NOW

Inspired by Derek Sivers and his nownownow.com repository.

This page not only gives you a more in-the-moment sense of what I’m up to, but it also acts as a reminder to myself of where my energy needs to be directed.

We all struggle to say “no” sometimes, don’t we? Glancing back at my NOW page reminds me that if something isn’t a “hell yes!”… then it’s a NO.

I’ll add updates here as life and relationships and workflows dictate.

Over time, it’ll become a sort of time capsule. A series of snapshots. Dare I say… a story?

UPDATED 6.2.25

Literally right this second now–sitting in the lanai, working on a refurbished MacBook (why it took me so long to realize the flexibility of a laptop, I will never know), enjoying the rain and a fan.

Many, many trips the past couple months. Minnesota and Colorado and Michigan, work and family. Invested in some new Cotopaxi gear to simpifly travel/flights.

Both podcasts spinning. Social media manager cranking. Learning as I go.

I’m sure I can’t be alone in the feeling of being perpetually behind!

About to launch volume one of JOYFUL JOURNEYS with my Senior Friendship Center students.

Completed first draft of NOBODY’S COMING, the one-man show I’m developing/directing with retired Green Beret Scott Mann. That’s the big project for the rest of this year.

Scored a surprisingly large (relatively speaking) royalties check from Pioneer Press for AESOP’S GREATEST HITS.

And therapy with Doc Diego has been far more impactful than I ever expected. Ancillary–ENTANGLED, a show about mental health and therapy that I consulted and assited with, had a terrific world premiere run. Keep talking about this stuff, everyone.

UPDATED 3.3.25

Going through an interesting combination of an abundance of ideas (too many?) and simultaneously drilling down and getting more clarity on what I do and why and who I offer it to.

Social media manager is killing it. I’ve found an authentic voice for reels and such. Just always reminding myself that those outlets are tributaries, not the river.

Finally–as in after years of deliberation–figured out my next tattoos. In honor of my pups, Gaia and Odin. Scheduling the delicious pain soon.

This past weekend was an Own Every Room storytelling workshop, out in the middle of old Florida. Storytelling by the firepit… powerful stuff. And coaching… lights me up, and leaves me exhausted. Both good feelings.

Next book/podcast coming together, and switched from Alitu to Riverside.fm for podcasting. Thank you, Alitu, for getting me going. But Riverside offers many more features at a significantly lower price point.

Booked a two-week getaway up to Michigan this summer. Rebecca will be helping her sister with summer camp, and I will be treating myself to a writing retreat. Gaia and Odin finally get to experience Michigan, too!

UPDATED 2.4.25

This past weekend I completely redesigned and cleaned out my “cloffice.” As I’ve hired a social media manager (and am taking all those platforms live later this week), I needed the clarity and space.

Frank Sinatra doesn’t move pianos. He does two things. He sings. And he prepares to sing.

I am focusing on telling stories and coaching storytellers. Or preparing to do so.

Last week I took an awesome memoir writing class with Julie Metz. So vital to flip to the student side every once in a while. To get rejuvenated and refreshed. To hear new things and to hear things new.

Personal note… today marks 8 years with my beloved Rebecca. She is my heart.

Clients, students, LAST OUT, OPERATION PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, and Lifeline all rolling along. Carving out time to get my own writing back to the forefront.

UPDATED 12.27.24

This exact second I have the coolest Christmas present on my desk next to my keyboard. It’s a 1-liter oak barrel to age spirits at home. My beloved Rebecca gave it to me, and once it finishes curing I shall fill it with her favorite (and the drink we had on our first date)… a batch of Old Fashioned.

Big picture I’m working on launching my storycoaching biz to a new level in 2025. This means hiring a social media manager, because while I appreciate the marketing power of social media, I do not have the patience or desire to learn how to do it. This also means pulling back on my publishing of other authors so I can focus on writing my own next book and merging into the speaking/workshop/seminar lane. This also means continuing my newsletter and podcast (hey there, season 2!).

I am incredibly grateful for my handful of long-term clients. Penny, Emily, and James, I’m looking at you.

2025 will be full of travel as I’m working with the newest version of LAST OUT: ELEGY OF A GREEN BERET. I adapted it into a one-act and directed this new iteration, and will be touring with the awesome cast to many exciting places to share this important and impactful story.

Speaking of that Green Beret, my dear friend and colleague Scott (Ret. Lt. Col.) has entrusted me to help him adapt his New York Times Best-Selling book OPERATION PINEAPPLE EXPRESS into a one-man show for him to perform this coming year. I am beyond honored and excited.

I’m also about to jump into workshopping an interactive play with my awesome bud Will for Lifeline Productions. Lifeline uses theatre to combat the stigmas associated with mental illness. We took my play Off-Broadway this past summer–which still blows my mind–and I’m thrilled to see where Will’s genius-improv brain takes this next project.

As with my clients, I’m so grateful for my students. They keep on coming back and filling up my classes at ACE. Hoping for similar fun and transformative stories at the Senior Friendship Center.

In the meantime, go Lions! And I’m gonna keep playing with my grill and smoker, find time to bump my bowling average, and enjoy every couch-cuddle with Rebecca and our pups, Gaia and Odin.

A final random shout out to Austin Kleon, who greatly influenced my thinking, reading, and viewing throughout 2024.