On March 20, 2020, I wrote an essay titled “Diary of a Cockeyed Optimist.” It seemed apt: I have always looked for the brightness, for the hope, and for the upside in any situation. But I don’t live in a cocoon and it had become increasingly difficult to maintain that sunny disposition. When the reality of the pandemic filtered through my rose-colored glasses I knew I needed my optimism more than ever.

 A few days after I wrote that first essay, I bought diaryofacockeyedoptimist.com. The idea was to create a space where I could write for writing’s sake, practice storytelling, and explore my passions in addition to my usual travel content. It would basically be a brain dump and would keep me busy, keep me writing. It would give me hope and, possibly, help me inspire.

But, like many, many others, my ability to function at my normal levels skipped a few months.

I was getting back into the swing of things, being productive, being Type A, and then in August, 2020, I had my first mammogram. I was checking a box. Nope. In addition to a few other health issues I had discovered in the previous few weeks, I also found out I had breast cancer.

Great.

SO, no more procrastinating. I launched this brain dump because I had been writing to preserve my sanity and I needed an outlet. Cancer was a huge change and a lot to process. By writing, both about my health as well as other thoughts, I can share my words as well as keep my friends and family updated.

Now I’m also a novelist, with two Alex Paige mysteries under my belt and a third on its way. I LOVE writing fiction, and have several other series planned, as well as more Alex Paige stories.

This is my diary, of sorts, and I’m opening the pages to you. If you want to read it, subscribe and you’ll get an email when I publish a new post.

Thanks for your support, love, and friendship.

Theresa

Why subscribe?

Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and website. Never miss an update.

Stay up-to-date

You won’t have to worry about missing anything. Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox.

Join the crew

Be part of a community of people who share your interests.

To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.