Summer Adventures & Literary Updates
Hiking, canoeing, swimming and embracing nature’s endless abundance.
Welcome to the summer edition of my monthly journal! This month, I’ll take you along the pristine Beaver River, explore northern hiking trails that inspire my writing, and share exciting upcoming events.
1. Beta Readers Wanted for New Children’s Book
My latest manuscript, Samba in Italy: A Halloween Adventure, is nearing completion, and I’m seeking dedicated beta readers to provide feedback on flow, entertainment value, and age-appropriate content.
What you’ll review:
– A charming 900-word adventure story
– Fun facts section designed for young readers
– Comprehensive glossary of Italian words and phrases
While my talented illustrator Joshua Miller has created preliminary artwork, I’m keeping those under wraps for now—trust me, rough drafts can be deceiving!
Interested? Contact my publishing team at pnjserviceso1@gmail.com
2. Morning Rituals by the River
Every morning (weather permitting), I begin my day with a refreshing swim in the river that flows past my sanctuary. My routine has become a meditation in motion:
Hot tub → Sauna → River swim → Workout → Yoga → Shower → Brunch
During my workout, I practice five different kata—traditional karate forms that serve as both physical exercise and mental review. Drawing from approximately 30 forms across Shotokan, Chito-Ryu, and Goju-Ryu styles, I ensure that each session offers variety and challenge.
3. Beaver River Canoe Adventure
My latest paddling expedition launched from Access Point 2 on the Beaver River—a leisurely three-hour upstream journey to Access Point 1, followed by an effortless downstream return to our starting point.
Picture this: surrounded by untouched wilderness, the gentle rhythm of paddle strokes, and the symphony of nature as your soundtrack. The adventure concluded with an early dinner barbecue and a peaceful evening beneath a canopy of stars.
4. Upcoming Events
Niten Ichi Ryu Demonstration
When: September 27, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Collingwood Arts Crawl, downtown Collingwood
Our martial arts group has been invited to demonstrate the ancient art of Niten Ichi-ryu during this annual, free, self-guided art and music tour through Collingwood’s vibrant downtown core.
In the meantime, check out this Niten Itchi ryu demo in Japan by Takanori soke, the figurehead of our group here in Collingwood.
Creemore Arts Festival
When: October 3-5, 2025
Where: Creemore, Ontario
I’m thrilled to participate as a featured artist, sharing creative space with the talented Emy Urquhart, @mixed_media_by_emy. Join us for this celebration of local artistry!
Learn more: Creemore Arts Festival https://phahs.ca/creemore-arts-fest/
5. Trail Tales from the Blue Mountains
Hiking through the Blue Mountains, Beaver Valley, and Grey Highlands provides endless inspiration for my writing. These trails reveal nature’s hidden treasures: mysterious caves carved into rugged mountainsides, enchanting waterfalls cascading through ancient forests, and emerald canopies stretching to the horizon.
Wildlife encounters add unexpected drama to every hike—ground pheasants exploding into flight, startled frogs launching themselves toward safety, and turtles making their unhurried escape back to tranquil ponds. These magical moments and captivating characters form the heart of my Blue Mountains series.
Thank you for joining me on these northern adventures! If you know someone who might enjoy these tales of nature and creativity, please share this newsletter with them. Don’t forget to explore my latest release in the Blue Mountains series: Life on the Beaver River.
Until next month’s adventures…
Be well, stay safe, and keep reading and writing.
Copyright © 2025 Paul Yanuziello, PNJ Services, All rights reserved.
Follow my journey: @PaulYanuziello
Support my work: patreon.com/PaulYanuziello