Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a party with the extended family. We have all been careful over the past 16 months, so I had not seen my cousins, aunts, and uncles for a very long time. The family union was joyous and deeply felt, even more so than our pre-Covid gatherings, which were always important events.

Much conversation was spent on “Covid war stories.” Though we had many experiences in common, it was clear the pandemic demanded a different journey from each us. Everyone faced unique challenges; many of my family members (me included) find themselves exhausted at the end of this road. Still, we are happy to come out of hibernation, and grateful for our health and each other as we enter into post-pandemic life.

As with many of my friends and family, the pandemic motivated me to think deeply about my life. Not through a lens of criticism, but through gratitude couple with the recognition that intentionality is always a good thing.

I’ve gone through periods of life where I’ve been good about setting limits and focusing on goals that inspire passion and excitement. At other times, it’s been hard to keep certain dreams from sinking beneath the quagmire of daily reality and practical concerns. Covid19 reminded me that cultivating dreams is still, and has always been, at the center of what we should consider “practical.” We’re granted a short time in this world; we must do our best to dedicate that time to the people, activities, and projects that challenge us and give us joy. I consider this insight a gift, and I hope to stay in touch with it as “normal life” takes over, with its joys to be sure, but also with its noise and illusions.

Now that I’ve had some time again in the “real world,” I feel ready to re-enter the virtual space of my blog, which has been more-or-less neglected throughout the pandemic. I have a lot I would like to share. I recently finished a manuscript for a new novel. The creative journey of this work, which started toward the beginning of the lockdown last year, has been extraordinary. It’s demanded so much of me, and has given abundantly in return. I want to tell you about that journey, and also keep you updated as I embark on the querying process.

I’m also commissioning new covers for The Silver Web trilogy. It’s been five years (!) since the second edition of EOLYN and her companion novels were released with stunning artwork by Thomas Vandenberg. I love those covers, but five years is five years. It’s time for something new. I’ve teamed up with Autumn M. Birt for this project, who in addition to being an artist is also an ecologist and entomologist. I love her work, and I’m very excited about our collaboration. The cover reveals will come with giveaways and other events, so please stay tuned as we head into fall.

There will also, of course, be more stories about the bees. I’ve scaled back field work this summer due to other obligations, but I do have some bee adventures ahead, and I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Mostly, I want to reconnect with you as we head into post-pandemic life; as we consider what we would like to take forward on that journey, and what would best be left behind.

In addition to following my blog, I’d like to invite you to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, where in addition to short updates every week, you’ll find video readings of my published works and previews of my new manuscript.

Thank you for stopping by to read! I look forward to seeing you back here again soon.