Waking near the sea, a particular scent. A freshness, despite the heat. Of course, here, in this dorm-like setting, although I’m in a townhouse residence, there are indoor, not outdoor showers. I miss my shower! I wake early to get a bit of work done before my long walk. Ending with a quick dip into the cold water. There’s a nice man who has been here in this otherwise solitary time who knows this beach well. We are both immersed and we chat. He’s a swimmer. He feels this little beach is the best kept secret of New England. This morning I am inclined to agree. These days here at the conference are rich with friends and writing. I am taking, every morning, my friend Vanessa Gabb’s advanced poetry. Then it’s time for lunch with friends and my next trip in the heat and sun back to the little beach. And this time I take a very good swim. I teach in the late afternoon, and my play lab writers are wonderful and we’re working hard and they have great ideas and the camaraderie builds. Dinner with a dear friend. Then a wonderful program tonight for us all on women musicians of Afghanistan, and we see a documentary made about this all female orchestra before the Taliban returned to power and all fled. Two women are with us, one of them was a member of this orchestra, Zohra. Very moving and a chance to meet these women and chat. My son has been away for the past week in Colorado on a retreat about ritual and ceremony. I texted him all about Suzi as we were losing her, but I knew he wouldn’t receive them right away. I was happy to hear from him tonight. He did a ceremony for Suzi; and I was glad he was able to feel involved with her passing, even from afar. I’m excited to hear all about his journey. And tonight, I have a bit more work to do before sleep. I will sleep better having been in the ocean today.