A Hitchcockian Bath: Writing Retreat Plot Twists
I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts about my writing retreats back in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. I usually stay with my cousin Rick, his two dogs, and his parrot. He does his own thing during the day while I focus on writing. The dogs and bird guard me to ensure I stay on task, they make great muses!
However, this year brought a few changes. Oreo, the sweet Boston Terrier who used to snuggle with me on my writing couch, passed away in her sleep at the end of last year. A few months later, Rick learned about an English Bulldog who was at the end of her time at the shelter. The rescue wanted her saved because she was an absolute sweetheart, despite having already had two litters before her first birthday. Even though she has a pitbull-like look, she certainly isn’t built like one, Lilly is short, solid, and wonderfully stout!
Yet, the biggest change of all is that Rick moved an hour west from Peoria to Galesburg. My brother went to Knox College there, and his graduation was the last time I visited! Rick wanted to downsize and cut expenses, so he found a cozy house near the business district and the Amtrak station. I’m already exploring train trips from Tucson. I have a feeling this neighborhood is going to experience a real renaissance in the coming years.
Thankfully, Rick kept my trusty writing couch and a lot of his Peoria furnishings, so I felt right at home.
My writing progress has been moving right along with my latest proctors, Louis and Paco. Notice how Louis perfectly color-coordinates with the furniture:
I asked Paco his feelings about the move, but he wouldn’t say.
So while I have zero complaints about the new writing retreat location, there is one detail I find a wee bit concerning. My bedroom is on the second floor with a bathroom across the hall. In the Peoria house, my bathing area was a walk-in shower. In the new house, it’s a claw-foot tub. They can be an adventure stepping into and out of, but so far I’m managing just fine. It’s set up with a shower head, which I appreciate since I’m not much for baths (though this one is nice and deep). Plus, taking a shower uses a lot less water!
The intriguing aspect is the shower curtain suspended from above to keep water from splashing everywhere. It’s not a lightweight, frilly, lacy thing. No, this is heavy plastic, plastic that swirls inward and clings to me with the falling water.
What immediately popped into my mind was the TV show Dexter. You know, Dexter the serial killer, who preps his kill room with heavy plastic for easy cleanup? Every time I step into that heavy plastic-lined bathtub, I think about how remarkably convenient it will be for Rick to wrap my body for disposal!
I’m still not entirely convinced this shower setup is satisfactory…
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