Rejuvenating Getaways

Newsletter #24

Time to Get Outside and Live (yes, this is a message I’m writing to myself)

If you asked people who know me, I don’t think anyone would describe me as outdoorsy. I’m not. But at the same time I do value the way being outside makes me more connected to our natural world and to my purpose.

Maybe it’s ironic that when I’m near the vast ocean and think about how tiny one person is in the grand universe, I actually feel bigger. There’s something about knowing that I am a unique part of this huge world—no one in history has ever been like me and no one in the future ever will be—that makes me think I’m here for a purpose.

Being outdoors also helps to slow down when we’re surrounded by this hustle culture of ours. I’m totally guilty of doom scrolling, multiple phone pick-ups, and unnecessarily checking for text messages or emails. In last week's newsletter I noted that my goal in March of 2020 was digital minimalism. Perhaps now is a good time to return to that and focus on using my devices with intention by setting boundaries that will help me stay on track with how I truly want to spend my time.

On the lake in Oregon

In my mind being outdoors and being on a screen are opposites. Because of that, it’s time to get outside and live. IRL. To receive the meaning of life that nature so generously gives us.

What helps you rejuvenate?

2023 Little, Brown and Company

Book Report: THIS IS NOT MY HOME

Written and Illustrated by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Chang

This book of spare words and rich images tells a story of Lily’s world view when her mom says they have to move to Taiwan to take care of her grandmother. The illustrations and text reflect the parallels of the most important parts of Lily’s life in both the United States and Taiwan, such as backyard barbecues, cars, fireflies, farmer’s markets, and school. Lily is miserable because everything feels so very different from what she’s accustomed to. I love how creators Eugenia and Vivienne immediately draw us into Lily’s life with a playful chase around her home, and then take us through the realistic, panicked reactions that Lily expresses through kid-like questions. We see the struggles Lily has when trying to adjust to mopeds, bathrooms, and long friendless school days. Every spread is full of emotion and images that invite readers to think about and connect to Lily’s experiences and feel comforted by the resolution at the end. This story is particularly helpful to develop empathy as it serves as a window to imagine what it feels like to move to a new country with completely different ways of life.

Themes: immigration, intergenerations, cultural traditions, Taiwan customs, love and acceptance, family

Discussion Ideas:

1. Describe the many emotions Lily feels in different situations and why she feels that way.

2. Why do you think Lily finally begins to understand the importance of being in Taiwan?

Mentor Text For:

• shade of meanings: emotions

• reading the pictures: making inferences

• identifying plot elements

• retelling a story in your own words

• using sequence words (write the plot using time transitions)

Link to Teacher Resources: Design Your Perfect Sticker, Home Is Worksheet, Teaching Guide, Coloring Page

Buy the book!

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

I think this spread is a great representation of the comic-style panels, telling background details, and emotions experienced by Lily.

Weekly Progress Report

This is a section for “stuff I did” that relates to my writing career. I believe in celebrating all wins, big and small alike.

• connected with 3 NorCal creators and chatted about the writing industry

• had a mini-retreat with 2 writer friends

• met with my agent to discuss goals, strategies, and next steps

• met with my online critique group and shared feedback on stories

• attended a webinar with an editor about the acquisitions process

• listened to a replay about self-compassion for creators

• read homework assignment about pacing

• took the fifth session of an online class on revision

• started to craft the version of the biography I envision the book to be

Sending you courage and grace in all you choose to do,

Susan