Sunset Summer
Tomorrow is my birthday, at least at time of writing (editor’s note: this was edited the day after, but I’ll try to keep the original tone intact). I’ve been at the beach for over a week now, I’ve meant to write more. I don’t know if and when I’ll get this update finished, but this is at least my second attempt.
To loop ya’ll in on the writing stuff: By the end of this year, I’ll have my four novels all updated to my current standard of quality (at long last), at which point I want catch up on some smaller projects while taking some time to plan my next novel. I recently finished editing the book I wrote last year, which brought the polished draft count of up to three. Now, I’m working on Shelle’s Island, a book I’ve mention in this blog too many times. First drafted in Summer 2016, it’s inspired by one of the first ever ideas I had for a story back when I was around the age of 7—it was an idea that I was so interested in pursuing, that it was a big part of why I became a storyteller. Of course the premise has been altered and updated substantially over the decades, but it does represent something innate for me. It’s a dreamy, summery story of adventure and finding one’s home—it’s quite perfect that I’m returning to work on it here and now.
If you peruse my most recent previous entries, you’ll find a brief tribute to my late grandmother. This house I’m staying at belongs to my extended family, and I’m lucky enough to have enjoyed coming here all my life. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most special places in the world to me. However, with my grandmother’s passing, it’s looking like this will be the last season for the place. Hence my mood this go around. Still, it’s been the summer of a lifetime. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect.
That’s another good thing about summer, it being the midpoint of the year. A vacation is the time to balance relaxing with going a little wild, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on what one is doing in real life. In truth, I haven’t been happy in a long, long time and I keep reminding myself is that if I can come to terms with never being here in this old beach house again, I can come to terms with walking away from anything. So maybe that’s what I’ll do.
Anyway, it’s big decision making season again, and I got a lot I could stand to walk away from—including this whole identity. As much practice as I’ve had, as much as I’ve sacrificed, it’s breaking down. So, I’m going to keep this entry brief, as there will be a time and a place for all that too.
Before I wander back into the waves, I want to say thank you for taking the time to read this note in a bottle—it’s a snapshot of an odd and unique time and I’m happy to share a trace of it with you. Life’s been cruel, and it will get darker and stranger still, but love yourself, love those around you, and when in doubt, look for the joy in the moment. See ya around.
