Flash Forward

I know a lot of writers who can dash off a post in no time. I am not one of those writers. 

I need: four consecutive days of walks, one day of drafting, one day of crippling self-doubt, and one day to decide to publish anyway. Since last Friday, I’ve been “peopling” hard—being a visitor, having visitors. It’s been wonderful, and there’s been no time for what I’m just going to go ahead and call “my process.” 

So: no essay this week. Instead, because she’s leaving for college on ::grabs smelling salts:: the other side of the country in four short weeks, I give you this blast from the past (see photo above).

In 10-year-old Anna’s defense, I wasn’t specific when I said, “Use eye protection.” 

Flash forward to today and, as we begin to pack her bags, I’m using this snap to remind myself: she always finds her way.