Newsletter 12: Walking Through Time

May 2024

Most days I try and get outside for a walk with Adam. Sometimes it’s a stroll and sometimes it’s a brisk jaunt, sometimes we talk about story plots, other days we talk about the business of being indie authors, and some days we say ‘hello’ to and pet all the dogs. But the one thing that is certain is I will always stop at two very specific locations to take pictures with my phone.

I’m honestly not sure when this picture routine started. I think it was one week last summer, when each day presented me with a different sky and the light kissed the foothills with a magical glow. I wanted to capture the changing beauty. And then, it became a habit. And then it became a sort of meditation on the experience of this place through all the seasons at any given moment.

Currently, my phone is full of these pictures. Although I’m not sure if I’ll ever revisit them, because it’s not so much about the pictures as it is about taking a moment to notice the way the hills look like crumpled green woolen army blankets in the spring, beige and rusty tinder piles in the summer, the way they’re streaked with black charcoal like smudged mascara in the fall after the fires, dusted in the winter with sparkling snow making the hills look like the painted backdrop in an old Hollywood musical, not quite real, but magical. 

The sky is just as interesting. In our part of the Northwest we often get to see lenticular clouds; beautiful pancake stacks that tease spaceships might actually exist. Or fluffy, light glowing clouds so perfect it’s like they were painted by Thomas Kinkade. Or layers of clouds in shades of gray, putty-knifed over a silver gessoed sky. Or those rare days when there’s not a cloud in the sky and the blue is so perfect I wish I could drink it.

Yesterday was my birthday. I turned forty-five. And along with the pictures of the sky, river, and hills on my phone, I have more selfies than I like to admit. Some in the vain attempt to find one that’s just right to post to the socials. Others trying to capture my goofy moods so when times are dark I can be reminded I do actually experience joy. Some trying to grab a perfect moment with my loved ones even though I know a picture can’t hold all the magic those moments radiate. And some selfies I take simply in an attempt to catch my changing self. A new wrinkle, a tooth that is now more crooked, an age spot on my hand. I’m not sure if I’ll ever look at those either. And, if my photos still exist and are accessible one day, I think some techno-archeologist will wonder if I was a narcissist with a penchant for landscapes. But, there is something about slowing down. About taking a moment to notice the moment. To be exhilarated by it, awed by it, horrified by it, saddened by it, curious about it, enamored with it.

That’s what I’m inviting into this next year. Taking each moment, each season, for what it is. Accepting the burn marks, the age spots, the health complications along with the beautiful green hills, the goofy smiles, and the moments of perfect joy.

Are We There Yet?

Along with my intention above, another big goal for me this next year is to re-release Manly Hero and publish Lucky. It’s always been a dream of mine to be fully financially supported by my writing and publishing business and I feel like each year I get closer to being the writer and business person I need to be to do this. Nurturing my confidence, wisdom, and skill are three of my favorite parts of getting older. (I also kind of like the gray hair, if I’m being honest.) And, apparently, I’ve also improved my patience. Which, surprisingly, is very helpful.

I’ve reapproached ClickUp and the outlines for getting both books out within the next year and I’m having way too much fun with task management. It’s like the best video game ever. (Okay, along with Warzone, Overcooked, Skyrim, Halo, and Minecraft.) It’s so satisfying to create tasks and then mark them complete. And, I’ve changed some of my overly-idealistic approaches and timelines into ones that are much more doable. Another perk of aging, learning the balance between idealism and actual achievement.

We’re still getting notes back from our re-release readers for Manly Hero, and I love reading them as they come in. Their notes are so good, and keep proving to me just how smart, savvy, and thoughtful our re-release readers are.

We’ve got preliminary sketches of the re-release cover done and are now moving on to finding an artist to create the final cover art. I’ve also begun to shortlist audiobook narrators. (More on this in the future.)

Also, if any of you have a contact at KDP and are willing to connect us please email or DM me. I will be extremely grateful! I’m trying to sort out a few bumps in the re-release path.

Bye For Now

Substack and these monthly newsletters are a big part of my growing confidence. I’m so grateful for each of you who take the time to read or listen to my stories, poems, and newsletters. Thank you so much for supporting me in this journey. And, to those of you also sharing your writing on Substack, thank you for the inspiration, virtual camaraderie, and encouragement you share. Reading what you are creating stretches me, and often challenges me to keep going as well as try new things.

Thank you all for being part of my community. I hope you are being carried softly by the seasons of your life, and if the seasons are harsher than you would like, may they soon return to gentleness. 

Love you, Petra ❤️

P.S. I’d love for you to let me know in the comments what big goals you’re currently working toward or what your favorite part of aging is.

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