This past month has been one of those rare times when the threads of life weave together in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. After road-tripping from Nashville through North Carolina with stops in Wilmington and Charlotte, and down into southern Tennessee, I found myself surrounded by connections that span my entire tapestry of life.
Some of these encounters go all the way back to childhood (Hang family), others blossomed during my years in Kauai (McComb/Smith family), and still others were made through those magical six degrees of separation (Lizbeth Meredith). Each moment was a reminder that the people we meet—whether they sparkle, strengthen, or surprise—are the ones who make our journey so unforgettable. ✨
Not everyone is pictured or tagged, but to each person who has been part of this wild ride: thank you. You’ve helped stitch together my magic carpet of life. And yes, along the way I took detours—sometimes on purpose, sometimes unplanned—but every detour added richness and joy. 🚗💫
September Marks Look Up's Sweet Sixteen
This month also marks a very personal milestone. On September 27, 2009, my world was literally turned upside down when a thousand-pound tree limb fell on me. Sixteen years later, I’m still here, still looking up, and still embracing every gifted year since. I’m not sure if it counts as a “sweet sixteen,” but it certainly feels sweet to be alive, thriving, and sharing these stories. 🌳💚
Looking ahead, my journey with Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience continues. My goal is to meet each contributor in person by mid-2026—a dream I’m steadily bringing to life. I’m also brewing up the idea for my next project: a limited-series podcast that dives even deeper into resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected twists of life.
Until then, the very best way you can support me (and any author!) is to leave a review of Look Up. Your words help amplify the message and bring it into the hands of someone who just might need it most. 🙏
Here’s to connections, detours, and the magic of looking up.
