An earlier writing retreat Across the lake at Quinta San Carlos. That empty chair is for me, since I’m taking the photo.

I woke up at 6:22 to the sound of hot water streaming into my pool. The intake pipe must have been left open the last time the pool filled up on Monday and enough water has evaporated since then to leave some room for it.  It is pitch black and cool outside, which makes me hesitant to go out and turn the drain on. An additional contributing reason for staying warm inside instead of venturing out in my nightgown is because I’m not going to be here to use the pool, for in less than 4 hours, I’m leaving with 7 friends for a writing retreat at Quinta San Carlos across the lake.  Two of those people are staying with me now—my friend of many years, Linda Hanna from Oaxaca, who got in from where she had been in Chiapas last night, and Judy Reeves, who arrived from San Diego two nights ago. Judy will lead the retreat.

We are trying to remember how many years ago the remaining members of the women’s writing group I started 24 years ago started this retreat. Over the years we have met in Puerta Vallarta at least two times, in La Manzanilla, Cuyutlán, Acapulco, at my house in San Juan Cosala. and two other times at Quinta San Carlos. Four of the members of the original group have passed away, one moved back to the States, and Judy Reeves brought two of her writing friends from the states to join the group, so only four of the original people who met for years at my house and who  published the anthology Agave Marias are left to attend the retreat. We have added three new members this year, who with Judy Reeves brings the number attending the retreat to 8.  We look forward to the new  company.

My bags are packed. I’m readiy to go.  So you might not see me here for the next three days.  Or perhaps I’ll write something worthy of being seen by this beloved audience, and I’ll give you a peek at some of the results of the retreat. Gloria, Leslie and Gina––we’ll miss you.