Should I Go?

July has been a busy month for me. Our family took a three-day hiatus to our beautiful mountain top, Mt. Graham, in the Gila (pronounced "He-la) Valley in southern Arizona. We stayed in a rustic cabin, did some hiking and exploring, and visited old stomping grounds where my parents took all seven of us (my siblings included) to our Larson family reunions every summer. We had a great time playing games, telling stories around the campfire, and hiking or playing by the creek and climbing across the creek on the fallen logs. Good memories! In recent years, the tradition has faded, the reunions have dissipated. Loved ones have passed on as well as the time and discipline that is required to step away from life's worries long enough to enjoy some togetherness.

Just before my husband and I were planning on taking this little breather from the scorching temps (our high lately has been 112 degrees F), I was informed of the major reconstruction my publisher wanted me to make for my story, Pierced by Love, before it goes to print. I was feeling more than a little downhearted over this. Apprehensive would be an appropriate term. What if I wasn't able to make all the changes my publisher wanted me to make in the time they allotted me? How could I selfishly take this time out of this deadline that's looming over me?

But we went anyway. I printed out a hard copy of my manuscript, which would allow me to work on it a little bit at a time. (I didn't want to take my laptop up there. I didn't want to risk it getting ruined.) So this was what I would call a "working vacation" even though more play and relaxation was done than actual work. But it good for me to refresh my mind. And not only that, but another benefit came from the glorious mountain air with it's invigorating pine scent inspired me to write a completely new opening scene for my book. Once I got home, I tweaked it until it sounded perfect. But I am SO glad that I spent this time with my family.

I am still working on this deadline (as I've stated, there were a lot of changes to make). Just the other day, my son celebrated his birthday. Next week, my daughter will celebrate hers. What I've learned through this process is that life doesn't slow down just because you want it to. It's okay to take time out for the things or people who matter most. But in the meantime, keep writing!