Potcakes

Posted on April 16, 2019 by Laurie Buchanan

Last year I hosted a writing retreat on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. It was my second time there, and I loved it! One of the interesting things about this exotic location is the potcake dogs.

According to Wikipedia, “a potcake dog is a mixed-breed dog type found on several Caribbean islands. Its name comes from the congealed peas and rice mixture that local residents traditionally eat, as the rice that cakes to the bottom of the pot would go to the dogs. Although appearance varies, potcakes generally have smooth coats, cocked ears, and long faces. A group of potcakes is known as a parliament.”

PHOTO

In my experience, the dogs—who generally travel in small groups—are friendly. They’re usually looking for a food handout. If you accommodate them (which I don’t think you’re supposed to, but I did), then you have friends for life!

The same thing happened when I was in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

And the same thing happened when I was on a writing sabbatical in Darby, Montana—only this time, it was with a small herd of deer!

Would you feed a stray animal—even if you’re not supposed to?

Lazy Dazy

Posted on June 26, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

With the publication of The Business of Being: Soul Purpose In and Out of the Workplace just two weeks away, I’ve used the month of June to enjoy a much slower version of life before I hit the ground running:

July 11, San Diego, The Book Catapult
July 27, Boise, Rediscovered Books
Aug 12, Crystal Lake, IL, Veteran Acres Park

When I was in Joshua Tree, CA I saw this “hammock roundup” that five people can enjoy simultaneously.

On Eleuthera Island, the neighbors across the way enjoy a solo version of quietude.

And while we don’t have a hammock where we live, there’s a multitude of gentle choices. My three favorites are reading (dive headfirst into a book and don’t surface for a good, long while), restorative yoga, and walking the Boise River Greenbelt. We’re also just a stone’s throw from an arboretum, nature center, and park.

What do you do to recharge your personal battery?

Sand Between My Toes

Posted on May 15, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

I’m enjoying my last week on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. There’s something about walking along the beach—squishing sand between one’s toes—that incites inspiration; in turn, sparking creativity. A shift in gears from nonfiction to fiction, book three is coming along just fine.

I’ve turned the comments off for this post—simply enjoy.

Turquoise Blue

Posted on May 8, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

I’m currently on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas ~~working~~ (having the time of my life!) on my next book. The island is about 100 miles long and 3 miles wide, with the sapphire blue Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the turquoise Caribbean on the other. The house we’re renting is on the Caribbean side in Tarpum Bay.

I’ve turned the comments off for this post—simply enjoy.

Stars in My Eyes

Posted on May 1, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

When I was a little girl, I was motivated by stars. I loved earning them in elementary school and by memorizing Bible verses in Sunday school. When I’d acquired a certain number of stars, they equated a larger prize.

When our son was little, he too was motivated by stars. He loved nothing more than the adrenaline rush of licking and sticking a star on the errand chart affixed to his bedroom door. An avid reader, once he’d earned a certain number of stars, they translated into a trip to the bookstore to select a book of his choice.

Imagine my delight when my mother-in-law made this star quilt for us! I love the colors that she chose, and I can’t even begin to imagine the number of painstaking hours it took to complete this gift.

This coming Friday I leave for Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas where I’m hosting a writing retreat. Each of us will be inspired and motivated by the turquoise water during the day, competing with a star-studded Bahamian night sky to write, Write, WRITE!

What motivates you?

The Destination

Posted on March 5, 2010 by Laurie Buchanan

Arrival N Eleuthera Intl Airport by Laurie Buchanan

The wheels of the plane touched down on the runway; passenger bodies involuntarily thrust forward in our seats as the pilot screamed on the brakes—we arrived! As we carefully wedged ourselves into the narrow aisle of disembarking people and reached into the overhead bin for our suitcases, it occurred to me again that similar to luggage for a trip, many people carry baggage through life that weighs them down and makes the journey unpleasant and tiring.

My motto has always been, “Travel light, travel fast.” With that in mind, I determined early on that the only items I’ll carrying with me throughout life’s journey are things that bring a return value to the heart—things that benefit my body, mind and spirit with weightless dividends like love, health, wellness, joy, wisdom, integrity, peace, kindness, and laughter—definitely laughter!

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
~ Laurie Buchanan

Tuesdays with Laurie

"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." —Laurie Buchanan

Tag Archives: Eleuthera Island