July 2022

New Food: Superhero and I have a tradition when we travel. We look for a cooking class to learn more about the local culture and cuisine. This adventure led to some delicious food at 10,000 feet, cooking class with tomato crostini appetizers, and more.

New Friends: Just as wonderful as the food was the opportunity to connect with writers and authors. Two of whom, I’ve had the opportunity to read their books since meeting them – they are brilliant storytellers! A nice breath of diversity.

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New Celebrations: Wishes on Bamboo – There is a Japanese tradition I learned of during our most recent travel. The tradition of Tanabata – Japanese celebration of the story of two stars who are lovers separated by the milky way that only cross paths once a year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. It is a special time when wishes can come true. Adults and children alike write their wishes on tanzaku and tie them to bamboo branches so their wishes may come true. Superhero and I made our wishes.

New Projects: Back home, I was able to finish up my chainsaw meets free chairs project. What do you do when you’re given free chairs that you really don’t need and have an old file cabinet?

Well, if you love to garden, you make a planter:-)

New Work: Writing has been infused with a new vigor. I’m giving solid connection to the 7000-word outline and character work I started on Book 3. It is nice to settle back into a familiar world, kind of like coming home. Yet, I still feel the vibration of change and the wind of new things.

New Places: Speaking of new things, one of the new places is a bookstore a friend and author shared with me. It seems the bookstore owners have the opportunity to buy the land instead of rent and a host of support has shown itself from authors, creators, and readers alike to help them do just that. The bookstore has been in operation, handed lovingly through several owners since 1976. My friend spoke of the fondness many authors and creatives have for this small little shop in Cape Town and the impact it has had on many lives. Here is to kindness, compassion, and diversity. I hope to stop by one day and see the small bookstore that has made such a large impact.

New Firepit: When they ask you to bring wood for the firepit and you live in the woods. Hahaha

Just kidding, no new firepit. Superhero and I cleaned up after a nasty storm. It was 100 degrees outside, and we decided that was a great time to clean up the lawn debris. What’s wrong with us? Definitely real-world workout.

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New Books: New books arrived! Did I buy too many books when they had to ship them to me because no more would fit in my suitcase.

Nah:-)