I sometimes borrow a friend's beach cabin when I need peace and quiet to finish a writing project. For the next few days I am borrowing it to start a project. In the past, I have been inspired by the cabin (and its setting) when I wrote about food, travel, and wine -- now it will hopefully inspire me to write about gardens and plants.

The problem is that -- apart from the gorgeous natural scenery surrounding it -- landscaping at the cabin is minimalist at best. But perhaps that "austerity" will kick-start my inner eye. If not, I can always take long walks on the beach, catch crabs, dig clams, and shuck oysters, sip wine while relaxing in the hot tub -- and pick up my writing when I get back. I'm in no rush.