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Paddling is one way I put life in perspective. Photo © Orcas Island Photos

When I talked aloud during inappropriate times in elementary school, my teachers disciplined me by making me sit in the corner and sending sternly worded notes home to my parents. My educators did not in the least appreciate my oral communication skills — or as it turns out my humor. My parents were clearly embarrassed — although I think eventually resigned — to receive the notes.

Ironic, don’t you think, I grew up to be a writer and storyteller? (True, I sometimes still talk at inappropriate times, but as a writer I’ve learned to better channel my thoughts for income.)

Recently, I reflected on the fact that I have spent more than 20 years of my life writing and editing for clients and employers — and always in busy cities, on crowded planes, inundated with the hum of others’ thoughts. It wasn’t until the economy soured — and as a result my career — I began reexamining my life as a journalist and editor.  (Being unemployed affords you a great deal of time to reexamine things; it can, in fact, also drive you mad!)

So, in January of this year, I decided to take a reprieve from the constant news of things I cannot change and effectively sent myself to a far corner for fresh perspective,  But unlike the confined corners of my childhood, I now face outward toward a wonderfully inspirational classroom filled with color and sound, life and lesson — where I can both participate and observe. And yes, of course, write about the world I see.

You will find me with S on an island, at the end of a lane in a home on the edge of the Salish Sea. For now, I am away here.