After showing me around, the innkeepers confirmed breakfast times. That’s right, the other B. I’m generally a social person and unfazed by strangers. Immediately, I was aware of an apprehensive twinge in my chest. Not because of strangers, but for the idea of “politeing” through a meal first thing in the morning. Realizing new graces I’ve allowed for this life season about my time, my energies and my most authentic smiles. I thought of the time my parents went to a bed and breakfast. My father, a selectively social person, couldn’t understand why they were being forced to rise early on their vacation and eat with people he probably wouldn’t enjoy. Mama said Daddy behaved mostly himself, but they never again stayed at a B&B.
I took a seat at the morning table with my housemates. We were all presenters at the Young Writers Conference: a poet, a playwright, a YA author and a children’s book author. We’d hailed from nearby cities, neighboring states and lands across the ocean. All of us wordsmiths. All of us seasoned speakers. I knew the meal would flow smoothly. What I didn’t know -what we can never really know- is how destined we were to sit at this table. Right now. Together. The alchemy of our personalities and experiences kept us at that table for two entire hours. We were a literal Breakfast Club, like in the film: wildly unique characters fated together. For keeps.
We ate together again. We attended one another’s presentations. We multiplied our kindred connection with four other presenters, housed at other B&Bs in town, over drinks. Another poet, a journalist, an historian and a songwriter. We filled the bar with stories and laughter. We lobbied the journalist to propose to his girlfriend, and invited ourselves to his wedding. We even closed down the front bar with a live performance by the songwriter. Every meal was rich. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these writers. The world sometimes gives you gifts, wrapped in people
AANNNNNND, we had the privilege to connect with INCREDIBLE young writers!
Thank you, Write On Door County. EveryoneCheck out my new Write On family: John Coy, Sarah Hammond, LaurA! Force Scruggs, Cathy Grier, Alex Paniagua and Angie Trudell Vasquez.
And if you’re ever in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, treat yourself to a stay at the Scofield House!
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