Where I Am Right Now: May 2026

I waited too long to write this, and now, my profession is being taken over by a machine.

Kind of.

Sort of.

Maybe it’s still worth it to create?

After the release of my novel (nearly two years ago!), I took a much-needed break from the blog, the newsletter, and even social media. I went into a personal development cave that, even now, I’m reticent to write about in detail. So much has transpired since the summer of 2024 that to dissect it all would take another two years, and then where would we be?

I have more questions than answers these days. But here’s a general overview of what’s changed since you last heard from me and where I am right now.

I met the love of my life.

Less than a month after Tempest made its debut, I decided to leave my apartment (read: vulnerability hangover nest) and go dancing. If it is possible to drag oneself into a public place, then that is what I did. Still exhausted by the events of June 2024 (why is that so long ago?), I planned to dance for exactly one hour and then head home.

But my friends were there… and I was having such a good time… and I stayed. And stayed and stayed. I two-stepped until I felt human again.

Just as I was about to leave, a man walked up and asked me to dance. I said yes.

And I said the same thing on Christmas Eve 2025, when he asked me to marry him.

I almost died (or so they told me).

The week that Kalin and I moved in together (this was in late March 2025), my body decided that a septic infection sounded like big fun and gave it a whirl.

I’m not a hospital person, but when I stopped being able to drink water, I knew it was time to go to the ER. Do I regret that decision? Mm… maybe a little. But a) I lived, and b) I learned that I CAN live, even when things go very, very sideways.

And Lord, did they ever.

Do you know where I was supposed to be while I was coming down from a fever of 107 and having blood drawn three times a day? That’s right: in Austin. At my best friend’s wedding.

This is one of those things I can never undo, and all I can say is that it sucked majorly.

I started a second career.

Your girl is now a fully certified postpartum doula!

After 1) watching a close friend experience postpartum depression, and 2) finally getting out of the hospital, I knew it was time. Time to seek training, time to create a shift in women’s/maternal health, and, at last, time to let the healer in me be seen.

It is one thing to give your family unsolicited health advice. It is another—ironically, healthier—thing to give that advice to people who actually ask for it.

This new career gives my desire to help a pathway and a purpose. We can’t truly care for our world without first caring for the mother. She is all her baby needs. We are all she has.

I traveled internationally for the first time.

In February of this year, I had the privilege of visiting Cancún with my fiancé and his family. It was my first time leaving the US and the perfect introduction to the international travel that Kalin loves so much.

You know, I finally understand why people go on tropical vacations in the dead of winter. What a relief to be in the sun for a week! 10/10 recommend.

But like, don’t forget to put sunscreen on the tops of your feet. I know you would never do that. But just in case you know someone who would… don’t let them.

(It’s me. I’m the someone.)

I went to Europe for a month.

Kalin and I have been talking about visiting Europe since our first date. He’s spent quite a bit of time there—particularly in Poland—and he was so excited to show me all his favorite things. I may be biased, but… he did an incredible job.

We started our adventure in Sweden this March, where Kalin spoke at a functional programming conference (he’s hot AND smart? How did this happen to me?!). We then flew to Germany, where we stayed for about two weeks.

Germany was everything I always dreamed it would be: stunning architecture, incredible food, and moody weather. Our favorite city was Hanover, where I saw my first half-timbered buildings (in real life!!!). But our favorite singular attraction was the Cologne Cathedral. I spent the first ten minutes crying because it was so beautiful.

After Germany, we took a train to Poland, where we stayed for another two weeks.

Let me just say that Poland is so underrated. The old towns are insanely beautiful—almost surreal—and the food is excellent. We saw everything from the Baltic Sea in Gdańsk to the Tatra Mountains in Zakopane. When I close my eyes, I go straight back to Malbork Castle, where we spent an afternoon.

The adventure of a lifetime.

I started writing a new book.

It’s about grief and my mom and all the things she taught me and all the ways I miss her.

AI can do a lot, but it can’t write this story for me.

For years, I have referred to the arts as “divine expression.” And in my own practice, that is what they will remain.

Other Random Tidbits

• I’ve gotten really good at making sourdough bread in the last year. So good that I had to move on to bagels, English muffins, tortillas, and pizza crust. My starter is never sleepy—that’s for sure.
• During my hiatus, I had my first peer-reviewed piece published in the Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies. You can read it here.
• The food quality in the US sucks compared to Europe. Full stop.
• I read a lot of books related to pregnancy and postpartum now (of course). Having demystified both, I no longer fear either.
• I started reading A Higher Call by Adam Makos while we were in Poland. Seemed fitting (and it’s absolutely fascinating).
• Kalin and I are getting married next month!!! I am so excited.
• Also, wedding planning is a full-time job???
• I spent much of the last two years ghostwriting but am now transitioning fully into author coaching. More on that soon!

I don’t know how frequently I’ll be posting here as I continue drafting my new book… but for now, this feels good.

Be well. xx