The View from the Deck

Posted on October 28, 2015 by L. Marie

Hey, it’s been awhile. Sorry about that. I’ve missed my routine of posting and reading the posts of others. But my stress points had begun to stack up like billiard balls before the break. I needed to get away. So I headed to central Pennsylvania for a retreat—the perfect antidote for stress, thanks to the gracious hospitality of a friend. I wrote, walked, hung out with classmates, ate lots of good food, and made new canine friends. (Sorry. I don’t have permission to share photos of them. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed being with them.)

The sunrises and sunsets were glorious over the hills. Each day I enjoyed watching the poetry of the sky, a meter measured by my lowered heart rate and quieted spirit. You can’t buy this kind of peace, people.

If you’ve been through Illinois, you know how flat the land is here. So the sight of any hill is a treat.

But I’m glad to be back home in my familiar routine. By the way, Mom still awaits her insurance’s okay for treatment. (Very frustrating.) And I’m still waiting for other news too. If you have no idea what I mean, click here. I hope to return to my regular blog reading soon. 🙂

Beaver Stadium at Penn State University

(not far from where I stayed)

Woods near where I stayed

View from above (going home)

49 thoughts on “The View from the Deck”

Andy on October 28, 2015 at 8:00 am said:

I did wonder where you was. That landscape looks beautiful, the kind of place that calls me. Sometimes you feel the need to get away, and always you must act on that. Hope you feel refreshed to deal with the everyday again.
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 3:25 pm said:
  
  Being there was lovely. It’s so different from home. I’m used to concrete, brick buildings, and lots of people. It was very quiet there, except for a pesky woodpecker. But there were bluebirds!! I wish I could have captured one on film. At least I saw them. 🙂
sandranickel on October 28, 2015 at 10:40 am said:

How beautiful. Lucky you to be able to get away to such a wonderful spot.
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 3:23 pm said:
  
  Hi, Sandra! Yes it was very beautiful! I was so glad to go! How are you?
wheremyfeetare on October 28, 2015 at 11:00 am said:

Beautiful, L. Marie. Walking in the woods and watching the sun rise or set is always good for the soul. Glad you were able to take a break.
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 3:12 pm said:
  
  It was lovely. And I enjoyed having the dogs. Such great company. Such beautiful scenery.
  I could have used a penguin or two though. 😉
  - wheremyfeetare on October 28, 2015 at 3:19 pm said:
    
    Ha ha! Penguins are cute but dogs are cute and you can hug and pet them!
Charles Yallowitz on October 28, 2015 at 11:09 am said:

Welcome back. Glad to hear you got some much-needed R&R. Sorry about the insurance problems. It’s like many of them are designed to be utterly useless.
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 3:11 pm said:
  
  It’s aggravating. I remember having surgery 20 year ago with no insurance hassles. Nowadays everything is a hassle! And it’s not like cancer gets better without treatment. ◉︵◉
  I’m glad to be back. Now I’m overwhelmed with all that I need to do that I didn’t do while I was away.
  - Charles Yallowitz on October 28, 2015 at 3:18 pm said:
    
    It seems to happen a lot with cancer, which is bizarre. Almost like they think they can wait it out, which is a rather disturbing thought. Good luck catching up.
nrhatch on October 28, 2015 at 1:10 pm said:

Glad you enjoyed your getaway. Best of luck to your mom and to you ~ hope you both get good news soon.
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 3:08 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Nancy. I’m glad to be back. And thanks for your well wishes for Mom. She appreciates them.
Jill Weatherholt on October 28, 2015 at 2:10 pm said:

I’m so happy you enjoyed your getaway, L. Marie. Pennsylvania is a beautiful state. Praying for your mother.
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 3:07 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Jill!!
  I’d only driven through part of Pennsylvania. It is very beautiful. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to go! So peaceful!
Carrie Rubin on October 28, 2015 at 4:52 pm said:

Glad you were able to get away. We all need that from time to time. Lovely pics!
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 5:51 pm said:
  
  We do indeed, Carrie. Thank you! Now I want to jet off somewhere else.
  - Andra Watkins on October 28, 2015 at 10:50 pm said:
    
    Jet off HERE!!!! HERE!!!!!!!!!
  - L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 10:54 pm said:
    
    I will at some point! I need a few bucks but I’ll get there! 🙂
laura bruno lilly on October 28, 2015 at 6:16 pm said:

How sweet to have a friend to be there for you in such a beautiful retreat-place.
Blessings to you, L.Marie
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 7:05 pm said:
  
  And also to you. 🙂 How was your trip? I think I saw what you mentioned in your recent blog post.
FictionFan on October 28, 2015 at 6:28 pm said:

Glad you had a good break! Lovely pictures. Hope your mother’s insurance gets sorted soon! 🙂
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 7:04 pm said:
  
