23rd June, 2024

New Beginnings

June is one of my favorite months on Martha’s Vineyard. I know they say spring is the time of new beginnings, but so is summer. I suppose beginnings happen daily and every minute, but I am focused on the here and now.

Before I move on to the events on Martha’s Vineyard, I must begin with our private little miracle: the birth of our grandson, Austin Alexander Shepard. True, he was born in May, but for the last nine months, we have been expecting him in June, so I will probably always think of him as our June baby.

The miracle isn’t just in the birth of this beautiful boy, who we all can’t wait to watch as he develops and forms his personality. It has been watching the transformation of his parents, particularly my daughter, as I know her best.

It is a wonder to watch her tenderness in handling Austin. Not that she has never been tender or loving. On the contrary, Talia has a huge heart and cares deeply for others. It’s just fascinating to step back and watch the daughter I took such care of now take on the role of mother.

I want to help. Sometimes – I’m afraid to admit – I want to take control. But I know that isn’t my role. I have to let Talia figure it out, and she is, with focus, patience, and lots of love.

Robby is a gem, too, not only as a father but also as a husband. He supports Talia in every way and is a loving, doting father. I love to watch him help with the baby, always following Talia’s lead. I am so grateful that Austin is in good hands with the parents he chose. (Chose? You might ask. Ah, but that is a subject for another day.)

After spending three weeks in South Carolina with Talia, Robby, and Austin (Goose the German shepherd and Ted the cat, too), I am home, sitting on our back porch, reflecting on all the beauty and good fortune surrounding me.

Another birth that has taken place this month is the publishing of my book, Journey to the Inner Light. This took much longer than nine months—in fact, it took over eight years. It was a labor of love, and I am proud to see it finished and on the shelf at Edgartown Books. (It can also be found at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org and Kobo.) I am overwhelmed, too. There has been a lot of hype around the book, thanks to the tremendous amount of support from our local community—particularly my writer friends. And, of course, all our other friends who have watched me and listened to me struggle to get to the finish line. Thank you all.

Publishing is just one phase in the birth of a book. Marketing, now that is an entirely different monster. So much to learn So much to do.

But here I sit. The sky is overcast, casting a dim light over the woods in our backyard. The squirrels chase one another while the birds compete for the bird feeder. A tiny bunny nibbles on the grass.

June is the month of blooming roses. Wild rosa rugosas spread across the sand dunes, bringing a bit of color to the beach. Their scent is strong and intoxicating as it wafts through the air with the wind. A stroll through Edgartown reveals red and pink roses peeking through the white picket fences. Jay has always wanted a rose-covered cottage, and so that is what we have in June: a rose-covered cottage.

Sometimes, June brings a rainstorm, sometimes, it is hot and muggy, and sometimes, the wind carries billowing clouds across the sky. The weather is often unpredictable. That is what I love about June; it brings change.

So, when the world goes crazy and the news is dark, I try to remember that every day, every moment, there is a new beginning. Something to cherish.

NOTE: You can order your copy of the book if you go to the Books Page. And don’t forget to check out the Events Page for updates.