...to recover from my vacation!

But instead, I'll do a contest for a beautiful pair of earrings and a Creativity candle, from Salem, MA!

Honestly, I can't complain too much. I just spent two wonderful weeks with my family and feel as if I've really reconnected with my kids. Two weeks, however, was perfect. I was ready to go back to work, just to get some much needed rest!

We spent the first week in Bar Harbor, Maine at the KOA campground. We borrowed my father-in-law's 25-foot camper and (mostly) had all the amenities of home. The three girls slept in a tent beside the camper, and all in all it was very cozy and comfortable. Until the night we got a monsoon and the camper sprang a leak--directly over our heads in the sleeping section! But during the day...ah, bliss. We explored Acadia National Park, visited lighthouses and rocky shores, discovered hermit-crabs in Seal Harbor, ate ice-cream in Bar Harbor, and cruised through Frenchman's Bay aboard a 120' schooner.

When we arrived home, we unpacked all our gear, cleaned and returned the camper, restocked the house with food, did laundry, etc. The next day, my sister and her new husband arrived from Florida. My husband returned to work, and I assumed the duty of tour-guide. On the first day we visited Rockport, a quaint seaside community of restaurants, shops, boutiques, and lobster pounds.

On the second day, we visited Newburyport, another upscale harborside town, as it celebrated its annual summer festival. We browsed a fabulous craft fair and I spent way too much money on some gorgeous, handmade jewelry. In fact, I purchased so much, that I'm going to give away a pair of stunning, fuzed-glass earrings to one person who comments here today (but you have to be registered to win).

Last Thursday, we visited Salem, MA, home of the 1692 witch trials, and toured the House of Seven Gables. Initially, I wasn't all that enthused about going through the house, but am so glad I did! Beautifully situated overlooking Salem Harbor, the grounds boast beautiful flower gardens, and the house itself is amazing. There are secret staircases and passageways, intricate little closets and cupboards, and the house has a fascinating history. We also visited all the witchery shops, and I purchased candles and crystals to help boost my writing energy. I'll include a creativity candle with the earrings.

My new brother-in-law had never visited New England before, and was fascinated by the abundance of antique shops. So one afternoon, we drove along the coast and hit every antique shop we saw (there are dozens). He bought a few things, but I was the one who really had a hard time resisting the flukes and finds in these dusty shops. At one shop, I purchased over three hundred gorgeous lampwork glass beads for a song. I can't wait to begin turning these beauties into bracelets and necklaces!

On Friday, my parents hosted a traditional downeast lobster and clam bake with all the fixings, and my younger sister traveled out to join us, with her husband and three kids, so it was a big, noisy, fun group. But I'll admit it...although I have a newfound appreciation for all the wonderful things there are to do and see in New England, I am exhausted and my creative energy feels sapped.

What's your idea of a relaxing vacation? Do you do the mile-a-minute tourist thing, or would you prefer to stay put and just chill?

Let me know, and I'll pick a winner for a lovely pair of earrings and a scented candle!