Sometimes you are on the path, hitting your stride and pumping your arms, congratulating yourself on getting out there and Just Doing It.

Then a giant obstacle blocks the way. It is huge, immoveable and there's no way around it.  Everything grinds to a halt as you survey this immense,  seemingly solid, dense object.

And then, you get up close and notice that there is in fact a way through. It is narrow, confining but a definite chink in the armor.

Comfortingly, you also notice that someone has gone before and left a handhold, if you have the motivation and energy to go up and over.  Sometimes, just knowing someone has gone before is all it takes to allow you to take a deep breath and soldier on.

The venue has changed, but The Retreat continues. I have 4 days before I have to return to work. Mr. Pom is more stable after a change in meds that doesn't leave him feeling like he's having a cardiac  episode. He's a long way from recovery in terms of his back, but things are more serene.

In a pique of self pity, I got up at my usual time and dressed for  work. Mr. Pom thought I was crazy and told me to go into my studio and write. No, no, no, the spell is broken, I'm too tired, it's all for naught, and I swept out of the house on the majesty that only self-righteous prig-headedness can bestow.

I got as far as the exit to the office on the parkway when I realized that I had accidentally left my work laptop home. As I double backed to get it, truly annoyed at the world, an idea popped into my head that was the link that would tie together the entire plot of the book.

You know what they say - they are no accidents.

I can be found today at my favorite public library, by the windows at the long, wooden tables with the individual readings lamps. 

But if you love me, you will leave me undiscovered.