I never thought I would go almost an entire year without blogging, but of course the last 12 months have been extraordinary in the extreme. It's one thing to read about history, but it's another entirely to live through it. Between a pandemic, politics, remote work, remote learning for our kids, and a whole other host of things we've all lived through over the past year, I don't need to tell you what a surreal ride it's been.

But I come to you today with a renewed sense of optimism. Most of the problems the world has confronted are still with us today, but things are changing, and for the better. I know more and more people who are getting the vaccine as literally millions around the globe continue to be vaccinated every single day. Like I said, all our problems haven't been solved, but the necessary conditions required for things to get better have come about, and that gives me a renewed sense of hope and faith.

As far as writing goes, it seems almost unthinkable to discuss literature and creative writing when people are literally dying around us or struggling to get food for their next meal. But I think it's actually necessary to continue to create and share art in the days ahead, because we don't exist simply to exist. Art is as necessary as breathing for any soul under heaven, and I hope to share more in the days ahead and to read more from all of you. 

Stay safe and keep spreading the love.