This month’s Christmas chaos came not from Santa, but from my battle-worn cat Lucky, whose abscess, cone, and dramatic antics turned my home into a clinic-meets-comedy show. Between cleaning splattered walls, supervising his every wobble, and pondering whether Santa himself has a cat, I eventually found relief in Lucky’s healing ear and his triumphant return to rooftop freedom.

What began as a weekend threatened by storms turned into a pair of unexpectedly joyful author events, where ease, connection, and genuine conversation replaced the old pre-launch nerves. From a packed memoir showcase to a rain-soaked but lively book fair, I felt myself settling fully into my role as an author, grateful for the people I met, the stories shared, and the quiet confidence that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

When a New York literary agent called to say my book had been approved for film pitching, I let myself believe, just for a moment, that the dream was coming true. It turned out to be a scam, but in the letdown came something unexpected: a renewed sense of purpose, and a reminder that maybe the dream isn’t over after all.

Help me share the heart of Grit & Grace with more readers! From leaving an Amazon review to adding the book on Goodreads or sharing links on social media, every small action helps spread its message of hope and perseverance.

Saturday’s book signing at Indigo Granville in British Columbia was unforgettable. The busy street outside and the hum of conversations inside set the scene as I set up my table of Grit & Grace beneath the bold red letters, “The World Needs More Canada.” What began with nerves quickly turned into heartfelt conversations with readers about life, resilience, and adventure.

With my audiobook finally finished and ninety books packed into my little car, I hit the road for a two-month book tour and family visit in British Columbia. In this post, I share the highlights of my 1,500-mile solo drive—from winding through redwoods and losing my sunglasses, to reconnecting with friends, promoting Grit & Grace, and arriving at the lakeside cottage that’s been my summer haven for decades. Here's to a new season of stories, silence, and soul rest.

I turned a spare bedroom into a recording studio, battled laryngitis, learned the ins and outs of audio editing, and even had a few feline interruptions—but I finally did it! After months of work, Grit & Grace is now available as an audiobook. In this post, I share the ups, downs, and surprises along the way to bringing my story to life in a whole new format.

A quick recap of my time at the LA Times Festival of Books—an inspiring weekend of stories, authors, and community. Plus, a few exciting updates and news from behind the scenes!

Life aboard Elixir wasn’t just about restoring a boat—it was about the relationships built along the way, including with two beloved cockatiels, Tiki and Kiwi. From their early days of hand-feeding and playful antics to their unexpected nesting adventures, these feathered companions brought joy and laughter to life in the islands. But as boat life demanded change, fate intervened, leading them to a new home where they could fly free once more. Join us as we revisit this heartwarming journey of friendship, adaptation, and new beginnings.

Restoring Elixir meant tackling every challenge head-on, including the structural damage hidden beneath the surface. Discovering rot in the stern led to months of careful reconstruction, from replacing the keel deadwood to fabricating a new sternpost and counter timber. With skilled craftsmanship and patience, Tosh pieced it all back together, reinforcing the boat’s strength and integrity. Just like in life, every part was connected—making this restoration a true labor of love and resilience.