvania was the place we had to go. Back east where my parent’s original came from. I don’t know maybe it was in my blood or something, but it felt like I was coming home. Anyway, that’s what I came here to write about. The part of me that got from where I was to where I am today. If it wasn’t for the child I was, and what she endured, I wouldn’t have had the full life I’ve had for the past 46 years. I owe it to her to tell our story.

I got here at 4:00pm settled in and at 5:30 went to happy hour at the barn and a fantastic meal at 6:00. I didn’t have much of a chance to take pictures but will do some of that tomorrow as I wonder around the grounds.

I’m so excited to be here!