About the Author

Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, to a white-collar, conservative, Southern Baptist family, and a child of the 80s, I represent a large contingent of what could be considered typical Americana.

I am a follower of Jesus, and a free thinker. Looking at things from fresh angles and new perspectives is one of my daily habits.

Despite my appearance, I was born a natural misfit. Early on, it became evident there was something different about the way my mind works. I am neurodivergent and PROUD!

A southerner and a southpaw, as I grew, an ever-present frustration with mandated conformity in everything from the classroom to the use of scissors created in me a strong, though silent, resistance and skepticism.

Through my mother’s dedication, I developed a strong command of the English language. While profoundly introverted, I absolutely love to be heard through my writing.

The environment in which I grew up was one dominated by doctorate-level scientists and highly technical blue-collar professionals. Creative expression was something reserved for church activities and school projects. I chose the accounting path as a kind of default and, through great personal struggle and determination, managed moderate success for many years.

Through the influence of the natural beauty and life that surrounds me, my travel, and friends’ encouragement, I have branched more and more into the realm of the written word.

In the latter half of 2024, I began my first novel. I also began journaling about everything from my travels and culinary exploits and started to record the many adventures I’ve shared with my dogs.

I began to seriously invest in my hobby, and as of the first part of this year, launched into a career that I’ve always dreamed about.

Adventures (For your reading enjoyment)

The goal of this blog is to bring you, my readers, into contact with the beauty of the world and the people that surround you in ways that you’ve never experienced before.

Throw your preconceptions out the window!

We will delve into the beauty of life in new and unconventional ways! We will find causes that draw us together. We will embark on adventures that may seem otherworldly but are truly right outside your own front door! We will delve deep into the joys of the intuitive, adaptive, and adventurous, keeping an open mind while always maintaining just a note of healthy skepticism.

I intend for this to be a joyful and hope-filled space. Whatever is discussed, I want it to be informative and inspirational, driving you to pursue your own vitally magnificent dreams!

This blog will always take a people-first, LOVE your neighbor approach to every topic discussed, every product explored, and every place we go. No exceptions. No exclusions.

You are inexpressibly valuable, irreplaceable, and unique. With that in mind, the topics I present here will be from the very best of my experience. The people, places, and products recommended in the blog will, without exception, have been thoroughly vetted by me personally, many times through a lifetime of experience.

What I write about will be topics where I have the most experience, that bring me the most joy. I believe you will find these to be a lot of fun, adventure-inspiring, and downright exceptional!

Main Topics

Food

I want to explore the art of food with you, tracing it all the way back to its source. Food that is affordable, sustainable, healthy, and delicious.

We’ll discuss how to make, and where to find the very best, delving into unique farms and markets, and talking about the chefs and restaurants that drive excellence forward.

Dogs

Adventurous, loyal, and ever optimistic, dogs play an important role in our lives and in society.

I want to tell you the stories of the many adventures I’ve been on with my dogs. Tell you of the stories of their rescue. And let you in on some of the truly epic things I’ve seen them do.

Travel

We live in a magnificent place, this world of ours. From right here in Appalachia, to wherever the road takes us, we can share the adventure together.

We’ll talk of the amazing people we’ve encountered, the awe-inspiring landscapes we’ve seen, and the architecture that defines history’s great achievements. Then we’ll plan our next adventure!

Books

The written word tells a story and inspires like nothing else. Books hold together the understanding of our past and the dreams of our future. We’ll discuss great works from local authors, indie writers, world-famous word smiths, and truth-tellers. We’ll even talk about what I have coming out soon…

Gear

For any undertaking, you’ll want to be properly equipped. We’ll cover the clothing, hardware, and kit I’ve used personally to help you meet your goals, get to where you want to be, and have fun while you’re at it.

Good Causes

Those who go above and beyond for others, who help without recognition or reward, whose businesses or organizations create tremendous benefits to society as a whole; those who make a town a place you’d want to live. I want to draw them into the spotlight if only for a moment and highlight their contribution to the community.

I would love to hear from you and look forward to our time together. If there are any topics, locations, or products you would like to see featured, don’t hesitate to drop me a note.

Introduction