I love my writing group and our annual writing retreat at Lake Tenkiller. This summer was our tenth-ish year to hang out at the lake, eat lots of food, critique works in progress, and laugh. A lot.
This year
Dee Dee Chumley introduced a word tournament. It's kind of like March Madness, but with a bunch of logophiles instead of athletes We (okay, mostly
I) slung a lot of words around trying to intimidate other players and help Dee Dee with tough-talk dialogue for her next novel. Of course, one can only sound so intimidating when throwing around language like "
confabulation" and "
diaphanous." But it paid off. I won with the word "
petulant." (Ironic since I was talking trash, don't you think?) We might have trouble if you tell me you would have voted for
Lisa Marotta's word that also made the finals:"
serendipity.'
Sometimes we make it to the water to float around and commune with the dragonflies. This year, a few of us ventured forth and practiced water yoga with Heather Ezell of
Hang Zen. It was awesome. Then we went back to the deck and enjoyed some of my daddy's special sangria--that Kelly helped doctor with OJ--while talking about all things bloggy. I'm already looking forward to our fall retreat!
Pictured below are Martha Bryant, Dee Dee Chumley, Kelly Bristow, Heather Ezell of Hang Zen, Lisa Marotta, and Brandi Barnett.
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| photo courtesy of Kevin Ezell of Hang Zen yoga |
Read more about
my ideas about yoga over on Oklahoma Women Bloggers.
Serendipity versus Petulant, I was robbed I tell you! I declare a rematch :)
ReplyDeleteI confess that I think "serendipity" is a prettier word. However, I still thought from the get-go that I might have a winner with "blah."
DeleteRematch is on, sister!
At this tourney I brought suggestions for picking words. At the next one, I'm bringing suggestions for being a gracious winner/loser! :-)
ReplyDeleteNow that's just crazy talk, Dee Dee.
DeleteWhat a good looking group! Looking forward to catching up with everyone to hear your new notes on 'all things bloggy!'
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll have a lot to add!
DeleteThat looks like so much fun! I remember family summers at Lake Tenkiller - we used to own a cabin there years ago. My favorite time to go? February, so cozy in the house and so pretty and almost silent in the woods. Thanks for the memories!
ReplyDeleteFebruary is one of the few months we aren't there! It sounds divine. Unfortunately, The Chateau is a camper/trailer, so we winterize it. There are lots of places to rent all around the lake if you ever want to re-live your youth!
DeleteLOL, sounds like you had fun! I used the word "diaphanous" in my current WIP novel, and a critique partner sent it back with a note that I'd "actually made her look up a word in the dictionary". Which was surprising, because it was the CP I was certain would know the word.
ReplyDeleteHa! I applaud you for using words that readers look up. Isn't learning new things part of the fun in reading?
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