Snow Fall and Fall Out

Yesterday morning at 9:30, I opened the door to almost a foot of fresh snow: the weak dawn light barely revealed Mt Healy in the distance.

The sun didn’t make an appearance, but that’s okay: this time of year, direct sunlight doesn’t reach the river valley (or our house) until afternoon anyway, and then only for a few minutes. Living along the Nenana River Valley has its perks – especially quiet solitude even in the summer months – but this time of year can be dark and dreary.

And although I love the quiet beauty where I live, due to current restrictions after spinal surgery, I can’t go outside and play. So, despite the mild 10°F outdoor temperature and light winds, I will not be going cross-country skiing. Let me just say there are few things more magical than skiing over a bed of fresh snow under a Cold Moon, especially in Denali National Park & Preserve.

Goodbye Again Book Launch Update

I just returned from Minnesota where Goodbye Again launched to much fanfare. A diverse series of events, including an open mic & jam with musical accompaniment for an author reading, a presentation to an adoption agency, and of course, several traditional bookstore signings. I also had the opportunity to partner with the SCSU Social Work Department, my alma mater, to beta test a curriculum using my memoir as a case study.

It’s no wonder I’m exhausted, right?

The support and encouragement I receive from family and friends continues to awe and humble me. And I’m incredibly grateful to Tom for having my back. Literally. I’m not supposed to be lifting much at all, especially boxes of books!

Publicity

While away, I had an essay published on TODAY.com, two podcast interviews released, one on The Grief Refuge and the other on This Club Suuucks, and a segment on PRN’s Untold Stories of Central Minnesota.

Yep, I’ve been busy!

Happy Birthday

As the one-month birthday of Goodbye Again approaches, I humbly ask those of you who’ve read my memoir to rate it on Amazon. And if you have the time and inclination, write a review: it doesn’t need to be long or anything fancy. Rating and reviewing helps other readers decide whether to read my memoir and impacts the algorithms. Here’s a recent one (thank you, Lynne):

Looking Ahead

I have been thinking about what my word of the year will be for 2023. Last year’s: presence. Do you select a ‘word of the year?’ If so, and you feel like sharing, drop a note in the comments.

All my love and heart-felt well wishes to you all.

Cover Image by Dale Forbes from Pixabay