Wow. . .the retreat
We just returned from taking Barb and J.C. to the airport, so now all things retreat are pretty much over. It's sad, on many levels, that it's done, but it's always good to be home.
Losing Patrick's father, Marv, in the midst of the retreat was such a shock. I still feel numb by it, though sometimes it will hit me and I'll start crying again. I missed out on seeing Marv during Christmas because I was sick. Now I won't ever see him again. It's pretty hard to fathom, and I can see the shock of it all is still clinging to Patrick. Plus, he's exhausted.
It was very unfortunate he had to leave the retreat but he didn't give it a second thought because he knew he needed to be with family during this time. I'm so so happy he came back, though! I knew it would be the best thing for him: to be with family and with close friends, who are like family, and new friends. There was such a great energy among these writers, and such love and compassion for Patrick, that I knew his being with them would help toward healing his spirit.

And wow. . .the retreat. I couldn't begin to describe how great it was and have enough room for all the little details that added up to make it a splendid weekend, despite the sad loss of Patrick's father. I loved waking up early to open up the lounge for the early bird writers, before the sun was even up, and to have them come in to work, and STAY working for hours and hours with that big, beautiful lake just outside and getting closer, closer. I loved making new friends and reconnecting with people I haven't seen a long while. I'm so thrilled 5 friends from Calgary made such a lengthy trip to spend time with us, and it was wonderful to look around the room and realize we've got such wonderful support for Talebones and Fairwood Press in these considerate and thoughtful people. I'll give details later, when the head is less fuzzy and I've had more sleep!

And I give my heartfelt thanks to Barb and J.C. Hendee who were not only superb writer guests but a source of strength and comfort during some difficult moments. Thank you so much! (Ahh.. .Orion just said, "I miss Barb and J.C.") And of course, Jay Lake is ever-diverse with being wacky and entertaining and sweetly somber when he knew things were rough for us. Thanks for your help, Jay!

Much more later, of course, when I've had a chance for some more sleep.