Hemingway’s Barn, Piggott, Arkansas
I am fortunate to be attending my fifth writer’s retreat at Hemingway-Pfeiffer Educational Center, a truly magical place not only because Ernest Hemingway wrote here(!) but because of the synergy created by the writers who gather.
This spot in Northeast Arkansas is hallowed—the trees, the grounds, the barn where he wrote a portion of A Farewell to Arms and other short stories. If you know me, you are rolling your eyes and saying, “Here she goes ago again.” Yes, I’ve written about this place before. And I likely will again.
I am reminded of the reasons to attend a writer’s retreat. The benefits extend well beyond the words on the page. Each session is different, a result of the mentor-teacher and the student writers who bring different backgrounds, ideas, experiences, and voices to the table. We feel safe to share the truth and write our stories.
I imagine a swirl of creative color flowing over the room. Colors as bright as the fall leaves outside our window.
Although this group spans the nation from coast to coast with careers ranging from education, anthropology, military, and others, I am reminded of how alike we are in our upbringings, our dreams and desires, the things that touch us.
I am also reminded of our differences.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
Excellent as always!
Thank you!
I need to get on the mailing list for this! Sounds wonderful.
Sarah, you would love it!
OK, agreed that the whole Fed Exyoal/pffs is a bit of a joke, but this is still one of the bigger tournaments of the year and while Vijay is the Fed Ex champ, he has to do more than just play 72 holes to win this tournament. Finding our who wins a tournament (not necessarily a silly playoff scheme), is why I watch.
I never tire of hearing about your travels and adventures and most of all that you are writing! Keep it coming!
Thank you Colene. I always appreciate your support.
Great place to visit. We had a very knowledgeable Lady that gave us the tour. Can’t wait to go again. The trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Strawberries for some of the best BBQ’ed pork steaks.
Oh yes Strawberries is amazing.
You were sixteen and lived alone in a foreign country, I wonder what great leap yo;1#82&7ull do now that you’re seventeen? You’re really great 😀 And I love your short story! God bless you ate Yanka, continue inspiring people like me! Stay awesome and happy birthday once more!
Great post! Sorry I missed the gathering.
We missed you Dorothy!
The workshop was amazing–as it was last year! Lovely to share the experience with you again.
I agree Glenda. I especially enjoyed spending time with you.
set of sun glasses of their vehicles. When you are generating your motor vehicle, the actual glare through sun light can cause temporary dazzling. The reality is, glare from the sun’s rays can be a significant cause for many mishaps. This type of accidents may be prevented whenever you have sun shades. In addition it’s required for skilled owners, who typically drive big autos such as the college chartering or perhaps trucks to use sunglasses simply because the consequences
Talya, so glad you were there again. You add a lot to the great mix of wonderful people.
Thank you Ruth. I appreciate the vision you have for restoring Hemingway-Pfeiffer and other Arkansas treasures.
Great post, Talya. This was my sixth HP Retreat. I could gush about the magic of this place too. Maybe we should put a review on the HP Facebook page.
Yes we should Fay!