Reflections on my first Writing Retreat

This past weekend, I went on my first Writing Retreat to Davis, WV. It's a bit tricky to leave all my responsibilities for a few days, but it seemed like the perfect way to kick-start my sabbatical. The retreat was organized by the (former--she recently took a new job) program coordinator of my doctoral program. Most of the other people who came with us were in my cohort/year, but there were a couple from the year before/after. We went to Davis, WV--one of my favorite places in the world (I used to vacation there as a child). And one of the most beautiful.

The view from the deck of our mountain cabin.

The organizer planned out the very delicious and tasty meals (accommodating both vegetarians and keto diets), set up the quiet hour rules each full day of the retreat, and coordinated all the travel details. We all socialized in the mornings and evenings. I drove out with a member of my writing group, so we were able to chat about our research and our writing goals for the weekend on the drive. I had an (ambitious) goal to finish the draft of my dissertation proposal to the point that I could turn it in to my chair on Monday. I spent Saturday revising Chapter Two (the literature review), incorporating articles or deciding they were not relevant to my argument, and thinking through the details of my study design.

Sunday morning hike in Blackwater Falls State Park

Sunday, after an early morning hike (thanks to daylight savings time!), I dug into finishing the details of Chapter Three (research design and methodology). I must admit that I love writing about the research design as much as I detest completing the literature review, so the experience on Sunday was much more enjoyable! I even took a nice long nap in the middle of quiet hours, having exhausted myself on the hike.

Pase Point--such a beautiful view!

I managed to finish enough that I felt I could turn my draft into my advisor. In the evening, we played a very fun and silly game of "Heads Up" with someone's mobile phone and just enjoyed talking about everything. Overall, it was a great experience. I deepened some existing relationships and made some new friends. I wrote and ate and slept and enjoyed nature. I cannot wait to do another retreat in the Spring!

Blackwater Falls--see the rainbow?

 Once I got back home Monday morning, I did a final read on my proposal draft and sent it to my chair. It felt great!

First Day of a Sabbatical

 I have been granted a six month sabbatical by my employer, primarily to complete my dissertation and research. However, I am hoping my sabbatical will also allow me to reconnect with my health, my writing, and my humanity. I want to slow down and relax. I want to enjoy.

So on day one (today), I woke up and made waffles and took my daughter to school. My son was ill, so he is staying home today. It's the third day of his illness, so hopefully this will be the last day he needs to miss school. I also caught up with DI emails/planning for the week and ordered passport photos for me and the kids.

After I finished school drop off, I went to a yoga class at the Y. I had a few minutes before class started, so I jogged on the indoor track for about half a mile while listening to my most recent audiobook from the library, Happiness Falls by Angie Kim. At the yoga class, I was pleasantly surprised to see Michele.

After class, I went to Michele's place to collect some basil to make pesto, beans and wild rice she had grown, and a bag of persimmons for my neighbor (who mentioned last night how much she liked them).

I got home and ate leftover chili, did some organizing of my calendar, made a couple doctor appointments, and organized my finances. Then I did a bit of organizing of research articles for my dissertation and filled out forms/emailed my chair.

Finally, I took a nice bath, practiced French, and then relaxed in bed a bit. I also reorganized YNAB and decided to start up the blog again. I plan to take my daughter to her rock-climbing lesson this evening and have a video conference for the Nominating Committee. I might also follow up with some more DI stuff if I feel like it. Maybe laundry. Maybe packing for my writing weekend. Maybe cook something.

Overall, I'm extremely pleased by this plodding and enjoyable day. It seems already easier to be productive in ways I hope to be when I have fewer limitations on my schedule. I will continue to explore and reflect on this journey.