Happy New Year

Welcome, 2021. It’s been an interesting year. I’m usually a pretty upbeat person, but 2020 was a tough one. Wouldn’t it be nice to turn on the news and hear more positive and a little less negative?

I, for one, am happy to say goodbye to the past 12 months. GOODBYE.

I’m not much for resolutions, but this year, I would definitely like to travel more. As a writer, I rely on travel, seeing new places, and meeting new people as a way to gain a new perspective, which helps with my process.

Where would I like to go? Italy is way up there. And although I may travel by plane sometime this year, I’m not sure Europe is on the agenda for this year. Tuscany is calling my name, but I remain cautious when it comes to infectious disease.

Another place on the top of my list is Kauai, Hawaii. I got married there almost 15 years ago and it is (and I don’t use this word often) magical. It happens as soon as I step off the plane – the feeling of calm washes over me. It doesn’t hurt when you’re met with friendly islanders offering leis. But, again, that’s a long flight… I’m not quite ready for that yet.

A road trip is definitely in my near future, though. This winter, my wife, Kim, and I will probably go to one of our new favorite destinations, Sedona, AZ. From Castle Rock, CO, it’s about 11 hours. Sedona is perfect between 40 and 60 degrees in the winter. The sun is usually shining and there are a ton of hiking trails.

Traveling will be a little easier this year because we found the perfect dog sitter, who will stay with them most of the time. Yes, I admit, our 3 dogs are spoiled. Kim and I both work from home and besides writing, my life pretty much centers around them. It’s all good, as the rewards far outweigh the responsibility.

Happy Trails, Mark