A Muse in my Pocket

 

I got a great surprise in the mail today a book. Not just any book but one called The Pocket Muse… ideas & inspirations for writing. It came in the nick of time as I have a large plate to deal with lately. The clever and wonderfully designed book by Monica Wood looks like a wonderful way to get juices flowing and better yet came as a total surprise. It came from out of the blue from an old friend I haven’t been in touch with for quite awhile. It also reminded me that not all communication is via email and Facebook, the good old US Post has its place. Even the publisher Writer’s Digest brought back memories of when I began, I read their magazine constantly. Thanks dear old friend for finding things out and following a lost tradition, looking forward to getting the mail. Now I’ll try using a telephone again, one that is a land-line!

Last Day in Athens

It has been one hectic last day here in Athens as I returned to some sights and dropped by some new ones. From the Plaka to the upscale Kolonaki, changing of the guard to a lunch of Gyros with Tzatziki, miles walked to work it off. I ended with a huge up hill hike to get back to my room at the St George Lycabettus.

There is time for a dip in the roof top pool with the Acropolis changing colors in the setting of the sun. Ah, Athens you are so gracious and beautiful! Thanks to the GNTO and FB friends Karen Davis Athanassiadis and Ellen Peruso for sending suggestions and keeping me company from far away.

Facebook for Travel Editors and Writers

Once again Max Hartshorne has dragged me into this century kicking and screaming, similar to years ago when he suggested doing this blog. This time it is Facebook and I love it! To become friends with traveling people like Keith Bellows, Peter Greenburg, Christopher Elliott, Rudy Maxa and Rolf Potts is amazing. Sure I know they really don’t need another editor/writer as a friend but still they accepted my hand, at least symbolically.

More amazing is the ability to keep up with writers that really are friends, even though we have met face to face. I can finally see where Johnny Jet is before his newsletter. I can find out when David Farley is having a reading at Lolita’s in NYC or if Sean E Keener is on the East Coast. I would have put links on all the names but instead look me up on Facebook and I will fill you in. I always am looking for friends.

From NY Times Travel Writing Seminar to Twitter and Facebook

In giving our NY Times Travel Show seminar I got to admit I also learned a lot, I have been dragged into the present. I joined Facebook, Twitter and Slide.com yesterday so it has been a day of learning. Max first got me blogging about 5 years ago reluctantly; he can testify that I am a true addict now. About now he is probably chuckling knowing that an online monster has been created! I am ready to swim with the fishes!