Hello! I’m taking a break, a moment away from what the last part of a marathon must feel like. The novel writing is taking over my life!
Let me explain;
This weekend I was forced, willing so really, to leave my strict writing schedule and jump in the car with one of my best buddies’ and head to Wales for the weekend.
And you know what? At the time I didn’t think I needed a break. I thought I was okay, that I was coping well underneath my self-inflicted regime of writing.
The truth is last week I was flagging and I needed refreshment. Just like those marathon runners who pour bottles of water over themselves, I needed to be revitalised.
It turns out this weekend was the perfect tonic. Chatting with women I’ve known for years, sharing our hopes, dreams and deepest fears about different aspects of our lives. Receiving unconditional support for the path that you are choosing, well that, dear reader is the best tonic. I also dug out my tarot cards and did a few readings, which was so much fun, if not a little spookily accurate.
I’ve shared before how I have found it difficult to explain to people what I’m doing, but the more I talk about it the easier it gets. The barriers are all in my own mind, not theirs.
We stayed at Wild Meadow which is just outside of Presteigne.
I must add that this is not a collaborative post at all, it’s just a lovely spot that is worth shouting about.
The forecast for the weekend was good all over the Uk and we couldn’t believe our luck with the weather.
I chose the downstairs bedroom because I knew I’d probably be up early. That way I could fix myself some breakfast without waking anyone, and that is exactly what I did. I never sleep in for long on holiday. Time is so short when you’re away and on this occasion, the time was completely my own. I got up and did some writing in my notebook whilst sat outside. Bliss!
The holiday consisted of eating drinking and chatting mostly. The surrounding areas were really sweet and sleepy towns, right on the borders of England and Wales. I must give a mention to two places that we loved and discovered on Saturday.
- The Cattleshed part of Penrhos Court. Incredible food!! We had a lovely lunch here. They are currently renovating the hotel so are just using a Facebook page at the moment until they open fully but the food is brilliant.
- The Workhouse Gallery and cafe. Strange location on an industrial estate, but once you are inside, just stunning and well worth seeking out!
If you want to see more of Wales through my lens then please check out Llangollen which I visited last year.
It’s good to take a break sometimes and gain some perspective
Debs @ https://tiger-mint.com
Thanks Debs!
This was such a lovely post, and I could not agree more – a change of scenery can give you a TOTALLY new perspective and refresh your mind. I love Wales so much 🙂
I have to say that Welsh weather has disappointed me in the past but this more than made up for it x
This sounds wonderful! We’ve a week in the Lakes booked for some quiet time, but that’s not til September. I’ll have to look into something sooner I think and this isn’t too far from us x
Oh you’d love it! They do a Shephard’s hut too!
oh susie!!! this looks like such a magical trip! i hope you had fun!
So so peaceful! A real switch x
It sounds like utter bliss! I’ve never been to Wales but the photos always looks so beautiful. Hope you’re feeling refreshed. I can’t wait for you to get published! xx
Ah thanks Lucy! You are so supportive! You really must visit Wales! xx
Looks absolutely gorgeous Sus! I’m totally the same though. Keep going and going and going until I stop and only then do I realise how exhausted I am. Brilliant that you’re doing so well with your writing but even better than it’s been broken up with some good old fashioned getaway catchups xx
Oh Karen- It’s not good is it! Sometimes other people just have to tell you to stop!
Oh how wonderful! I know you were using it as a chance to switch off but me and a couple of friends are looking for somewhere to stay to use it as a bit of a writers’ retreat weekend. This place is lovely xx
Oh Kat it would be ideal for that! Was thinking that whilst I was there actually!
What a beautiful place! I would love to do something like this with my running buddies. We could find some pretty trails in the day and sip wine in the evening! The novel writing sounds really exciting; I have a few plots in my mind and enjoy writing fiction, but have never got very far with it – maybe one day I will! X
I think this place would be perfect for that type of thing Antonia! And you totally should try the fiction thing x
Glad you managed to have a little break. I could do with the same. Sometimes supportive friends, rest, good food and beautiful surroundings can fix everything.
So true!! Hope you have a break soon xx
Oh what a gorgeous break! I love visiting Wales, I find it so incredibly refreshing and relaxing and it looks like it was just what was needed for you. Sounds gorgeous and your pics are lovely xxx
Thanks darling, this was a part of Wales I’d not been to before. Gorgeous
Its really great to inplug and unwing take it all in and rest its good for mind and soul xx
Amen to that!
What a lovely break and I love the sound of that book!
Cheers! It was lush!
small world! Been going to Llangolen for years, staying at a cottage within the grounds of Chirk Castle. First went there while pregnant with George, then after he was born and then again last Christmas – it is a magical place. We all need regular breaks from blogging – just like we need them from our regular workplace! Hope you feel better now!
Thanks Jenny. You are so right and Llangollen is stunning! I’m not surprised you keep going back for more
Sounds like you had a lovely break! I hope it was just the tonic you needed!
Aw it really was!
I felt calm reading this and looking at your photos. Maybe this is just the type of break I need!
Mary, I bet you’d love it. Makes it so easy to switch off properly x
Oh wow! I would love to take a little writer’s retreat here – great spot for writing *and* most importantly, taking a break x
Me too, I’d love to visit with a group of writers, if you’re up for it I might organise something??