As a new mother, the reality of leaving my toddler for the first time was anxious-making, but thanks to the Ancinas Scholarship, which not only afforded me the opportunity, but also provided much needed validation, I learned so much from my fellow writers, the faculty, and staff, who are each profoundly dedicated to writing. To put to words everything I gained during those six days, living, breathing, dialoging a writer’s life, would require an excavation of heart, soul, and mind. My time in the Sierras re-calibrated my artist's compass, renewed my commitment to the craft, and widened my writing and reading consciousness. It was difficult to part from my home and family, but CoW proved I can be a loved and loving member of multiple families.
