In the Spring and Fall each year, my husband and I escape the hubbub of NYC for Rhinebeck, a small town two hours north of the city. In Rhinebeck, we have a beautiful home nestled in the forest that is ours for the next few weeks. Thereafter, we turn the house over to various tenants until Fall. But until that time, this beautiful writer’s refuge is all mine.
The View from My Desk
As anyone who has ever lived in NYC knows (and perhaps this holds true for other big cities as well), there are certain thrills that come with visiting the country when one spends most of the year in a urban setting. First, there is the blissful peace and quiet. While I can hear the cars driving off in the distance occasionally, and the birds chirping away, it is far quieter here than any apartment building could hope for. Second, is convenience. I love being able to park my car directly in front of the door, and up here, I can even drive to the grocery store! And last, but certainly not least, is the beautiful natural landscape.
While my husband rides the Amtrak train to and from his city office each day, I sit in a beautiful light-filled room with a peaceful view, and slip into Regency England. Sadly, I can’t spend all day in the 1800s. I also have a long list of spring-cleaning chores that need to be completed during our month long visit. Yet, this Spring I am far more motivated thanks in large part to my new flower bed. Last Fall during our stay, I planted nearly a hundred bulbs and now that Spring is finally here, the beautiful flowers are starting to bloom. As soon as it stops raining, I will take a picture and post it. Although, I’m told it might be many days before the rain stops; but in truth, I find the gloomy weather perfect for writing. Now, I’m off to work on my latest revision of The Virtuous Courtesan (if you haven’t read the revised excerpt, click here).
Do you have a favorite place you go to write (or read)? Last week Tessa Dare wrote in her Diary about her weekend retreat to hotel to focus on her latest work-in-progress. Have you ever escaped to a hotel or quiet retreat in the country to write?
Sarah,
It is indeed beautiful here in upstate NY. I live just south of Rhinebeck, and north of Manhattan. I, also, have my garden blooming. I can’t wait for my summer roses. Weather permitting, I like to write on my deck. My house is surrounded by woods, so I can sit and look at the lush green trees in the summer, astounding autumn foliage, and snow covered branches in winter. Note: admiration of winter wonders is strictly from my window. Soon I’ll get my patio cushions back on my lounger (fav spot) and my rocker chairs (good also). I place a tall cool drink of whatever (beverage choice alters with my mood), sit with my laptop, and let my dog, Nicky, out. He loves to sun himself while I write. Sometimes I sit under my umbrella on the pool deck; dipping in the water for a break. When it’s hot, I take many breaks! To brainstorm, or relax, I have a forty mile paved wooded trail just behind my house. I run, bicycle, inline skate, and walk Nicky on the trail. So as much as I sometimes desire to live in NYC, I remind myself of the benefits of living in suburbia, or in my case, I like to call exurbia. I hope the weather gets better for you, and enjoy the wonders of upstate NY.
Happy Writing,
Tanya