Anything is Possible...

Work gloves, scarf and The Book

When I went to South Africa I knew that I would write a book about the incredible experience and events that took place there. They were life changing for me and I knew that if I could share the story it would be life changing for other people as well because it would show them that they too can overcome any fear, obstacle and grief amongst other things.

         But the story behind the story is pretty cool too and I'll be posting a whole series about that. I always wanted to write, it was my dream but like most people I kept my dream out there in dreamland where it was safe from judgment or failure. But what my experience in Africa taught me was that now is the time to live, not later and if we don't take chances then what are we doing? We're certainly not living. So I buckled down and I worked at making my dream a reality.

         When I returned I put my bloodstained work gloves, scarf - that was used to protect my face from an elephant named Kittibon who used to spit straw, dung or water in my face every morning and a sketch of my book cover wrapped around another book into an envelope, they would be tucked away until the day my completed book was published, then I would frame them together.

         That was just short of three years ago and now the day has finally come when I can frame my dream. And here's a little eee-eee-eee fact (insert Twilight Zone theme music): the book cover I sketched is identical to the one the publisher created - I.D.E.N.T.I.C.A.L.

         It's been a long journey to get here. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to give up on my dream or how many times doubt and fear tried to stop me from writing. I can't tell you how many times people looked at me sideways when I told them I was writing a book. I can't even tell you how many rejection letters I got from literary agents or publishers - but I can tell you they make good wallpaper, wrapping paper and fire starters - and that's why I can't count them but there were a lot, OK, there were like thousands, millions even - at least it felt that way.

         But what I can tell you is this: we all have a dream that is just waiting to be fulfilled, so no matter what yours is, go for it because anything is possible and every time an obstacle appears in front of you, which it will, just blow that sh*t up because life is short and getting shorter by the minute. And as far as what other people think of your dream? Pffft who cares!

Adventures Await!