Hi friends!
I have some news to share. Some of you Twitterers already know, so bear with me. Last year I applied for a residency at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. I leave this week for an 8-day stay. I’ve been really excited as several writing friends have told me what a magical space it is. This is my first residency, so I’m not sure what to expect. Which is good! I don’t want to plan everything down to the last little detail. I want to follow Mary Oliver’s wisdom and: “Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” I am inviting serendipity to ride along with me.
My writing sister-friend, Carol, has shared practical tips based on her time at VCCA (bring a travel coffee maker; take advantage of the readings, studio openings; let this time be whatever you need it to be). Do you have anything to share about writing fellowships (positive only for right now!)? Please do. I’m sure I’ll have plenty to share when I return, and will be happy to answer any questions if anyone’s interested in applying during the next application period.
If you want to learn more about VCCA, click HERE.
I will have limited internet access while I’m away, and will be mostly unplugged. I’m accepting all good vibes if you want to send them along. Thank you.
PS. I’m getting closer to grabbing that next swinging bar on the trapeze 😉 Your wise comments on my last post were so encouraging and inspiring. I thought about each of them. My blogging friends are a font of wisdom. ❤ Thank you all.
That’s pretty much it except some sprinter (spring? Winter? Who the hell knows anymore?) flowers from my garden. Will reconnect when I arrive back home.
Giving Voice to My Astonishment 
Congratulations Cheryl, I hope you’re having a wonderful time, and look forward to hearing all about your experiences! Love your photos – our forsythia is starting to blossom but not quite there yet 🙂
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Congratulations! Happy for you. ♡
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Fabulous, Cheryl! Soak it all in and let us know how you get on afterwards. Enjoy!
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Congratulations on this! I’m sure you will like it. One of the things about these residencies is that they are never what you expect and you often learn more from discussions with others than completely disciplining yourself to write. Figure out the flow in the first day or two and then dive in. Good luck!
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Congratulations on your acceptance to such a fun and productive getaway! I’d love to do something like this, and I look forward to hearing how it goes for you.
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Love the flowers. Hope you have great adventures in Virginia! You got this! Enjoy!!!
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How exciting for you! Enjoy the experience. I can’t wait to hear about it.
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We will all be waiting to hear how you used the time. Have a blast!
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Enjoy. Writing takes time and the time is made away from distractions. Cogetate in silence!
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Oh wow! Well done. It seems you have all the advice you need to make the most of this wonderful opportunity. Stay focused! Breathe. Enjoy. Please do give us the highlights on your return.
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Congratulations and enjoy!!!
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Wishing for you a glorious 8 days. Wonderful news. Will look forward to your next post—–
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Only one suggestion…pack me in your suitcase! 😁 Have a beautiful experience!
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Ooooh – how exciting!! Have a wonderful, wonderful time – I know you will. I have gone to two-day children’s book conferences for writers and illustrators, and to be so immersed in our craft is such a gift. You won’t even miss being plugged in; you’ll be so involved. Yes, take advantage of everything you can and soak up the inspiration. We’ll all look forward to you bringing back the gems I know you’ll find. Jeanne
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All the best!!
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Exciting news, Cheryl! Wishing you a wonderful experience of the unimaginable and astonishing. I look forward to hearing about your time at VCCA.
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Enjoy it Cheryl! I’m so proud of you! 💙
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I am sure you will enjoy this. I’m more a responder than a planner, too.
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