The Journey Onwards
Looking ahead to 2025
As 2025 approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the journey we’ve shared here and the many themes we’ve explored together. I began this Substack in February of this year, but for simplicity’s sake, let’s call this the end of year one. With the beginning of 2025, we step into the second chapter of The House of Oaks and Owls.
Over the course of 45 weekly posts, nature has been our predominant guide—particularly the landscapes and wild beauty of Ireland. We've delved into the healing aspects of being in nature, the art of listening deeply, and the connections we form with trees, animals, and especially birds, whose plight often reflects our shared challenges. Interwoven with these are personal updates about where I am and what I’m doing, alongside explorations of literature, the joy of good books, and the etymology of certain words. We've ventured into history, uncovering local treasures in Ireland, and contrasted those with the vibrant life and nature of Guatemala, where I spend my winters. Travel stories, spiritual reflections, and musings on meaning and belonging have also featured prominently as I’ve sought to weave connections across these varied threads.
A heartfelt thank you to those of you who have jumped onboard with a paid subscription—your support means the world to me. I have been writing for many years, but never before have I truly aimed to be compensated for it. It has always been a dream of mine to devote more of my time to writing and, even more so, to be supported in that endeavor. Your belief in what I create has brought me closer to making that dream a reality, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
I strive to keep as much of my content free and accessible to everyone. Whether you have the means or desire to become a paid subscriber, I am simply happy to have you here, sharing in this journey. However, if you’d like to support my work in another way, I am thrilled to share that my first publication, All Our Wandering Vol. 1, will be released on Amazon KDP early in the new year. This book is the culmination of countless hours of effort and is something I am truly proud of. Your support—whether through subscribing, reading, or purchasing my book—means more than words can convey. Thank you for being part of this creative adventure.
Looking ahead to 2025, I feel inspired to bring more structure to this space. With that in mind, here’s a roadmap for the coming year:
Monthly Themes:
First Sunday: Trees of Ireland
Trees have fascinated me for many years, and their presence continues to inspire my work. On the first Sunday of each month, we’ll explore the history, symbolism, and ecological importance of a specific tree. From ancient folklore to modern relevance, these posts will dive deep into the life and lessons of the trees that shape our landscapes and stories.
Second Sunday: A Variety of Topics
Literary Insights: Reflections on books, authors, etymology, and the enduring importance of stories.
Spiritual Reflections: Themes of meaning, belonging, and the soul’s journey, inspired by traditions from Ireland and beyond.
Seasonal Specials: Posts honoring the rhythms of nature, tying in Irish customs and reflections on the passing seasons.
Third Sunday: Traveling Tales
I have always loved capturing the magic of spontaneous encounters and unexpected adventures—those moments that surprise and shape us in the most memorable ways. These posts will be a place where I share stories from those experiences, offering glimpses into the planned and unplanned journeys and chance meetings that have left a lasting imprint on my life. Through these tales, I hope to bring you along for the ride and perhaps inspire your own adventures, big or small.
Fourth Sunday: Spontaneity and Serendipity
The fourth Sunday is a space for spontaneity—a chance to share whatever feels most alive in the moment. It might be a story or a thought sparked by the natural world, or simply something unplanned that feels worth exploring. These posts will be open and flexible, allowing room for the unexpected and the joy of following where inspiration leads.
There you have it folks, that is the plan going forward. By the end of 2025 I aim to have some 50+ posts exploring these themes, taking us on a journey with unexpected twists and turns. I will also be spending 2025 writing Volume 2 of All Our Wandering with the hope to have it available by Christmas next year, if not sooner!
As we step into a new year, I want to wish each of you peace, joy, and a deep connection to the world around you.
Thank you for journeying with me through these pages.
Here’s to another year of shared curiosity and discovery.
Happy New Year!
A REMINDER!!!
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