January

My novel was released on January 16th. Writing is also a fundamental part of this dream - this was a big moment, and a big step. Expanded my astrology business too.

February

March

Hatched the idea of going to Arizona, which is hard since I am constantly fighting with my fear of riding. I made calls and got quotes for the work needed on Don's motorcycle. Also picked up an application form from Office Depot; the financials need taking care of. Expanded the astrology business once again. I bought maps and looked at them a lot, planned out imaginary routes - just as I did when I went to Cornwall and the other Landmarks. This is part of visualising an outcome, and it works. I'm thinking California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah... While I was at it, I bought a mileage log book and joined the WOW mileage scheme. The magazine of the organisation really inspired me.

I hunted for a used laser printer; I came up with the best promotional idea for "Rhaeva" yet, and I need a laser printer for it.

STOP PRESS! I just got an email back from a nice lady in the East Bay who says I can have her laser printer! Whoo-hooo!

April

I have committed to riding 1200 miles before going on the trip, and need to raise that amount of money as well. The treasure hunt will help (when the materials finally get here!) Maybe I should just put the dummy Web site, which I built, up there also... another request to the wyrd. I found a lady with whom to ride, and she is very cool indeed. All the clues point to this outcome, that I go on the ride (which feels like another step towards the dream); all the logic points that I won't be able to. I don't understand, really.

I just got back from the L.A. Times Festival of Books, sharing a booth there with a bunch other authors from iUniverse. I was blessed by being taken there by someone who had been a stranger (fellow author Dale Aycock) and with whom I clicked, so that we came home as friends. It was only through Dale's kindness that I was able to attend - it never ceases to amaze me how people are kind and how we meet just the right people at just the right time to empower one another.

The show itself was educational, but I will not do it this way in future. I put a lot of time and effort into printing materials which weren't used because the planning could not cope with the chaotic reality. We all learnt a lot, and I did sell one book and met an online acquaintance, which made my day. I also got the much-needed freedom of wandering around Santa Monica for a while, beside the lovely ocean. But I'm definitely a bit deflated, wondering "what next". I think I've reached that stage in the labyrinth where everything seemed to be going well and then you swing far away from the goal.

By the way, I found an interesting book at the Festival - the only one that seemed to reach out and grab me. It's called "The Introvert Advantage". I'm finding it very useful, and will write more about what it means to me when I'm done reading.

May