Sunday, July 19, 2009

Sabbatical

The Buddha Diaries is going on sabbatical.

I woke up this morning--the first in a planned six-week stay at our Laguna Beach cottage--with that thought clearly in mind. I have long been postponing work on the book I have mentioned several times in these pages, and parts of which have appeared here from time to time along the way. It's time to clear the clutter of other stuff out of my mind and concentrate on that task, if I'm to ever get it done. I'm encouraged especially to get down to this by the interest of my friend Paul Gerhards at When this is, that is, and his imprint, Parami Press.

There's the accompanying fear, of course, that I will lose all those readers, whose presence here on The Buddha Diaries is often silent, but always felt and appreciated. If you include The Bush Diaries, I have rarely missed a day since that first blog started November, 2004. Even when traveling, I have managed to keep up with "the blog" on an almost daily basis. I have loved doing it, and particularly have loved knowing that my words reach people, and mean something to them. This is what a writer needs more than anything.

But the time has come to take a break. I haven't decided on a return date, since I'm unsure when the work I want to do will be finished, but I hope that you'll start watching for me again in early September. In the meantime, have a great summer. And wish me luck.

20 comments:

mandt said...

Peter-We shall miss you, but wish you well in your upcoming endeavors.How well we know the importance of taking breaks from time to time.
A cottage in Laguna Beach? How wonderful! May you find inspiration for creativity,rest/relaxation,and peace of mind for your body & soul.
Have fun--you two! We will await your return. MandT.

carly said...

Be careful that idyllic, sun-drenched, upper middle class utopia doesn't overcook your words.

I myself have moved out of that environment to a loft-studio in Beachwood Canyon, where I'm closer to my creative kin and back in the mix. Painting only.

www.dennispotokar.com

stuart said...

good for you-Stuart
p.s. now I'll have to read a book

Robin CHAN said...

A break is good..

but do come back soon

We will miss you.. at least I know I will

Twilight said...

Oh dear, I've only recently found your blog too - I'll miss it, but wish you happy and productive times this summer. I'll be waiting eagerly for return of the Diaries in the Fall.

robin andrea said...

Enjoy your break, Peter. I hope the time away from blogging is rich and creative. Don't forget to come back!

Peter Clothier said...

Best thanks to all for the generous thoughts and wishes. Signing off for now but, like the Governator... I'll be back!

Cardozo said...

maybe we can post "classic Bush and Buddha diaries" posts occasionally throughout the summer. :)

CHI SPHERE said...

All the best writing can grow within the peace and well deserved time you've wisely set aside for your book.

My boys and I will look for you in the fall Peter.

roger said...

break a pen. hoping that is the literary cliche equal to break a leg for actors. maybe i should have used keyboard instead of pen.

Unknown said...

I will also miss your thoughts and observations about our culture, but I am so happy that you have decided to focus on your book. A humble, wise and creative person always knows when to retreat, and how to tap into the oceans of the creative. We, readers, will be here, but best of all you will have a lot more to share about your process when you return. All the best!

Anonymous said...

Peter,I will miss your daily musings a great deal - I thank you for the thoughtful insights into so many facets of our lives. Come back very soon. Good luck with the new endeavor. Beryl C.

Kyle said...

Peter - Take care and enjoy yourself. Look forward to seeing ya back soon!

They call him James Ure said...

I'm excited for you. I need to get my book goal on track and you're inspiring me. Thanks brother. Hope to hear you again in the blogosphere some day and I am excited to read your book. Go get 'em!! :)

I bow to the Buddha within you. May you always be guided by the wisdom of the Dharma.

secret agent woman said...

I'm one of those often silent readers, but I'll miss your posts. However, I'll keep you in my Reader, so I'll know as soon as you're back. Enjoy your sabbatical - I hope it is both restful and productive.

heartinsanfrancisco said...

I do wish you luck, of course, and I will miss your intelligent, thoughtful posts. But finding a larger audience with your long-awaited book is the best excuse I know to take a leave of absence.

Please let us know when you return to these shores and do enjoy beautiful Laguna Beach. (It would be hard not to.)

mandt said...

"Come Back Shane", "Come Back!"---just kidding. We'll be here when you return.

Unknown said...

Blessings to you and your project(s).

hele said...

i wish you LUCK!

and the book is called craft of the wild witch by poppy palin.

have a wonderful time and see you soon.

Taradharma said...

Best of luck to you Peter! Will ck in in the fall.