It's official! I am now a published author. Today is the first day I step onto the road in the next leg of this journey. What lay ahead of me, I don't really know, but I'm excited to find out. Before I look ahead and start marching forward, I must take a quick glimpse back at the many different paths I've left behind.

I see the the faint outline of a small trail winding its way through the tall leafy jungle, moving beside the winding river, leading deeper into the dense forest. I then notice the dusty dirt road with its many mud holes and cozy tunnels of overcast trees, giving way to the one lane gravel drive. Soon loose stones turn into a smooth unlined two lane with its low shoulders and caution signs.

Next, white and yellow lines appear along with small reflectors as the rules increase along with the dangers of accumulating traffic. Speeds are limited, miles are marked and direction choices become more often, each leading down different journeys.

I'm now entering the on ramp of the busy interstate, ready to mingle into the already moving heavy traffic toward the city. My seat belt is securely fastened and my vehicle has been inspected (lights, blinker, oil, tires, horn and engine) and I'm ready to merge. I know I have to accelerate to be up to speed by the time I reach the flow.

I hope you're in the car with me, because once I get on, I can easily get lost in the frenzy.

Thank you, everyone, who has supported this dream. I wasn't alone in making it come true and I won't be alone when it soars through the universe or when the next dream decides to take flight.

As my title says up at the top... Buckle up... it's going to be an exciting ride!!!

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray