Summer Break

First week of summer vacation. Not so busy anymore. Kids are sleeping. The humming Tivo and computer are the only sounds I hear. It's way too early to be up and I can't help but think that if I don't make a plan--a really good plan--I could end up coffee-breaking my way through summer vacation.

I shouldn't be worried. I'm a productive person. Give me a task and it's done (except paying bills). But there is something strangely unnerving about going cold turkey.

The frenetic pace I was on (I'll admit it) was invigorating. The art shows boosted my confidence as an art teacher. The schools were alive with color, imagination and cheer. I was proud.

I've managed to write while my kids chaotic schedule breached our home's normal tranquility. But seeing my kids grow into teens is a story I don't want to miss.

(My son is in a band for pity sake! That's him in the red.)

I've delved into my artistic side this year and explored blogs of unbelievable creativity, passion and dedication. It inspired me to unearth my own vision and join the party.

So how do I avoid feeling lost and unproductive?

• I'm taking my kids to San Francisco next week. Three days of playing tourist. No itinerary, just winging it. And I plan to take lots of pictures with my fabulous new Sony Cybershot which is the best little camera in the world.

• I'm attending The Pacific Northwest Children's Writers Conference in July and hope that I get Arthur Levine for my one-on-one critique. But wouldn't it be great to have Linda Urban critique your work?

• I'm adding to my list of agents and editors and plan to query Greenwood Girls again. After a year of revisions and touch ups (based on editorial feedback plus critiques from my amazing FarFlung writers group), I'm ready to see what happens.

• I plan to take a hiatus from blogging, writing and critiquing when I travel to Prince Edward Island this summer. We'll only spend three weeks there this year (Hey, anyone want to rent a sweet little cottage on the Northumberland Straight for a really good price???). Due to my kid's expanding social and athletic needs, we're required to stay put in Santa Barbara. But how bad could that be?

(This is our little beach. Warm waters, clam digging at low tide...ahhhh...)

There. That should do it.
The neighborhood is waking up. I heard the stop and start of the newspaper man's car. Are their any paperboys left in the world? Hmmm...
Enjoy your summer everyone!