On Retreat With Devotion to Writing
After a grueling month of family crises (which fortunately had a favorable resolution) it was time for me to leave for a weeklong writing retreat in Portugal. I zipped my suitcase, packed my laptop and watercolor supplies, loaded them into our vehicle, and headed to Chicago for my flight. The drive went smoothly and my flights were all on time and blessedly uneventful.
When I got to Lisbon on the morning of October 24, I made my way to the designated spot to meet the rest of the writers and wait for our ride to the small town of Cercal. The writers arrived in ones and twos. There were greetings, introductions and excited chatter. And while we waited, several pastel de nata were savored by the group.
After more chatting and a two hour van ride beneath a cloudless sky to the retreat site, we were given our room keys and set loose to unpack and settle in.
What can I say about our home for the week, Quinta Camarena? The owners and staff are welcoming, kind and gracious. The onsite chef is fabulous, working with local ingredients, many from the eight acre property. The grounds are lush with fruit trees, herbs, veggies and trails the wind up and around. The lodgings are large and comfortable, each with an ensuite bathroom. My room is in what was once a hostel on the property and mere steps from the pool and lounge area. This building holds four bedrooms plus a large common area with a couch, chairs, table and kitchenette. Other members of the group follow a series of steps to their hilltop casitas, lovely two story accommodations each with a sitting area near the front door and its own balcony. It's a little hike to get to them, but they offer a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
I have attended and presented at numerous writing conferences and workshops over the years, but never participated in a writing retreat. When I knew that this would be the year for my first writing retreat, I began searching the internet for just the right one. I looked at locations in the U.S. and abroad. I considered structured versus unstructured. I looked at dates, pricing and lodgings. And my top pick was Devotion To Writing, led by Justen Ahren. It has a loose structure with ample time to write, side trips for inspiration (ask me about the 4.2 mile hike along the coastline to Porto Covo), and communal meals with time to share work each evening.
Justen - a poet, photographer and landscaper - is a warm and encouraging person with just the right touch to make each writer in attendance feel seen, heard and valued. And time with the collection of nine other writers from the U.S. and abroad, each with their own unique style and focus, is incredibly enriching. We are only half way through our time together and I already feel like I have gained so much... new friends, renewed receptivity to creativity, and several new pieces of writing.
I can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings!
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