I had a blog post written, but an unscheduled trip made me change my mind. See, my post was a bit cryptic and slightly whiny. Something happened last week that made me stop and think about a few things. And I was feeling hurt and irritated and wanted to whine. Without divulging the issue, of course. It wasn't really a big deal, but it bugged me.
And then on Sunday, we took an unplanned trip to Nashville.
See, Saturday was an author event, a reader's luncheon in Birmingham that was simply fabulous. I got to hear the wonderful and inspiring Christina Dodd speak, and I got to visit with fellow Pixie Chick Louisa Cornell. I received an engraved heart box, balloons, and a cake from my Southern Magic chapter mates for my first sale. More awesomeness. And I got to hang out with two of my friends and fab authors, Kira Sinclair and Kimberly Lang. (They forced me to overeat in a restaurant called Brio's.)
But as fun as all that was, I was still feeling whiny. Until Nashville. Why? I think because the Nashville trip had nothing to do with writing, publishing, reading, etc. Nothing to do with my JOB. It was a spontaneous trip with my hubby and parents. So spontaneous we didn't leave until 1:30 on Sunday.
We were at the Bass Pro Shop (yeah, the men wanted to go) by 3. Mom and I headed into the mall and had a blast going through the stores. I tried on a pair of Christian Louboutins that were on sale for the RIDICULOUS price of $118. Too bad they didn't fit because I have never, ever seen Louboutins that low.
We hit Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne, and several shoe stores. I bought nothing. When the men finished picking out lures, baits, and whatever other kind of weird things men love to shop for, we went to a restaurant called Aquarium and had dinner while watching fish swim around in a 200K gallon tank. Too cool.
It was soothing, it was spontaneous, and I didn't think of writing or publishing for hours. I loved it. On the way home, I blew $25 on lottery tickets. I came home feeling much better than I did when this weekend began. Sometimes, it's the unscheduled trips that give you a new perspective, or give you exactly what you need to recharge.
Where's your favorite place to go when you need a recharge? Or what's your favorite thing to do? Shopping? Dinner with friends or family? Long walks or drives?
Shopryland has Louboutins ??? I need to get there more often.
Glad the luncheon went well. And isn’t Brio awesome? They drug me there too. LOL!
The mountains recharge me, and fortunately they’re not far away. Shopping doesn’t do it because I end up regretting the money I’ve spent, and that’s not very recharging, is it? Dinner with good friends is at the top of the list too. Enjoyed lunch the other day.
Marilyn
Lynn,
Sounds like a fun day. I am glad you are feeling better.
Driving is a form of relaxation for me. It allows me to think without being interrupted by the boys. I also enjoy the quiet of the library.
But, the most relaxing times are the vacations with my husband. Hopefully, we will get back to Vegas next year (without the boys!).
Barbara
Relax? What’s relax?
Those Louboutins weren’t in my size, were they?
PM, I only found ONE pair. In Off 5th Avenue. I wish I could’ve found more!
Brio’s was yummy, and our waiter was a bit surprised to have 3 romance writers at his table. He was a hoot.
I do know what you mean about the shopper’s guilt! Fortunately, I did not buy a thing. I simply planned it elaborately in my head, which seemed to be fun enough. Oh, mountains. Yes, that would be lovely too. 🙂 And meals with friends are always fun!
Hi, Barbara! Driving can indeed be relaxing. I talk to myself while I drive, which used to look funny but these days everyone just thinks you’re on the phone. Love that.
I only talk if I’m working out a plot issue or something, but it helps. 🙂
PC: The Louboutins were slightly too small for me, so they’d have been too big for you. They were an 8, which I can wear, but I love an 8.5 for that little extra room. And these were running smallish for size anyway. But I did loooove that red sole. *sigh*