WRITING RETREAT

“Something looks back from the trees,/and knows me for who I am.” —

American poet, Jane Hirshfield.

I spent five days at Wildacres in Little Switzerland, North Carolina at a writers’ retreat: The Powerful Narrative lead by Carol and Bill Henderson this past September.

My good friend, Lois Roelofs, flew in from Chicago to join me.

Without phones, clocks or television in our rooms, we wander on wooded paths accompanied by our thoughts and the music of nature.

A bell rings to alert us to go to the dining hall for meals.

Lois reads from her book: Caring Lessons.

The last night’s line-up to read. I am first.

After I’m halfway though the story, I’m surprised that my voice breaks and my eyes begin to tear.

It’s the first time I have read “Hello Beautiful” to an audience. After all these years,

this patient still gets to me.

Anything can happen on a writing retreat.

By Marianna Crane

After a long career in nursing--I was one of the first certified gerontological nurse practitioners--I am now a writer. My writings center around patients I have had over the years that continue to haunt my memory unless I record their stories. In addition, I write about growing older, confronting ageism, creativity and food. My memoir, "Stories from the Tenth Floor Clinic: A Nurse Practitioner Remembers" is available where ever books are sold.

View all of Marianna Crane's posts.

9 comments

michelemurdock says:

10/06/2013 at 8:12 pm

Lovely post. How I wish I were back there…maybe in the not too distant future! M

On Sun, Oct 6, 2013 at 6:28 PM, Marianna Crane

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1. Marianna Crane says:
  
  10/08/2013 at 8:28 am
  
  It was a special week, wasn’t it? Great setting, good food and what great weather! And best yet,interesting, congenial fellow writers.
  
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Lois Roelofs says:

10/07/2013 at 12:24 am

Such a wonderful time. I will never forget this peaceful, warm, friendly, and informative experience. Your post captures it beautifully!

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1. Marianna Crane says:
  
  10/08/2013 at 8:22 am
  
  I am so glad you were able to join me. It made the retreat much more memorable.
  
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  1. Lois Roelofs says:
    
    10/08/2013 at 10:19 am
    
    Me too!
    
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lindajay766 says:

10/08/2013 at 7:53 am

Thanks Marianna. After reading your comments and seeing the pictures I feel transposed to that special place once again.

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1. Marianna Crane says:
  
  10/08/2013 at 8:21 am
  
  How much fun if you had been there.
  
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gretamatus says:

10/10/2013 at 8:08 am

Marianna, the retreat looks totally wonderful. I’m looking at the programs offered and trying to find a “fit” for Marty and myself.
Thank you for introducing me to writing again and I really appreciate you following my memoirs.

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1. Marianna Crane says:
  
  10/11/2013 at 10:17 am
  
  I’m impressed how prolific you have been in posting. I, too, enjoy following your stories. Good luck with finding a good fit for a writing retreat.
  
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