Getting away from it ALL...brings you closer to your passion(s)

Dr. Oz claims that vacations – or on-holiday as they say in Europe –

1. Improves your health
2. Makes you happier
3. Boosts your productivity

 
Maybe. But I look at life differently. I travel a lot, but not for those reasons. And it all relates to writing.

1. To explore – new and different, breathtaking places I've never seen; but sometimes returning to old loves like the Oregon Coast or Grand Tetons. Or Italy.
2. To see how other people live in their environment – yes, my old writer's curiosity kicks in.
3. To be surprised – interesting people, rare and wild critters, awesome natural beauty, and amazing history all intrigue me. Or aliens in a pine forest!
   
4. Brainstorm with my muse, which inevitably brings me closer to my passion.

 
So I guess in the long run, traveling improves my well-being and happiness. Productivity? Still working on that one. But one sure thing – I always return appreciating my home and family and place in this world.
 
In both my Summer Sales Beach Reads, Texas Sizzle and Callahan's Gold,  the heroine comes to territory that is unfamiliar to her. She has to learn to adapt, and love – or leave. 
Happy Trails,
     Mary Tate

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