During my break, I indulged in two activities it seems I never have time for—exploring and reading. Nothing compares to the adrenaline rush of being in an unfamiliar place. An ordinary trail could lead to a secret garden teeming with talking flowers, a mysterious treasure-filled cavern, or the portal to another world. You never know. Surprises might lurk around the next bend, or perhaps they will appear as you crest the hilltop. Your heart races, your sweaty hand grips the small black talisman that tethers you to safety, and you dare to stride off into the vast unknown.

Not only did I log a few miles, but I also indulged in my favorite way to read, cover to cover, in one sitting. The feeling was decadent, addicting, and so I did it a second time. Two books started and finished in two days made me feel like a marathon gold medalist and a lottery winner. No waiting to discover the villain’s secret weapon or see if the hero lives or dies. Nope. Just turn the page and keep reading. Heart pumping thrills received immediate gratification. The beauty and oddities of strange worlds unfolded at fast as I could read.

Both adventures imparted similar outcomes. They exposed me to new experiences, triggered ideas, and shook loose some long-forgotten thoughts. Some of them may one day work their way into a tale or ten. Now, if I could only find my notes.

What fuels your imagination?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer