“The world is a book, and those who do  not travel read only a page.” (St. Augustine)

Like everyone else I dream of traveling to Barcelona, to Vancouver, to the Galapagos Islands…. but then reality sets in: the cost, the time off, the logistics, the plane, the household details, the dog, etc.  And more often than not my grand plans are shelved ‘for another time.’

Last weekend I visited a small town in Connecticut along the coast and I was once again reminded of the value of traveling locally.  It takes very little to venture beyond to a fresh experience with a different landscape and traditions.  And sometimes, a 24-hour escape is all you need to reboot your imagination. 

From Friday night to Saturday afternoon I met a dozen lovely individuals all with unique life narratives – the very stuff a fiction writer needs to pollinate her stories. By the time I left I had new contacts (even a couple friends) with whom I will stay in touch, further challenging my view of the world…. and turning another page in what I can only hope is a very thick book.