We need to cherish our time unplugged, like this time at a lake cottage swaying in a Yucatan hammock.
I've been away for two weeks. Not far. Only about 15 minutes from home, but a world away at a lake cottage filled with cousins and grandparents. On the lake there's a canoe, rowboat and five loons. When I wake up early to write the loons sing to me, that eerie, lovely haunting call that should remind all of us that there's more to the world than blogs, email, phone calls and the rest.
I've always been good at vacation. No email, complete disconnection. True vacation - whether I'm at a lake cottage or discovering a new country. It's good for us not to be indispensable. The world can get on without us.
But not when you have a book coming out in three weeks. This I've learned. My first book comes out in August, and I knew I was cutting it close, but this was the only week my brother could come with his family and I wanted my kids to have a good time splashing in sand and water before the real busyness hit. My publicist (bless her) called many days with radio interview dates, writing assignments for Huffington Post and the like. During my lake time I kept my cell phone on - something I've never done - used my husband's iPhone to check email messages, wrote several articles, did some interviews and was even on TV one night. Now that's hard: to go from lake clothes and swimming among the lily pads to dress clothes and being transformed for the world of TV cameras.
It's all good - I'm grateful my book is beginning to build interest and eager to get it launched right. I knew this year my lake time might be disturbed and was prepared for it. But, it begs the question. Can we really go on vacation anymore? Will the modern world allow us to truly disconnect? Be 100% out of touch for a week, two weeks, a month or more? For being unreachable is vital sometimes. It's when writers write. It's when we all recoup our true selves. It seems to be disappearing in this instant, must-be-in-touch-at-all-times world.
Can we disconnect for vacation the way we used to? Do you?
Heather - I enjoyed reading this post. The photograph is precious! I particularly resonated with your observation, "...being unreachable is vital sometimes." Yes ma'am - you hit the nail squarely on the head! It's key for ANYone, but critical for writers.
Yes - and it's getting to be an art to be unreachable!
It's definitely harder to disconnect while on vacation because it's so easy to stay connected, given that the internet is nearly ubiquitous. I disconnect at least once a year up in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern MN. Lots of loons and other critters--moose, otters, eagles, deer, beaver, grouse, owls at night, the very rare encounter with a bear. Cell phones don't work, plus it's pure wilderness, no electricity, running water, conveniences, etc. You carry your gear on your back over portages between lakes, and paddle your way to your destination.
The best feature in the BWCA is the near absolute quiet one can get on certain days and certain times. Occasionally the birds are still, no frogs or crickets talking, no wind, no other humans within miles of you, as quiet as is possible in the open air. Magical.
Good luck with your book, Heather!
Love the BWCAW! I lived up there one winter and canoed there a few times. Glad to hear you're a fan, too, Chris. Thanks for the luck!