The art of the slow vacation

PORTSMOUTH 2022 / #3

When you visit someplace new – a part of the world with lots of sights to see – you may get so attached to doing it all, you forget that you’re supposed to be on vacation. Or is that just me?

I’m working on exploring the art of the slow vacation. No timelines, no absolutes, just do what you want, when you want. I’ve already felt this when I’ve been out and about and eating meals – leisurely, mindfully, happily. But today I took another step back into slow…

But first – Rockport!
On Wednesday, I drove an hour south of Portsmouth to check off another bucket list place to visit: the artsy town of Rockport, Massachusetts, in Cape Ann right on the Gulf of Maine. I spent a few peaceful hours strolling the shops and admiring the view out over the water.

I enjoyed talking to the artists and seeing many beautiful pieces of art from Scott Tubby, David Arsenalt, and my favorite, Loren Doucette (and others whose names or web sites I didn’t get). Loren was working on a commissioned piece for a woman being treated for breast cancer who wanted a focus point for her meditations and healing thoughts. A profound honor, I think. Loren’s flower paintings were so vibrant! I bought a card-sized version of September Lilies to frame for enjoyment in my house somewhere.

Then I came back to my room to work on some faculty obligations. This has been a bit of a working vacation. In a sad piece of bad timing, students in my instructional design class had a design critique due October 30. So I’ve been reviewing 36 papers, 5-6 at a time, every night. I’ve been bummed that I’m not reading or cross-stitching. So last night I finished off what I had and returned them to students, and this morning, I chimed in on this week’s discussion board. So now I feel I can really be on vacation…

Slow vacation time
Today was a stellar day weather-wise, hardly a November vibe. It was sunny, 70 degrees, beautifully breezy. I met a fellow consultant, Jennifer Hoffman, for lunch at a quiet outdoor rooftop restaurant (only 5 floors up, I checked first). We did not talk shop. Then I found a shady table between buildings near my lodging and spent a few hours reading and chatting on the phone with some friends.

I am really happy to finally be back in the head space to read nonfiction… today, my book was The Art of Slow Writing by Louise DeSalvo. It’s quite timely because I want to write more and hone my writing skill in the process. What a joy it was to indulge in sustained reading! So many fresh ideas to ponder! At one point, I skipped across the street for a hot chocolate and danish to add a little sweetness to the afternoon. Perfect. And it’s what made me think about taking a slow vacation route for the remainder of my days here.

I went for a city walk at 5 pm and discovered a Friday night art stroll in Portsmouth – the galleries were open and serving wine and cheese. There was, of course, more art-admiring to be enjoyed, especially at The Pleasant Shoppe.

Before you ask, yes – I’ve added to my owl collection on this trip – a small curled paper piece I got tonight, and a little pewter netsuke (Japanese good luck charm) I bought on Tuesday. You know I name all the owls in my collection, right? The netsuke’s name is Charmer. And the owl pair are Randolf and Gertie (if you look at them long enough, they’ll tell you their names 😊).

Which brings my vacation log up to date… Took some dinner back to my room after my walk and will be dedicated to cross-stitching once this blog goes out. Tomorrow, I’ll check out New Castle and try to find another outdoor reading spot and a beach or two to walk along.

Deep breath! Slooowww down!

Simplify, slow down, be kind. And don’t forget to have art in your life – music, paintings, theater, dance, and sunsets. ~ Eric Carle

(Foreshadowing: Had to choose this quote because I’m meeting Cathy, Ayla, and Dave at the Eric Carle Museum on Sunday.)