  Thanks, FF. Since I’m a city kid, a trip to the quiet country was what the doctor ordered. 😉
  In re Mom: I hope so too.
fauquetmichel on October 28, 2015 at 6:30 pm said:

This retreat in the country side was necessary . You had been twice shocked . You have been surrounded by friendship , this is precious to face the trials ;
I never understood how the system of insurance worked in the US . Your mother has a cancer and needs to have urgent care ? This is incredible the insurance does not answer..
All my thoughts and prayer for you and your mother.
In friendship
Michel
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 7:01 pm said:
  
  Sadly, yes, the insurance situation is very difficult here, Michel. You have to wait for approval. Otherwise you’ll be stuck with the bill for medical care. 😦
  - fauquetmichel on October 28, 2015 at 8:37 pm said:
    
    Hopeful this approval comes soon .
  - L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 8:39 pm said:
    
    I talked to my Mom. She said she’ll know something when she sees the surgeon tomorrow.
Professor VJ Duke on October 28, 2015 at 7:46 pm said:

PA! That’s where I love. Beautiful pictures, Linda. Sometimes one just needs to unwind, I think.
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 8:12 pm said:
  
  It’s beautiful, isn’t it Professor? I hope to return next year.
  
  Bravo again on your video!!!
Lyn Miller-Lachmann on October 28, 2015 at 8:48 pm said:

I’m glad you could get away to such a beautiful spot, and I hope your mother’s insurance comes through at the meeting tomorrow so she can arrange the surgery.
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 9:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Lyn. Yes, we will see tomorrow!
lifeonthecutoff on October 28, 2015 at 9:17 pm said:

I have been gone as well, L. Marie; it is nice to get away, isn’t it, especially to such a lovely locale. While we’ve been to Philadelphia, I’ve not wandered the paths you’ve just wandered, as yet, and I’m so happy you had this time away. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
Sorry to hear that your mom is still awaiting approval.
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 9:54 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Penny. I saw your post about your sister. I’m glad she has such a good team looking out for her. What an ordeal!
  
  I enjoyed being in Pennsylvania. I had never been to that area either. I drove near Philly years ago.
Afton Rorvik (@AftonRorvik) on October 28, 2015 at 9:48 pm said:

So glad you could get away to a scenic state. 🙂
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 9:54 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Afton. We need to have tea soon!
Andra Watkins on October 28, 2015 at 10:52 pm said:

Parts of PA are wild and unspoiled and mythic. I’m so glad you got to get away, commune with fellow writers and with nature, and reset. Please continue to give my best to your mom.
- L. Marie on October 28, 2015 at 10:55 pm said:
  
  I will tell Mom! 😀
  I thought PA was gorgeous. I was glad to make its acquaintance. It was one of those fill-the-tank trips. Now I’ll see what that trip did for my life.
godtisx on October 29, 2015 at 5:09 am said:

Good for you for taking a break. This is a goal in 2016, a few retreats, like this..
- L. Marie on October 29, 2015 at 1:46 pm said:
  
  I hope you can get a break! I needed it for my own mental health. It’s helped me approach the writing in a fresh way.
  - godtisx on October 29, 2015 at 2:26 pm said:
    
    Hmmmm.
  - L. Marie on October 29, 2015 at 3:05 pm said:
    
    You owe it to yourself. 🙂
  - godtisx on October 29, 2015 at 5:52 pm said:
    
    🙂
Phillip McCollum on October 29, 2015 at 10:47 pm said:

Looks so peaceful Linda! Glad you were able to get away for a bit and relax. Still thinking the best for your mom. Insurance is such a pain sometimes. 😦
- L. Marie on October 30, 2015 at 2:39 am said:
  
  Thanks, Phillip. Mom finally met with her surgeon. Her surgery is next month . . . on her birthday. Life is interesting sometimes.
  - Phillip McCollum on October 30, 2015 at 2:52 pm said:
    
    Yeesh, heck of a birthday present. But hopefully that’s what it ends up being and your mom is healthier for it!
  - L. Marie on October 31, 2015 at 4:08 pm said:
    
    Yes. That’s how Mom is looking at it, Phillip. She’s relieved to have the surgery scheduled finally.
livelytwist on October 30, 2015 at 3:33 pm said:

Your photos bring to mind these words: an oasis of peace.
My best to your mum & family. Welcome back.
- L. Marie on October 31, 2015 at 4:07 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Timi. It was indeed an oasis of peace. 🙂
  Glad to be back.
ReGi McClain on November 12, 2015 at 3:01 am said:

So glad you got some time to relax! You needed it.
- L. Marie on November 15, 2015 at 1:57 am said:
  
  I needed it for this past week. I’ll probably write a post about it. 🙂