I save a lot of my creative thinking sessions for when I do the dishes, shower, go for a trail ride, or ride my bike. I’ve heard that flowing water fosters unfocused thought that lets the brain open up and daydream a bit, and in my experience exercise and scenery do the same.

A couple of weekends ago I rode 15 miles out to one of our local orchards on my annual autumnal quest for an apple slushie. I passed young Thoroughbreds in War Horse Place’s pastures, which are now framed by bright yellow and orange leaves, and said hello to a couple of riding horses in the oak-canopied fields at Antebellum Farm.