Life, in many ways, can feel super complicated. I read about the tragedy in Texas while I was putting Sonic 2 on for the kids, making them popcorn, writing a list out of stuff to pack for our trip, and answering emails about Summer Breakdown stuff.

The world seemed to stop, but so much waited for me to tend to. The rest of the day was foggy yet tasks were all around me, begging for my attention. Life needed me. My kids needed me.

Right now, we’re on a flight to Orlando, headed for Disney! It feels sort of like a strange thing to do today, I’m not gonna lie. 

I went when I was little, but Colin and the kids have never been. We started planning this right before Covid hit the US, and now, we’re finally on our way. We’re super excited! I’m extremely grateful we get to do this together, and give this to our kids.

Lots of exciting book stuff is going on. Deadlines loom. Life needs me. My kids need me. I told my friend I feel sort of weird going to Disney this week. It feels sort of weird to share book news. It feels sort of weird to keep trucking  along. She reminded me of this—“While it’s appropriate to be sad and enraged, we must live our joys because those lost will not be able to and we cannot let the darkness win.”

So today, I won’t let the darkness win. I’ll search for the beauty, the joy, and the light of life.

Let’s all try our best.

Something that’s been bringing me quite a bit of joy lately is Summer Breakdown’s book cover—and I wanted to share it with you!

Seeing this, even the first few versions I didn’t end up choosing—was emotional. This has been a dream of mine for SO long! And now, the story is set, the cover is chosen, plans are in place, and I’m well on my way to getting this baby into the world. 25 days, to be exact! 

Thank you so so much for coming along for the ride.