I took this pic right before dawn at a great house called, “Above Sleepy Hollow” in the mountains of West Virginia. Rich Potter, Michael Jayne, and I rented it a few years between Christmas and New Year’s for a writing/creativity retreat.

I got so much writing done each time. I want to do it again, but it’s in WV, and I’m in NYC. So, that means if I want a sabbatical, I’m going to need to do something else. And that means a staybbatical. That’s what I’m calling it.

No social media except what’s already scheduled. No email (the vacation responder goes on at midnight). Just seeing theatre, going to parks, writing a play and two books, practicing piano, Tai Chi, yoga, cats, good food, and a lot of rest.

I’ve never done anything like this before. The longest I’ve been without work/a job since I was 13 years old has been ten days when we went on our honeymoon. Otherwise, I’ve worked at least full time for 45 years with zero breaks longer than that ten days and most breaks no longer than three days.

Honestly, I’m scared to see what that much time with my thoughts, feelings, and creativity is going to bring forth out of me. But I’m also excited to see what happens.

Huge thanks to Rich for saying, “What can I do to make this easier for you?” when I told him I wanted to do this. 💙💜 you, honey.

There’s a lot of prep to do something like this. I moved all my reading clients up or back. I finished all my responsibilities. I’ve paid all the bills early. Tonight, I’m meeting with the board of Sisters in Crime (of which I’m president) and I’ll be asking them to divvy up my ongoing responsibilities for these next few weeks (they aren’t many, but I don’t want to leave any members hanging if someone needs help).

The only thing I couldn’t finish was one project, but that’s because the client hasn’t been able to get her part done to get it to me, so I can do my part. It will have to wait until mid-September. I’m trying not to feel guilty about it because she’s known I would be doing this for a month now. But that’s one of the interesting things about doing this for myself. I have to let go of my guilt feelings that I might not be everywhere all at once for a few weeks. I’m used to fixing and taking care of everything, so giving myself permission not to have to do that overwhelms me some.

But, still. It’s the right move. (Maybe I’ll play more chess, too.)

Starting tomorrow, I’m out for a month. I’ll see you in mid-September. 💜