“In this, there is no measuring with time, a year doesn’t matter, and ten years are nothing. Being an artist means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn’t force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come. It does come. But it comes only to those who are patient, who are there as if eternity lay before them, so unconcernedly silent and vast. I learn it every day of my life, learn it with pain, I am grateful for: patience is everything!”
― Letters to a Young Poet
Monthly Journal: Summer Reflections
Welcome to my monthly journal, where I share five points of interest, updates on my children’s books, news about my novel and more.
My Patreon page is growing, and I now need to create content to keep my patrons engaged. Each month, on the last Friday, I will post a free story available only to members. The link to the new post is here: PaulY Patreon
Membership is free. These are children’s stories, or for the young at heart. To support the writing and publishing process, I offer a paid membership that provides access to the entire process of bringing a book to publication, and you can even have your name included in the book. Check it out: https://www.patreon.com/c/PaulYanuziello
1. Creating a Japanese Garden
I’ve been working on creating a Japanese garden, or perhaps it’s just an excuse to get rid of grass and weeds. If you’re interested in building the perfect Japanese garden, check out this article for some inspiration:
Luckily, I have a few books on the subject, including the above by Eric Borja, a great resource, and two coffee table books I picked up during a visit to Japan. “Zen Gardens” by Mizuno Katsuhiko features superb photography and serves as a guide to seeing fascinating temples throughout Japan. And my favorite is Invitation to Kyoto Gardens by Kenzo Yamamoto. As the name suggests, this details all of the temples and fine Japanese gardens in the Kyoto area.
2. Montreal Jazz Festival Experience
I recently spent time in Montreal and had my first experience with the Montreal Jazz Festival. You can read my full report here in That Canadian Magazine.
By the way, if you have time, train travel is a very meditative experience. My trip from Toronto to Montreal and back again took over five hours each way. I found the travel stress-free, peaceful, and cathartic. I managed to write freely and as my partner Nina was with me, the company and conversation were inviting and pleasant. Highly recommended method of travel if you are not in a rush.
3. Teaching at Naka Ima Dojo
I sometimes train karate-do in Toronto at Naka Ima Dojo. The chief instructor is taking a summer break, and I will be helping out by teaching a few classes while he is on holiday.
Most of my time is spent in the Blue Mountain area of Ontario, where I also train with a group in Craigleith, practicing a sword style made famous by the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Niten Ichi Ryu, or the Two-Sword Style, is an invigorating partner training that requires a high state of concentration and focus. I love the training, the camaraderie and the location. Craigleith Community Centre is a stone’s throw from the Blue Mountains and the magnificent Georgian Bay.
4. Progress on Children’s Books
I had a great meeting with illustrator Joshua Miller, and we laid the groundwork, established the schedule, and set the timeline to complete the fourth book in the Samba Dog series, “Samba in Italy: A Halloween Adventure.”
My manuscript for the 3rd book in the Blue Mountain series is complete and just needs illustrations, professional editing, and proofreading. Joshua and I also discussed this plan and set a completion and publication date for early 2026.
My manuscript for a novel about a chief inspector of the Tokugawa, Edo period, Japan, is progressing slowly. I am in the research stage. That means accessing material on old-world Japan. I need to create a world in my book where Inspector Ricku can feel at home.
My process for most of my creative writing is with pen and paper. Sometimes the words blaze across the page. The flow is rapid fire, and the stream of consciousness knows no bounds. The trouble comes when transferring from the written page to the computer. I struggle with trying to figure out what I have written. The lesson is to try to have more control over whoever is writing so furiously.
5. Summer Plans
Other than helping out at Naka Ima Dojo in July and a couple of Saturdays in August, I have no writing events planned. I plan to thoroughly enjoy the summer, going hiking around the Blue Mountains and Grey Highlands, as well as enjoying some canoeing and, of course, lots of swimming.
Thanks for reading! I’ll be looking for you on the trails or the river. Be well, keep reading, enjoy summer, and stay safe.
Be sure to check out my newest book, Life on the Beaver River, an early reader chapter book. All my books are readily available online through your favorite bookstores.
Be well, stay safe, and keep reading and writing.
Copyright © 2025 Paul Yanuziello, PNJ Services, All rights reserved.
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