First Visit to the Pacific

I just returned from my first trip to the Pacific Ocean. It's no wonder it is known as the "peaceful sea." This sunset sums it up perfectly.

Reading at reJAVAnate

Thanks again to all who came to reJAVAnate on Sunday. It was a truly wonderful experience!

The Power of Family

I'm here to testify to the unshakeable power of family. Case in point: I had my signing/reading at the reJAVAnate coffee shop in Las Vegas yesterday. There was a wonderful crowd, thanks to my Aunt Mary and Uncle Greg, who have not only provided a roof over my head for the last two months, but the full support I needed to promote myself and Haunted By Waters.

They brought friends and family from around the area to hear me read, all of whom participated in guessing what films inspired which poems. Their communion was a welcome addition to the reading, as it made the afternoon more of a round table discussion, as opposed to a speaker/audience affair. It was a rousing good time, capped by a full-on BBQ back at their house. Everyone was very complimentary and sincere in congratulating me on my public debut, and it felt wonderful! All thanks to my family, who rallied my audience and made my day.

As my tour of the west comes to a close, my thoughts rarely leave those that have made the last year of my life - and the publishing of my first book - possible. All the people to whom I am either linked by blood, or natural gravitation. Belief is an illusive mistress, and one made only more special when mirrored by people found close to the heart. There's a reason I dedictated the book to my family and friends, but I feel I owe them much more than an inscription. I owe them my everlasting thanks and gratitude.