5 Days of Bliss - Cape May, NJ

It’s a writer’s dream to be able to spend concentrated time with your characters and plots. No thoughts of work, household chores, the kids or what to make for dinner. Given everything else going on in most of our lives, we’re lucky to get a few hours of such time never mind a few days.  

Recently I was fortunate to have that opportunity when I took myself off to Cape May, NJ, for five days with only one aim: to write.  Leaving my husband and daughter behind (having done the laundry and filled the refrigerator beforehand) I installed myself in the Hotel Macomber, my favorite beach-side hotel, for a Monday thru Friday escape.(I figured that as they would both be at work most of the day, there would be less time for them to notice my absence).

Howell, Michigan - Where Halloween Comes Early.

This year, on September 19^th, 2013 to be precise.

Remembering Childhood Passions

When was the last time you tried a favorite childhood activity that you’ve ignored since reaching adulthood?

Recently I went for a bike ride, something I had not done for many years despite it being my major form of transport in my early/mid teens when I used to cycle to school, to friends’ houses and to the beach. I don’t remember any conscious decision to stop cycling but I guess as college replaced school and socializing became geared towards evening entertainment in the city, cycling became less practical. As is the way in big families, the bicycle, which had been passed onto me from an older sibling, was then passed onto a younger sibling, and I never felt the need to buy a new one.

A Weekend Getaway at The Hotel Macomber

I recently spent a few days in Cape May, New Jersey. It wasn’t my first visit--I’ve been there four times before--but even though I generally like to explore new places I find myself drawn back again and again. The combination of the small town feel, replete with beautifully maintained and colorful Victorian houses, and a gorgeous sandy shoreline ensures that a break here, however short, makes you feel as if you have really got away from the daily grind.