A ginger lily. I bought it because it reminds me of Trinidad.

Several months ago I mentioned I had been invited to an artists' retreat on the Oregon coast. The time has finally come: I leave for Oregon on Sunday.

I don't write much about my professional life here, and generally won't; but I think it's fair to say that the last couple of months at work have been some of the most stressful I've experienced in the last five years. In fact, the other day, when I mentioned to Marcus that perhaps I shouldn't go on this trip, that maybe it wouldn't be wise to spend the money, he grabbed me and said, 'Karen, you have to go. There's no way you can't go to this. It is way too important for you to miss.'

He's right, of course, but it was lovely to hear him say this out loud.

And so I'm off, with cameras, and journals and Photoshop in tow, to spend time with eleven amazing women -- some of whom have become close friends, others who I only know online, but can't wait to meet. I don't know if I'll have internet connection or not, and even if I do, I'm not sure if I'll log on or not: I think maybe it would be good for me to spend some time unplugged (though, admittedly, the urge to update might be irresistible). What I can promise, however, is that I'll take tons (tons) of photographs, and will absolutely share them with you, even if it's not until late next week when I return.

In the meantime, have a great weekend, everyone. May you find a bit of refuge of your own over the next few days.

Song: Hideaway, by The Weepies