Recently, I'd been charging ahead with so many writing projects that I sort of ran out of steam and knew I needed to fuel my creativity by stepping away from the writing for a day or two.
So my husband and I planned a quick trip - not much more than a day trip really, although we did spend the night.
We didn't go far or to some fancy place.
Just to Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
We knew there was an inexpensive little motel there right on the Spring River and we could enjoy the view from our room. This was our view:
There is also a park right there with a sidewalk that goes around it, so it was a nice place to walk, and we had the perfect weather for doing just that.
We watched the ducks and geese and I felt myself relax and the stress leave my body as we enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
Here's the park:
On the way home we also stopped to take photos of anything that seemed interesting. Here's one of the huge raven in Ravenden, Arkansas:
This is the mill outside of Hardy, Arkansas:
If you're a writer who needs to refuel your creativity, I suggest you take a short trip, like I did. Here are some tips for making the most of it.
• Make sure the weather will be good for your trip. That way you can easily stop whenever you see something of interest so you can take a photo. You'll also be able to spend time outdoors once you get to your destination.
• Get a motel room (or a room at an inn) with a view. There's just something about a view that lets your mind drift and new ideas start to flow.
• Plan to spend time outdoors where you can commune with nature and get a little exercise and fresh air as you walk in the sunshine. You'll feel yourself start to relax as you forget about all the things waiting for you at home.
• Take lots of photos. You can use these photos later as writing prompts or even blog posts (as I've done here).
• Don't overdo it. The purpose of the trip is to relax and unwind, so don't schedule too many activities.
Do you have any other tips for making the most of a short trip? If so, please share them here as a comment.
Happy trails!
11 comments:
Love your pictures! I believe in travel as inspiration, too. So much so that I have a page on my Web site with travel pictures and poetry! http://howtodoitfrugally.com/travels_with_carolyn.htm
PS: I was in this same spot sometime in the 60s. Kid you not!
It probably hasn't changed a lot since the 60s either, Carolyn! :)
Great ideas. In Florida for a short visit with my sister to do the very same thing.. very inspirational and a good way to spark thw writing imagination
Great idea, Suzanne. It's amazing how much we take in when we do this. I have a 2.5 mile trail I walk frequently along a river. Even an hour of walking has helped clear my thoughts and rejuvenate me.
Love the photos! This is what I need! :) I have pictures of where I'd like to be - does that count? :) I really need to plan a day getaway.
Good for you, Terri. Have fun!
Yes, walks in a beautiful setting do a lot to rejuvenate us. This might sound weird, but vacuuming also helps me clear my mind. I guess because it's such a mindless task. Go figure...
Karen,
Yes, tack up the photos so you can see them everyday. Before long, you'll actually be there!
Suzanne, thank you for this. I recently got so dried up from too many projects on the go I just crashed and did't write an original thought for several weeks. Scary! Next time I'll go away for a day or two - before I crash! Much better idea! Shirley Corder from Write to Inspire - Encouragement and inspiration for writers and readers.
Hi, Shirley,
That sounds exactly like how I was feeling before I went away for a couple of days. It's amazing how better and more creative and more productive you'll feel after only a day or two away.
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