So...change of plans

For the past week or so, I've been hinting that I will be announcing some big life changes here soon.

Missed that part? Read this first. I'll wait.

You with me? Ok. Well, today is the day.

I have to admit that I am feeling a little anxious about sharing this here. You have been so incredibly supportive of Plan A, I fear I may be letting you down by even considering a Plan B. But before I get too far ahead of myself, let's go back to the beginning.

When I first started this journey, way back in 2011, my dream was to live in London, marry Prince Harry or, if he wasn't available, an Earl, and write stories for children. I pursued several options to get to London, but ultimately, decided returning to school was the most practical pathway to acquiring a visa and reaching my long-term goal.

I spent months researching schools, putting off my admissions applications and binge drinking before finally applying to and (to my great surprise) being accepted into two Writing for Young People courses in the UK. Then I spent a few months debating the pros and cons of each program before finally settling on one. This was, of course, followed by many months more of visa paperwork and apartment searches and...well...let's just say it's been a long journey.

Triumphant at having finally arrived in the UK, I spent the Fall at Bath Spa University surrounded by some of the most kind, creative, and jaw-droppingly talented writers I know. While I was there, I settled on a storyline, created a group of marvelous characters, and started to write my first book. I was living the dream.

Only, the thing is, I wasn't exactly happy. I was consumed with worry about paying for sky-high international tuition rates, living in a stranger's home, sharing a bathroom with two teenage boys, and hearing a persistent whisper from my bellybutton -- that wise, old friend, intuition -- that 'something is wrong here.'

I started examining my life more closely around New Years Eve, listening very carefully to what my bellybutton was trying to tell me, and I realized that over the last 18 months, my dream had changed. Living in London full-time, forever and ever, was not what I wanted anymore. And, most importantly, the path I was on no longer made sense.

This is my way of telling you I've decided to withdraw from my course in England and pursue a new path.

Plan B means I'll be spending part of the year at home, here in Eastern Oregon, and the rest of the year traveling and exploring far-flung corners of the Earth. I'll be writing too -- documenting my adventures and challenges here at Bella Vita, working with my Mighty Ripple clients, and finishing my first young adult novel (also continuing to pray every night for the right words and, please God, an agent).

Oh! And tackling some of these things along the way.

In other words, living the (new) dream.

Obviously, I'll be writing more about this, but today, I wanted to let you know and also to clear up a few things about the decision. Well, actually, just one thing really.

No, this isn't about a boy.

Promise.