One can’t be all work and no play, especially on a writing retreat.

First, there is the cat. Cosmo is quite happy to give me as many breaks a day as I can handle (and then some). Plus he delivers wrap-his-paws-around-my-neck loves, a warm kitty neck warmer, and blankets of kitty fur.

Then there are the windows. Such delightful windows, with a garden full of butterflies, hummingbirds, blue jays, finches, bees, bumblebees, squirrels, other cats, flowers, trees. Not to mention passers-by of uncounted numbers.

Meals and snacks come in handy. As do walks in the historic neighborhood and nearby downtown Snohomish.

And if you know me, rubber stamping provides mental breaks and opportunities for creativity.

This mermaid card was made with rubber cling stamps, watercolor paints, patterned paper, and a bit of glitter glue. She’s pretty cute, isn’t she?

From me to you. You are MER-MAZING! And don’t forget it.