I'm sitting here at my keyboard, sipping on a Tito's and grapefruit juice, having sent the next chapter of Michael's story to my proofreader. As I've written on here before, the story is a loose retelling of my story with a happier twist. Different characters are me, or the me I might have been without the trauma. Telling the story has been a healing process, but in some ways, it is like addiction. It is a never ending, day-to-day struggle. There are good times and difficult times. The hardest part of it all is admitting "I'm not alright." The biggest trigger for me is security and threats to my security. I've been through a lot and worked harder than anyone to get myself to where I am in my career with the intention of being able to work a normal work week and not feel at risk all the time. It's a very triggering for me to feel at risk. Changes at work, the insanity of the world, the coming economic chaos, and other factors started the spiral. I realized I couldn't bring myself to write, play music, or do the other things I enjoy in life. Scrolling through social media, a fall back from engaging in the things I enjoy, I found a post talking about functional depression. Checking in with a therapist, I came to the realization of just how far and had stumbled. Coming back to my writing, I realized I'd been reflecting my own drift into darkness in my writing about MIchael's as the anniversary of his move to East Harbor approaches. I'm regaining my footing. I'm trying to get back into the things I enjoy. Writing is still a struggle and I appreciate everyone's patience. Peace and be well.

It's a big day for one little blonde from Mayfield, Washington. Mason, with the support of At the Majestic, will be shooting his first music video. He will also be performing his first full set list as a performer as he opens for the band's back-to-school show. But Mason's first single, Never Can Say Goodbye, has a deeper meaning. Not only is the end of Mason's visit to East Harbor in sight, but it's also time to say goodbye to one of the lunch table gang. Trajan de Luca, our troubled friend hopes to make amends and say his goodbyes to his childhood friends and home. How will things turn out for Mason and Trajan? Join our friends in East Harbor for a busy day of music and one of their famous sleepovers.

The delay in Chapter 74 was partly due to my own visit to East Harbor. A few nights at the Carlsbad Inn & Resort. Dinner at Los Junior's. Enjoying the beaches up and down the coast and nature hikes. It was great to see the boys' stomping grounds and we're their friends from Mayfield stayed and played ball. It was inspiring and can't wait to bring you more about the boys from East Harbor.