It was like being a senior in High School waiting for news about colleges. I was at the mailbox, expecting the rejection like always these past four years, ready with my Plan B of putting together some sort of on-my-own writing retreat this summer, and I saw the envelope with Yaddo's return address. "That is a big envelope," I thought. I held it awhile. It was big and it had heft. I slit open the top and slid the papers out past the letterhead, date, my return address, and the salutation. The phrase "pleased to invite you" came into view.
So in June, a few days after my 60th birthday, I'll be heading to Saratoga Springs for a six week residency at Yaddo. (For my non-writer friends - this is a big deal. Check out the list of alumni.)
All of you writers with Yaddo experience, especially any of you who use wheelchairs, send advice my way. And such big thanks to you alumni who provided references.
So proud (because you're my friend), so impressed (because you kept knocking at that door), and so thrilled (because you will have 6 weeks to be nothing but a writer, and oh boy, the things you'll write!).
You are one big inspiration.
Posted by: The Feminist Grandma | March 21, 2012 at 06:30 AM
Ah, Liz, thanks. You're a a pretty good "door knocker" yourself.
Posted by: Sandra Gail Lambert | March 21, 2012 at 08:01 AM
Wowsa, that is a fabulous coup! I'm very tickled for you. I'm assuming you'll fly? Maybe Maggie can come out and meet you for an afternoon at the track. Then you'll be all horsified and addicted like *some people* I know.
Congrats again!
Posted by: Belea Keeney | March 29, 2012 at 03:52 PM
Thanks, Belea. Really, can you believe it? And I'm taking the "auto train" from Sanford to D.C. and then driving the rest of the way. And are you saying there's a horse racing place there?
Posted by: Sandra Gail Lambert | March 30, 2012 at 06:56 AM