I Found More Words in San Francisco: Build Your Own Writing Retreat

Standing at the Corner of Van Ness & Broadway, San Francisco This morning I found myself engaging in an activity I hadn’t expected to find myself in… now or possibly ever. What was I doing?

I was researching the possibility of subletting an apartment in San Francisco, for a month or so, right in the heart of the city so I could immerse myself in the heart of this city I was born so close to yet haven’t ever experienced “as a local”.

This week I did something else I have never done: I actually slept in San Francisco.

To take it even further, I slept in a place nestled between Russian Hill and Nob Hill that is known as "Polk Gulch" to those in the know. I sat in a neighborhood bar with my

What's not to love about Notes from Underground? Is it possible San Francisco is Wooing Me? friends who had just become Grandma's. We couldn't skip a place called "Shanghai Kelly's" - who could? I chatted up the bartender about life in San Francisco, parenting and what there is to love about this area.

He gave us each a free Obamarama shot, especially for the new Grandmas. I was merely the lowly transportation. I am not complaining, though, because after visiting San Francisco twice in a month’s time, I am thoroughly infected with “Why am I not living here?” bug.

In the early morning my friends slept while I adventured around the neighborhood on foot. I kept saying to myself, “Just one block more!” until I realized I needed to get the Grandmas to the Grandbaby even though I would thoroughly enjoy walking the neighborhood all day.

Back at the hospital, I managed to park the car three blocks away and thought I was

Katherine Michiels School on Guerrerro St in San Francisco. Inspiration for Julie's School? >> Giggles<< blessed to be able to walk that different neighborhood. I found an Edwardian House that had been transformed into a school named for a woman named Katherine. I pondered what I could teach and who I could teach at an Edwardian “Julie’s School.”

This morning I found some month long sublets at somewhat reasonable prices. I even found a darling couple in Russian Hill and Nob Hill, where my beloved Ina Coolbrith lived at one time.

You might say – and I will say – I will be sleeping more in San Francisco in the future.

Writing Poetry & Free Writing on Powell St. in San Francisco, April 2012

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This is my second post (of 31!) for the January Ultimate Blog Challenge. Watch here for challenge posts which will include Writing Prompts, Writing Tips and General Life Tips and Essays.

Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield. She leads Writing Camp with JJS and will be traveling throughout the US to bring this unique, fun filled creative experience to the people wherever she finds the passion & the interest.