few things have gone the way I hoped

Gave up pursing the workshop in Paris 'cause I was sure I'd be part of this other thing-- the big thing #2 I'd mentioned before, but I was one of 200+ people vying for one of 17 spots and alas, I was also one of the 183+ who got a 'no.' The photo submissions have been no's a loooooooooooooooooooong time coming and the stories I stll have out are going to need to be queried about and I ammmmmmmmm tired of doing that. Three months is long enough to decide if you want a work. Really, it is.

But whatever. My creative life is headed somewhere and all of this is just part of the recipe, the end result.

just jack

the poster of Mr. Kerouac is the only thing out in the writing room. Have packed it all up.

Enjoyed my time -- my very own space-- sad to have to let it go but the next room will be bigger-- my creative self will stretch out a little more.

luggage is packed

Hard process but I have chosen 30 books to take to the residency in Vermont. They are just books about the craft so a short story collection or two will have to be bought there or be carry-ons.

Excited. Very. I feel like I'm going on a retreat.