If you are reading this, then I hope you have found my website with a goal of exploring some part of my world. I appreciate your patience as I am working on bit by bit piecing this website together while putting the finishing touches on Book One. The first book should be available during the week of 9/15 in the hardback and paperback form.
Other updates regarding the books and website would include: A picture of the third book cover should be available this week on the website as well with the majority of that book’s manuscript completed; completing Book 2 is definitely my next big project as this will truly be the most difficult and meaningful of the books personally- I want to get it “just right” before it is released with a goal of the next few weeks seeming reasonable at this point – stay tuned; Book 3 should follow that in short order; the mental health resources will be expanded as I reach out to smaller groups with which I have personal experience or knowledge; and the merchandising section will be expanded to a much more complete set of offerings as I get an opportunity to work with the appropriate vendors this next week to make options more meaningful and personal (suggestions always welcome).
I remain the “imperfect human” I have previously noted and which my first and second books will make obvious. My mental health journey continues. I remain on Ativan at a relatively low dose, as well as the same anti-depressant therapy. My speech issues seem largely stable relative to my last writing – imperfect but functional. Trying to get all of my thoughts converted into words remains a challenge as does carrying on equal conversations. I have increased my social opportunities with new friendships I have found and new participation in local chess clubs. The only way to improve my speech is to keep putting myself in new social environments and challenging myself – I will perservere!
As far as my physical recovery, I am no longer wearing a “boot” and get to live in shoes full time. Physical therapy is a daily reality, be it at my PT center, at home, taking walks, or my new habit of swimming. The strength of my surgical leg is steadily but slowly improving. I mostly enjoy the rehabilitation knowing the benefit it is having and with my goal oriented personality kicking in as always. The most unusual exercise is trying to pick up marbles (possible future merchandising item) with my weak toes. It seems silly but truly does make a difference in my ability to walk. And my walks are one of my key ways to meet new people and socialize in new ways. I was known in the neighborhood as the “boot man” and have developed a regular route with numerous known neighbors, which makes my walks a pleasant experience. They are a good mixture of time to think and time to socialize. I enjoy building new bridges.
To that end, I am hoping that as my books become published, people read them, and this website becomes increasingly functional, there will an opportunity for me to make connections with any number of like-minded individuals to expand my social network for the betterment of myself, those I connect with, and potentially beyond.
So feel free to respond and share whatever you are comfortable sharing. In turn I will do my best to respond. Thanks to all of you reading this for being willing to share in any way you can in my continued mental health journey.
