Welcome to my monthly journal, a place where I share five points of interest—things that have kept me busy, entertained, and possibly even intrigued. This month, I share updates on my writer’s life, the projects I’m working on, and the changes to those plans.
Let nothing be set in stone. Remain fluid like water, adapt and change to your surroundings, take everything as it comes, take nothing personally, and of course, speak with impeccable words.
1. Still working on my children’s picture book. The editing team and beta readers have provided their input, and the book is now in revision. Of course, at this time of year, you can’t expect much, as the holidays keep people occupied—and this is how it should be.
My audiobook, Book One in the Blue Mountain series, Scratchy the Squirrel: A Time for Friends (an early reader chapter book), is temporarily on hold while I wait for my hearing to improve. I had a recent ear infection that affected my hearing, making my audiobook sound awful. Not to worry—the hearing is coming back and I’d say it’s nearing 80% efficiency. Soon, I’ll be back at the audio files, making my final mastering and mixing edits.
2. My last event at the Link Winter Market in Sutton on December 9th was the last time I visited my sanctuary in the Blue Mountains. Since then, I’ve been staying in Toronto. Oh yes, big city life. The good news is that I’m close to my martial arts dojo, Naka Ima Dojo on Dufferin St. a short walk from where I’m staying. I try to attend class three times a week. This week, chief instructor Tim sensei took his holidays and I get to take over the class and teach. That should be lots of fun, and I’m looking forward to it.
3. A year of firsts. Some of the firsts: The Montreal Jazz Festival, the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts 50 Year Arts Celebration, The Leisure Time Craft Fair, Collingwood Art Crawl, where my Niten Itchi Ryu group put on a samurai sword demonstration.
This year I explored three different river routes close to my sanctuary, I also experienced the natural pools of Cahuita on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. During my stay in the central valley of San Jose I hiked and did mountain yoga, where I took in magnificent views from this amazing mountain range.
During a break from the city of San Jose, I visited Lake Arenal and stayed in a beautiful house on the lake. I promised myself I would return to stay longer. So, this new year I’ll be there for three weeks, in a different house, but with lake access.
4. This year I started a Patreon page, another first—it’s slowly growing, you should join if you haven’t already, it’s free. Every month, I add a short story, yes, free for my members. These are children’s stories, great for bedtime reading. This month, I’ve taken a classic Japanese fairy tale and reimagined it for a fun read.
5. The other day I reviewed the young adult novel I’m working on. I think it’s nearly finished—at least a first draft manuscript. Do you know what makes for good historical fiction designed for young adults? Having a young protagonist. So, having found that out, I suppose it’s an adult novel, and now I can dive deeper into blood and guts with hot scenes matching the hot characters. Just kidding.
There you have it—my life in 2025 summed up in five points. All the best over the holidays and a Happy New Year to all.
My next monthly journal will be coming to you from Costa Rica. Be well, stay safe, keep reading and writing.
Remember to check my Patreon page. Pick up some of my books—they make great gifts. Available through your favorite bookstore.
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