I've been quiet on social channels this past few months.
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| Tualatin River Float |
That doesn't mean I've been quiet, creatively. In fact, quite the opposite. I've written new stories, made meaningful revisions to others, read stacks of mentor texts, and started actively experimenting to find my voice in new (to me) genres.
Although engaging in social channels is an important part of the work (and, indeed, helps me meet fellow creatives and other industry professionals, while opening doors to new ideas and information that aligns with my creative goals), it can also sap my creative energy and take away from my writing time.
When I'm feeling overwhelmed or depleted, one of the best things I can do for myself is get out into nature.
And one of my favorite ways to commune with nature is paddling and/or floating on the gentle sections of the Tualatin or Deschutes Rivers. One is near my home in Portland, Oregon. The other is near my home-away-from home in Central Oregon. Both are stunning, and both are replete with sensory details that often find their ways into my stories.
I also love visiting South Twin Lake, the Cascade Lakes in Central, Oregon, and Paulina Lake in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Here are some pics of "Sweet Sophs," one of my favorite paddling companions, relaxing, exploring, and marveling at the natural world around us:
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| Deschutes River Float |
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| Paulina Lake Paddle |
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| Relaxing on Paulina Lake |