It’s been a LONNNNGGGGG time.

Let’s see.

The world is an insane ride.

What have I been doing all this time?

I’ve loved, lost, grown, and become complacent.

I’ve written drafts of three novels and am querying and revising, while drafting a new one whenever time and creativity allows.

I’ve seen wonders of the world and places I never imagined.

I explored the Serengeti. Walked the Hagia Sophia on my birthday.

I’ve seen Hammurabi’s Code, the Mona Lisa, and the Madonna of the Rocks in person.

Experienced the best parts of my husband’s childhood. Ate lunch next to the Mediterranean, near ancient Roman columns. Had the best ice cream in the world at Hana Maitri in a building riddled with bullet holes.

Revisited Vienna and Prague. Saw Nefertiti’s bust, touched the Berlin Wall, and tasted Currywurst.. Hiked to Neuschwanstein. Drank and ate myself into oblivion at a Munich Biergarten. Realized my German sucks.

I watched as experts worked on Rembrandt’s The Night’s Watch. Realized that Stroopwafels are the most amazing food ever.

I’ve experienced the Triple Crown races live. Found a new favorite band. Seen a Caga Tio in person (strangest custom EVER). And helped my husband understand why I love Maui.

I survived COVID 19.

So here I am, trying to find some semblance of normalcy in a world gone seriously off the rails.

Full disclosure. I am white woman, most likely only halfway aware of my privilege, but unbelievably grateful for the blessings in my life. I am an unashamed politically progressive liberal, unsure that what I hope will ever come to pass, and educated enough to be frustrated with the current conservative thinking. (Reagan would be a Democrat?!?!) I believe everyone has the right to love who they want, has the right to be whoever they feel they are. (Unless that is a serial killer. Really have no understanding or patience for murderers.)

But I love a lively discussion.

I am always trying to be the best version of me I can be.

That’s all for now.

But it’s the journey that counts. Right?