Release Date is Inching Closer!!!

I have reconnected with a friend that I met while teaching who is currently on a two year sailing adventure with her husband and three children. The kids aren’t yet teenagers. I hadn’t been in touch with her for years, but we remained friends on social media, and when I saw her make her very first post about their planned adventure, I signed up immediately to receive her blog shares. Unlike what I write and share here on my own blog, which is open to the public, she is keeping her adventure close to her heart and only allowing close friends and family to tag along. I’m so grateful I get to live a bit vicariously through her writing.

As I’m wrapping up the last bits and pieces to release my first book, a memoir of my own island adventure back in the late 80’s, it thrills me to read about her days at sea, her island stops, the people she’s meeting, and all the feelings she’s feeling. I also really appreciate her honesty that some days are just hard, and some days she questions this adventure, and some days are just so beautiful that she can’t contain her joy. I believe that’s the beauty of saying yes to adventures. They don’t have to be as grand as hers in nature, but visiting new places, having new experiences, meeting new people…it’s all so good for your soul.

In my memoir, I state that travel changes you, and it’s so true. Once you step out of the comfort zone of the familiar, you can’t help but to evolve. Your eyes become open to places, and foods, and people and there’s just no going back. I live for our next adventure always. That doesn’t mean I’m unhappy where my feet are currently planted. That just means that I really really enjoy being elsewhere. And I’m super grateful that my husband feels the same way. I suggest an adventure, and off he goes planning one. We make a really great team that way.

What I learned while living for a year on an island in the Pacific is that this girl LOVES adventure, but she also loves modern conveniences. After a day scuba diving? I want a nice shower with fresh water. Bored on a Saturday afternoon? I’d love to take in a movie. Having a craving for pizza? I want the ability to either make or order one. Planning a delicious meal? I need access to fresh produce and the supplies to create one. Want to get from point A to point B in a reasonable amount of time? I enjoy jumping into my car and having the freedom to go. The list goes on and on. YET…that still doesn’t stop me from the desire to have adventures. They are just planned differently now.

My son has also been the catalyst for a lot of these changes when we take off on a grand adventure. We have to keep in mind his special needs so that we can all enjoy ourselves. I used to dream of a one year trip around the country in an RV. My husband would be all onboard with that one. It’s not 100% off the list of things I want to do, but at this point we might need to drop the RV part and plan our stays in rental homes instead. Luke really does well in a home with space to move around in, a pool in the yard, and plenty of air conditioning. He knows what he likes, and when he gets what he likes, we are all happier.

So here’s to our next adventure, and here’s to following along with a friend who is currently living her dream. Life is short. Say yes far more than you say no.

**My memoir, Missionaries, Mercenaries, and Misfits—A Woman, an Island, and Life’s Big Lessons will be released on March 17th!!! The link to order will be shared when it’s ready.