Refilling the Inspirational Cup

By Susan Sheehey

Stress took its toll on me over the last six weeks. Personal life with children, health insurance, school battles, and finances buried me under a Himalayan-sized oppressive force. Which of course then impacted my immune system, and I caught what my beloved 2-year-old brought home from daycare. I’m still trying to get over it, 3 weeks later.

Flying kites

So the trip we took to Washington State couldn’t have come at a more needed time. Fast forward the plane trip and car ride to my husband’s uncle’s place on the eastern side of the Cascades (since no one

East Wenatchee, Columbia River

wants to hear about an airsick autistic 7-year-old, especially not the flight attendants or the other passengers), it was a fantastic week. Up in the mountains, the view was spectacular. Literally, woke up to the hillsides covered with apple orchards and the Columbia River cutting through the valley- more than just a relaxing retreat. It was a major relief. The weather was beyond gorgeous. 70 degrees, partly sunny, nice breeze all day, and an entire 10-acres for my boys to play on without me worrying about a car running them over, or them getting snatched by sick kidnappers. They spent most of their time by the koi pond throwing rocks into the water, or feeding the animals (pigs, chickens, and 6 beautiful peacocks). Literally, they ran around 10 acres for 6 days, and I wasn’t the helicopter parent I’ve grown into being.

My toddler throwing rocks into the pond

The house was kid-proofed, and all the fresh air made my children pass out all night.

I detached my mind from everything, including my writing. A first for me.

We finished off the trip with an afternoon in downtown Seattle, with of course the obligatory visit to the Space Needle. (Yes, that's my son with the Iron Man helmet, he wore it everywhere). My boys

Caden & Daddy atop the Space Needle

loved it.

I’ve come back and the muse is swirling. Chomping at the bit to write. It’s a glorious feeling. The inspirational cup of my creative conscious has been refilled.

What do you do to de-stress? What causes you the most anxiety? How often do you find yourself needing to refill your spiritual cup?


Susan Sheehey writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women's fiction. She lives and laughs in Texas with her husband and two boys. Water plays a crucial element in all of her stories, and she's a huge advocate for Autism Awareness. April is World Autism Awareness month, so please take the time to be aware and accepting of those on the Autism Spectrum. Follow Susan at

www.SusanSheehey.com, as well as Facebook, and Twitter. If you're in Las Vegas from April 13-17th, she'll be at the RT Convention at the Rio All Suites Hotel at the large book signing. Come see me!