Homesick in Paradise

Learning to live only for today

This isn’t a negative post, I promise. It’s a wake-up call to enjoy life one day at a time.

When I’m in Miami, my job is to write. I’m surrounded by the insanity of Miami, the traffic, the noise, the weather that cannot seem to find its balance, and the constant festivals or events that bring crowds to the city. But Miami is ALIVE. There are critics galore, but I’m not one of them. I like it here.

This year, if you’ve been following my journey in publishing, you know that I’ve been buried this with what I call “administrative” things. While they are necessary for me to ensure growth as an author, I started writing again today, and it’s been a relief.

Yet, the feeling is beginning to build. I’ve learned that living in two places is not as easy or as glamorous as it seems. Beyond the “where are my favorite pants” issues, the long overseas flights, and the never-ending jet lag, there is the emotional impact of having to see my “kids” through photos and videos.

Yet they are happy and well-taken care of. This one thing allows me to relax and write.

Yes, Caramel needs a good brushing. And yes, her halter is too big. When they arrived, the halters were horrible and too tight, so I intentionally bought them too large and soft. They will get leather ones this summer.

The guinea hens were babies when I left. They love being up high. They will be in the trees soon.

The bees are tucked in for the winter. There’s been enough rain and it’s nice and green. The bee plants have been seeded and are dormant, but ready to explode in the spring. I will be there to see it happen this year.

The best thing? Seeing that Chocolat has gained weight. His back is no longer sway, his stomach is fatter, his ribs less pronounced, and yes, he still needs a serious trim. Now we get to figure out what’s happening with his right shoulder and understand why his feet are so weak. And why he stands in such an awkward position when he eats.

As the owner of a rescued racing horse, if I EVER find the person who gave this horse those drugs, you guys will have to HOLD ME BACK. Thanks so much to Yenar, our vet, and his constant monitoring.

Looking at all the green winter grass makes me understand why both horses love to roll in it. Its lucious.

We’ve decided that neither of us can be away for so many months, so we will visit in January while traveling to other places. For now, I have to remind myself to look out the window in Miami at the beautiful blue water and be thankful for what I have. Then put my head back down and write.

I hope you have a terrific holiday season. Thank you for reading. I’m looking forward to 2026. Are you?

Ok, gotta get back to it. Three books are scheduled to come out this next year!