I had the best long weekend. I took off Friday so Mom and I could do our annual mother-daughter event–the neighborhood yard sales in Winfield. The very first house we stopped at was fantastic. The woman had tons of clothes Celeste’s size, much of it Limited Too, and everything was just a quarter each. I left with three bags. Then it was on to Shawnee Estates, where we spent as much time talking as shopping.

My favorite buy? Two incredibly ugly pro wrestler dolls. More on that in a minute.

Geoff was teaching one of his writing classes on Saturday, so he encouraged me to take advantage of the opportunity to go to Morgantown by myself and write. Most of the time when I’m home, I find it impossible to write. There’s too much stuff needing done. Even if I have a deadline looming, I’ll flit from dishwasher to computer to laundry room to computer to yard work to computer. I needed a place where there were no distractions, so I dropped Celeste off with her grandparents in Fairmont and went on to Morgantown–alone. I didn’t even pack a spare dog.

Geoff’s folks have this incredible house close to Morgantown high. They were out of town for the weekend, so I stayed in their carriage house that Geoff used to rent. After writing a bit Friday night, I went to bed early, then got up early Saturday morning to drive around town. Morgantown has always confused me. I generally have a great sense of direction, but not up there. I wanted to try it without Geoff in the car. I still don’t know the street names, but I think I finally have the feel of the place.

While out driving around, I hit a few yard sales. My favorite buy of the day was this lovely piece of coconut art.

More on that in a minute.

I went back to the carriage house and wrote my heart out. And it stunk. It was forced and dry. Pretty much the flattest writing I’ve ever produced. So I called my friend, Pam, a talented writer who teaches at WVU, and we went to Black Bear for dinner. While talking to Pam, out came the beginning to the piece I was wanting to write. She even said, “That’s it! That’s your beginning.” Once I had that, the rest came easy.

So I mentioned my in-laws have this incredible house, right? It really couldn’t be more perfect. I love the place. Every inch is perfectly decorated. It’s like something out of a magazine. The only thing missing was some coconut art. And a professional wrestler doll (or two).

I think the coconut art adds just the right touch to Winston’s office decor.

And the wrestler guys add charm to the dining room, don’t you think?

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