Dear friends and readers,
I have mentioned this one briefly before… and I’m finally thrilled to announce that “Write the Neighbourhood”, an anthology edited by Annabel Townsend and published by Pete’s Press is Live! You can buy the paperback online via Amazon, and it will be coming out in select bookstores next month.
My piece on “Home” shares the story of our build here in Costa Rica… there has been so much sweat, tears, and even blood in this journey — which has certainly humbled me, initiated me, and re-birthed me as a person, in many ways. Lately on my blog I have been sharing some snippets into the challenges and daily realities of jungle life out here — but I’ve mostly kept quiet about the build itself, saving the story for this publication. Below are a few snaps from back in December when we were starting out!
As a little preview: with our team, we went from an overgrown hill covered in weeds (and no electricity on the property!) to living in our home (which is still a work-in-progress but I think that may always be the case…) in 6 months… In that time we also rescued newborn pups, umbilical cords still wet and attached. Here are a few more snaps of where we are today.
This journey has been an adventure no doubt, and I’m excited to share this glimpse into my life and my reflections from this experience. Some of you may know that one day I plan to write a whole book about my Costa Rica adventures… but that may still be some time away, as we are currently inundated (figuratively and literally, dealing with torrential wet season rains).
We have a lot to take care of, nurturing home and our family and settling into our new life here. So in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy this piece — along with the brilliant work of other authors from around the world as we connect in a common thread reflecting on home and community.
I would also sincerely like to thank Annabel Townsend for the invitation back in April to write for this publication. It came at a time I was feeling pretty flat creatively — exhausted from the months of building and infant-puppy nursing, and in general deflated over general struggles to make a living as an artist. The invite gave me a much needed spark to write more, and get more of my work out there. Sometimes being an independent author can feel pretty hard and an uphill struggle to be noticed — and when appreciation comes, it is deeply felt, and a reminder of why I do this. To touch hearts and connect, and share the lessons I’ve learnt through a life that’s been pretty jam-packed with all sorts of different experiences.
I wish you a wonderful weekend, and to all other creative folk out there, I want to encourage you to keep pursuing your art!
With Love and gratitude for your presence and support,
Cara