A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to go to one of my favorite places in the world…every summer since I was not even six months old, my family has been vacationing down in Wildwood Crest, NJ. It’s the shore at one of the furthest points in New Jersey and as far as I’m concerned, the most beautiful. It has always been the place I’ve felt the happiest, most relaxed, most me. Especially as an adult, when life is insane and I feel like everything is going at 100mph and I don’t have time to breathe, it is the one thing that truly calms me and I look forward to it because I need that calm. That place gets me out of my normal routine and puts me into one that I prefer.
It’s nothing fancy…there is no poolside waitress service or beach chair set up and there is no spa at the hotel, but it’s comforting none the less. Every morning I would wake up around 8am, change into work out clothes and head out for my mile walk. I always end up on this beautiful pier where they teach morning fitness classes and people come for a walk or a jog. I love it because it extends out onto the beach and when you walk to the end it’s like you can almost touch the ocean. Being out there always gives me that quiet time I never seem to get when I’m home and there’s nothing quite like the sun on your face and the ocean breeze blowing in your hair to give you the jolt of happiness you need to start the day. I spent my days lounging by the pool, swimming, walking down to the beach, reading and just RELAXING. The best thing was I was able to write during the day!! I can’t even tell you what a thrill it was to be able to write in the daylight hours for a change! Every day, I would grab my laptop and go sit on the porch of the hotel that faces the beach. HEAVEN.
In the week that I was there, I managed close to 4k words which was huge for me. Just being able to sit outside with that view, headphones on, no interruptions, I was able to get in a really good groove and move my story along in a good direction.
A lot of people will say that as an author, you should be able to lay down the words no matter where you are. To a point, I suppose that’s true. I write most of my words in my bedroom at night on my laptop which sits on a tilted tray that I have on my lap. I make it work, but that feeling when your fingers are flowing freely over the keys and you can’t seem to shake the smile from your face…that often has a lot to do with your surroundings. It’s allowing you to get into that zone that every other place prohibits you from getting in.
I honestly think when we’re in a truly happy state, it allows us to feel more grateful for everything that we have. I was so grateful to have time to think, time to rest, time to write in that beautiful setting. In my daily life when I’m working long days, my phone is ringing non-stop and then I get home and have to navigate family stuff, it’s easy to forget all the amazing things I have in my life. Sometimes it’s good to have someplace that reminds you all of the things you have to be grateful for. Somehow, you’re your best self there. I know that’s the case for me. At the end of every summer vacation, I always wish I could bottle up some of the goodness that Wildwood brings so I could take it home with me and drink it or smell it whenever I needed a boost.
Reality doesn’t work that way (which really sucks, don’t you think?) It was a fantastic vacation with the most perfect weather. I managed to come home gloriously tan and I’m hoping it stays with me for a good long while. I finished reading “Scandalous” by the great LJ Shen while I was there and when I came home I read “Bane”, the last in the Sinners of Saints series and DAMN. I can never seem to fully put into words the admiration I have for what LJ Shen is able to do as an author. The stories and characters she creates are so incredible you just want to jump right into the pages. I wanted to make sure I had the series finished in anticipation of her new book “Broken Knight”, the next book in the All Saints High series. It released early and is available NOW! I’m not sure if I’m mentally or emotionally prepared for it just yet but I’m getting there.
Do you have a happy place? Wherever it is, I hope it makes you feel the way Wildwood makes me feel…at peace, completely myself, and ALIVE. If you don’t have a happy place, I sincerely hope you find one. Everyone needs a space that makes them feel good in a way that no other place can make them feel. Make that time for yourself to go there. It does wonders for the creative mind and for the soul.
Lots going on on the creative end over here…first draft of “Make It Sweet” is almost finished which is something I didn’t think I’d ever say. I’m really proud of where it’s going. If you haven’t read my first book yet, “The One That Got Away”, make sure you grab your copy so you’re all caught up before “Make It Sweet” is released. https://www.amazon.com/That-Away-Hearts-Wild-Book-ebook/dp/B07MFG5G8N/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=marisa+scolamiero&qid=1566224357&s=gateway&sr=8-2
Until next time!
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