“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” ― Haruki Murakami
This past year certainly had its ups and downs. Some days it was nearly impossible for me to even glance at the latest world news or venture onto Facebook or Twitter and see the turmoil that so many people have been living through. More than once, I was saved by turning to the world of fiction–both reading and writing it. Going along for the ride with a story’s characters is one of life’s greatest treasures for me, and that was certainly never more true than in 2017.
But this past year was also an amazing journey for me–both personally and professionally. I’ve learned so much and grown in ways I was not expecting. I’ve simplified my life, regained confidence, and found a more productive way of living and working. I couldn’t be more excited to see where this new year takes me. There has been a lot of turmoil and change in the writing and publishing world, but thanks to the support of all of you, I’m more excited than ever to share new stories in 2018.
THANK YOU to all of you who’ve read my books this past year. I’m beyond grateful to those of you who took the time to send me a private note or write a review. It means the world to me to hear from you.
I hope you all have a wonderful new year filled with much love and laughter and peace-filled days.
In the past year and a half, my wife and I have become obsessed with trail hiking. It’s a peaceful, quite time for us to rest our minds, take in the beauty of nature, and even have important life chats when we’re in the mood to discuss something that’s been on our minds. Being out more often in nature has also boosted my creativity and productivity. I can’t recommend it enough for writers or other creative types. It’s a wonderful way to fill your creative well.
Here are some of my fave photos from our trail journeys, in no particular order:
I love seeing deer.
A woodchuck hanging out on the rocks.
One of my favorite trails.
We are better together!
If you can’t see the embedded video above, you can view it on YouTube.
Every month I share some of my favorite links, real-life stories, and other items that I find beautiful and inspiring. I hope you find something that makes you learn, laugh, smile, or just go awwwww.
ADORABLE
LOVE THIS
BEAUTIFUL LOVE
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH – It’s amazing the things we never learned in American History class in school: