I am sitting at a desk overlooking the beautiful beach in Hawaii. What I see: tops of palm trees, rocky jetty, smooth sand, gentle waves, the sky turning from rose to teal. Behind me, my son Sam still sleeps, seemingly unaffected by the jet lag that has plagued me since I arrived last week. But I don't mind these 4 AM wake ups. Finally figured out how to use the in room coffee pot so that it will brew my own Stumptown coffee instead of the Colombian pods the hotel provides. The first day my effort resulted in an explosion of muddy coffee and one cup full of grounds. Now I have triumphed over technology and get three strong cups of my favorite brew every morning.

Here to teach at the Hawaii Writers Conference, a ritual I look forward to every summer. The first time I came, the conference was in Maui, on a magical beach. That year, Sam came with cousin Gina and our former German exchange student Willy. Last year, the conference moved to Honolulu and my dear old friend Jane joined me. This year, Sam took his first solo trip, all the way from Providence, to meet up with me for a long weekend. He goes home this afternoon, just in time to start school. Since when does school start BEFORE Labor Day? First time ever for us. But he also has rehearsal for YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. He's Schroeder! So--big sigh--I'll finish out the next week alone.

Well, not really alone. Many dear friends here, and a busy teaching schedule, and the call of the sand and ocean each day.

What a wonderful way to end a busy summer. Arrived here on the heels of teaching in Vermont at the Bread Loaf Writers Conference, a truly incredible 10 days where I had the pleasure of a talented and smart and funny class, a group of fabulous writers, a weekend visit by my family, and the joy of making many many new friends.

When I get home next week, I will be ready to jump into so many new projects! My creative side is bursting to sit down and work. And to spend time at home with my kiddos. And, of course, to knit dish rags. Two new dish rag patterns. One uses chenille yarn. Gorgeous!