Hi Reader,

Spring doesn't arrive to my part of New Hampshire until Mother's Day. You know it's here when the black flies invade.

While many of you have been mowing yards and admiring azaleas, we've been waiting for the ground to dry— picking fallen branches out of the yard and reconciling that 50 mph wind is more agreeable when it's above freezing.

This year, Mud Season was worse than usual. Sucking through the mud — and through a diagnosis.

But now? There's something different in the air.

It's here. A bit of warmth. Beech and maple leaves are unfolding on the branches and the lilies of the valley are sprouting by the front door. We made it. We're still here.

The manuscript is with the publisher. The final book in the Emma Noble series is waiting impatiently to be written. I need to start planning for Noble Reckoning's release.

For now, I'm ignoring all of it.

I need a minute. A quiet exhale.

Lately, Kath and I have been going for walks. We've been hiking 'together' for a long time.

We start together. And finish together. But everything in between is different.

I never veer from the path. I take long strides up the mountain. I'm focused on time and efficiency. Getting from A to B has always been my priority.

Kath, however, never walks in a straight line. She loops. Off the trail. On the trail. Bending over. Picking things off the forest floor. Some things go in her pocket. Others do not. Many days she doesn't reach the summit.

And she doesn't care.

Lately, I've decided to walk with her. To see what she sees.

I'm letting her guide my eyes to things that I never seem to notice.

She stops and looks up to see the pattern that the pine branches make overhead against a blue sky.

She points out shoots of Japanese knotweed growing by the side of the dirt road near the house.

Soon there will be mushrooms to find. She'll pick them then place them on our windowsill.

So, yes, I have things to do. Plates that need spinning. Important stuff that requires focus.

But not yet.

Stillness. Gratitude. Abundance.

Things this Mud Season has taught me to appreciate a little more. The other stuff will be there when I'm ready.

Happy Friday!

Andy

Weekly Lift:

Author, Michael Maloof:

You need to check out Michael's award-winning Kate Preacher series. There's lots of praise coming his way and it's well deserved.

He is a business guy that started writing late in life and his thrillers feature a female protagonist. Apparently, we have nothing in common.

Michael is working his butt off, grinding it out. If you want to support hard working indie writers, start with the Kate Preacher series.

The Emma Noble Series

Okay Reader, we'll stick a fork in it here. After all, it's called The Briefing for a reason.

If you enjoy The Briefing and are interested in seeing other "interesting" stuff from me, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

​​