Happy First Birthday to Hard Skin — Melissa Llanes Brownlee

Honestly, it came so quickly. I can’t believe my girl is 1 already. That’s just crazy to me.

So many years writing, and then not writing, and then writing again, and then finally getting these stories published, and then more years trying to find someone to publish my collection. Grateful to FlowerSong Press/Juventud Press for taking a chance on me!

If you have seen my socials, you know I took her out for lunch to some kaitenzushi - we both needed the treat!

I also posted a video playing ukulele and singing Pua ‘Olena - check it out here on my ukulele Instagram account.

Finally, on the other good news front:

Acceptance at SoFloPoJo
Secret news I can’t share until next week but it’s wonderful
I booked flights for my VACATION!! So excited! A week camping next to a black sand beach on an island in Tokyo! I am planning to be off-grid as much as possible.

I’m tired now… so I will get on with the rest of my day. Sending light and love and creativity to you all!