My Monthly Journal
“Spring does not become the summer… the you of yesterday does not become the you of today.” — Dogen
Spring — a season of rebirth, renewal, and reinvention. How do we interpret Dogen’s words as creatives? His quote suggests that creativity isn’t a continuous line but a series of distinct, fresh moments. Here is how that applies to the creative process:
Release the “Last” Success: Just as spring doesn’t “turn into” summer, your past work doesn’t define your current project. You aren’t obligated to recreate what you did yesterday.
1. With that idea of releasing the last success, I find myself moving on to the next project. Last month I shared my new children’s picture book, Samba in Italy: A Halloween Mystery. This month I want to share what comes next: Samba in Italia: Il Mistero di Halloween — an Italian translation of the story. The project was translated, edited and proofread by two native Italian-speaking professionals. Alessia Salerno took on the role of translator while journalism graduate Antonio Bartoletti took care of editing and proofreading. This is the perfect book for introducing the Italian language to your kids while entertaining them with an Italian mystery that occurs during Halloween.
2. Events are lining up. After I returned from Costa Rica I headed up north to participate in a writers panel. Word on the Bay in beautiful Thornbury, Ontario. A well-attended event that gave the audience a well-rounded approach to all things written. My particular topic, the business of writing and my take: 98% passion is what you need to succeed.
My upcoming appearances are listed on the events page. I’m excited to be a guest teacher at Naka Ima Karate for one week — the head sensei is taking a vacation and I’ll be filling in on May 4 and May 7. What to teach? In Costa Rica I trained two times a week with a very good group of JKA- affiliated karate practitioners.
3. I’m also looking forward to getting back to my sword training in Craigleith, and simply enjoying the sanctuary, that’s what I call my northern retreat. A year-round house right on the Beaver River. So, I’ll be sure to spend time enjoying the sights and sounds of the river and all the good things that go along with country living. The farmer’s markets will be starting up soon. Fresh produce, farm-fresh eggs, all that country charm and inspirational moments that come from being close to nature.
4. What I’ve been reading: Canadian master storyteller and crime fiction writer Louise Penny. A novel entitled The Murder Stone. A great read with wonderful characterization, dialogue and detailed description.
I’ve also been reading the memoir of famed impresario Sol Hurok. Impresario: A Memoir (1946) is a captivating autobiographical account by one of the 20th century’s most influential performing arts promoters. Co-authored with Ruth Goode, the book traces his rise from Russian immigrant to legendary figure, bringing artists like Anna Pavlova and the Bolshoi Ballet to American audiences.
5. What I’ve been listening to: Through a twist of fate, I had the chance to see a powerhouse trio — BEATrio. Three standout musicians: Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, and Antonio Sánchez performed at George Weston Recital Hall in Toronto on April 25.
Originally, I had planned to see another powerhouse trio — Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, and Brian Blade, the acclaimed rhythm section of the Wayne Shorter Quartet, performing at Koerner Hall that same evening. Plans changed when my editor-in-chief was called out to photograph the Koerner Hall show.
No problem — Antonio Sánchez is one of my favourite drummers, so count me in.
The show was excellent. Who would have thought banjo, harp, and drums could possibly work well together? In anyone else’s hands, it likely would not. But these three made it more than work — a resoundingly beautiful musical production.
I have another musical event lined up on May 2, in Toronto, THE ROOM UPSTAIRS
(previously known as Dances with Trane) April 29 – May 2, 2026 (world premiere)
Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester Street, Toronto. This is a show that should land perfectly in my wheelhouse. I’ll be reporting on the performance, so stay tuned.
Thanks for reading, and remember — if you know someone who would enjoy my journal, please pass it on. All my books are available from your favourite bookstores.
Stay safe, be well, and keep on reading and writing.
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