Dear Myself,

I'm in need of some head space, therefore I'm driving out tomorrow morning in solitude to that particular stretch of sand and those particular mossy trunks that are etched like runes across my soul. I'm taking:

The new sketchbook and a slew of pencils.

My field guide to North American Birds.

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, by Annie Dillard (which is good for a reread pretty much any time).

A new book of poetry (Owls and Other Fantasies, but Mary Oliver).

My camping knife.

The mundane necessities (down sleeping bag, tent for pitching, a half-pound of coffee - the coffee hiatus is on hold for a couple days - a bunch of turnips from the farmer's market).

... and precious little else.

I'll see you in a few days.

Love,

UmberDove