I start this blog on a meaningful day: April 17th, the day I submitted 50% of my forthcoming book, The Happy Traveler, to my editor.

Back in January, I started this project with a swell of excitement like one I hadn’t felt in ages, but also with a bit of apprehension. The looming deadline, writing while attending to all the other things I care about (teaching, relationships, fitness, tidiness), and the fact that people will actually read the book created a perfect storm of worry.

Then, a godsend: snow. Lots of snow. Housebound, with nothing to do but lie around in jammies, I took out the computer and started putting down ideas, and that was the start. It wasn’t always easy or fun, but it was always easier and much more fun than I imagined it would be.

And now, I have five chapters chock full of – I think – useful and surprising advice on how we might all make better travel decisions.

To celebrate this milestone, I took my stand-up paddleboard out to Beaver Creek Reservoir today. It’s about 20 minutes west of me, in Crozet, yet a world away. I saw a blue heron, a flock of scary geese (am I alone here?), and turtles who plopped into the water one by one as I approached. I felt both gleeful and guilty watching this unfold. You really can be a traveler in your own hometown!

I plan to use this blog to get you as excited as I am about The Happy Traveler, while also keep you informed of my own happy travels.