Got back from Laguna around noon. Oh my, what a wonderful weekend we had! Terrific food (even if I say so myself), enough wine, the sea air and gorgeous views.

And a house to so completely relax in. Ahhhhh.

There were seven of us. I met my twin, we must have been separated at birth (though she's a couple years younger than I). The whole weekend would have been worth it if that was the only good thing that had happened - but wait, there's more!

Much laughter. My stomach muscles ache from the laughter, both yesterday and this morning. Some highlights: staying up late, in jammies, eating popcorn and chocolate and wine at 1am while the psychic of the group read runes or did tarot layouts. Watching EMMA and (for the most part) refraining from sarcastic comment. Leading the group in writing exercises, and laughing our butts off. (The chastity exercise was particularly interesting!)

Age did not unify us, nor ethnicity, nor religion. Not politics, not credos, not anything tangible. But the warmth and love that sprung up from seven diverse women writers is a warmth that I will cherish.

We're already talking about next year. For a weekend that was almost aborted due to lack of interest, I feel pretty damned proud of the outcome.