Codfish and George Bailey

Lunch and a play. Very different feel about it than dinner and a movie, but taking myself out on a date was fun nonetheless. The day was cold but far from brutal and I needed some time away from the cottage after spending all morning writing. I went to the Black Dog Tavern for lunch. Those nine words seem so easy, but unless you're a woman and single, you can't appreciate their impact. If you're a man, single or married, fuhgetaboudit, you can never understand. If you're a woman but married and decide to take yourself out to lunch, you still know you are alone by choice and it's often a welcome change. But, if you're a single woman, you're there alone. It takes either lots of confidence or not caring at all. I'm happy to report that for me today it was the former. I took along "Writing from the Heart" written by Nancy Aronie who guided the writing workshop I attended on the Island when I first arrived two months ago. The codfish sandwich and a Pepsi looked the most appetizing, and I wasn't disappointed. The fish here (needless to say) is always fresh, light, and delicious. After taking my time enjoying my lunch and reading, I strolled along the dock watching the ferry unload its two-legged and four-wheeled cargo.

At 3pm, I went to a matinee of The Vineyard Playhouse's adaptation of Frank Capra's movie It's a Wonderful Life. The Playhouse performed it as a "live radio broadcast" version, so it was much like a staged reading with the actors at the microphones with their scripts in front of them. Sound effects were provided by a synthesizer and a variety of other objects. The production was brilliant. It amazes me each time I attend a live performance just how talented people can be. It doesn't matter that you see behind the scenes, you get carried away in the story and suspend disbelief for a couple of hours.

Coincidentally, I also just received the DVD of the movie version in the mail from Kathy (who often acts as my own personal Netflix). I'll watch the movie soon and as I always do, I'll cry at the end and sing "Auld Lang Syne" right along with all George's friends in Bedford Falls.

Writing Workshop in Chilmark

I went "up island" this morning to the town of Chilmark. It was the first day in a 4-day writing workshop given at the home of Nancy Aronie. The garden and view alone is enough to inspire writers of all levels who come from as far away as Connecticut to attend. There were about 15-20 participants today, and although there was no formal teaching, Nancy has a way of telling her own story as a writer that it makes you feel safe and ready to write from your own heart and your own voice.

We had a 20-minute writing assignment about 2 hours into the class. The topic was "Dinner at my house was..." and each participant has to write his or her own story. We then listen to each story read aloud by the author, and give only positive feedback. Not everyone has to comment, but as with all good groups, everyone gets into it and recognizes so many good things in each of the works. There are such a variety of people in our group - men from 18 to 70, four 16-year old girls who are in a local charter school, and probably 10 women from ages 30 to 65. I really look forward to going back tomorrow morning.

I found a ride back to Vineyard Haven with a young woman named Ardys (pronounced are-dis). She's staying at a private home here in VH for 4 days, having come here specifically for the workshop from New Hampshire. We seemed to get along well, and we plan on doing some shopping or sightseeing after tomorrow's class.