Wednesday, July 13, 2016:Paradise

Wednesday, July 13, 2016: Paradise

Another beautiful day in paradise. We had a great group meditation and a good breakfast. All the classes switch times midweek. Ours, for example met in afternoons on Sunday and Monday, skipped Tuesday, and now will meet in the mornings on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Janice Fuller is a master teacher who empowers and validates each of us while imparting pieces of her vast knowledge about poetry. I hope to imitate some of her teaching techniques when I get back into the classroom.

The tomatoes—oh, the tomatoes! Several meals this week have included big, red juicy sliced tomatoes. They are obviously garden fresh, and their flavor is rich and sweet.
The compliments about my reading have continued to come in. My reaction has been interesting. My ego is lapping them up and making me think I am a terrific writer. On the other hand, my inner critic is dismissing all the kind words, thinking, oh they are just being nice and trying to make me feel good. I hope I can come to rest somewhere in the middle.

In the evening, we had more student readings in the auditorium. We really have some very talented writers here. Later that night I sat with a small group in the amphitheater, watching the stars and talking. Later still, I sat in and listened while Luke, Will, Debbie, and Jack played guitars and sang into the wee hours.