Buddhism teaches that everything changes. Annica, the absence of permanence and continuity. It all goes away — good, bad, indifferent. The clouds move on; the sky remains.

This is more comforting on a bad day than a good one, I assure you. And today was a pretty good day. My chapbooks came! At least the first printing — I wanted to take some with me to a retreat this weekend, and my wonderful publisher (Kattywompus Press) worked overtime to make it happen.

That’s the other reason it’s a good day ~ I go to a writing retreat tomorrow!

There are few places more stimulating and still relaxing than a writing retreat with nice people. And these are some of the nicest — teachers, from a National Writing Project site. I get to spend ALL WEEKEND at lovely Conception Abbey, in Missouri, talking about other people’s writing. While eating home-cooked food, surrounded by lovely gardens. It’s even going to be cool and rainy!

I know this won’t last. But holding my chapbook in hand, thinking of the months I spent working on it, anticipating arriving at the Abbey tomorrow? I’m thinking I’ll enjoy today while it’s here. Right now, the sky is pretty darn brilliant. And the Oklahoma sun is that rare honey that’s usually long past by now. A good day. Even if it won’t last.