As a creative-type who loves to be 72 degrees at all times, there is nothing like a cool breeze and brisk mountain air to get the creative juices flowing!  Admittedly it’s more like 50 degrees today, but with the help of some fuzzy socks, jeans, long sleeves and a hot drink, the temp is just right.

After a summer of iced coffee and cold drinks to get my caffeine fix, today is that first perfect day of fall for a steamy, milky and oh so yummy cup of hot coffee.  Maybe two.  For me it’s a classic cafe au lait (2/3 coffee +  1/3 milk), and my favorite winter boots that have me in a deliciously creative mood. Next I’ll take a stroll along the Centennial Trail, which would be perfect this afternoon!

But even better, I had the idea for a writer’s retreat, right here in the N. Idaho mountains next October. Picture it…fall colors all around, brisk breezes churning up imaginations, a warm fire dancing in the common room, and pensive writers all around, wrapped loosely in cozy blankets.  And there would be coffee…lots and lots of hot coffee!

Let the Pulitzer Prizes begin…