Change is life, and life is change! Here, at the end of the year, it's hard not to reflect on what has just happened and passed, or is currently in passing. The ephemeral moments, soon to be a part of our past, are not restrictions of our future. That is still undetermined and definable on our own terms. We can't help but look ahead, hope, plan and prepare for the memorable, life-changing exchanges, feelings and observations on the way. Each instance, just as mind-blowing as those past.
If there's one thing I've learned through my own journey of life and exploration of the world around me, it's that I am always changing, along with everyone around me. The ever-evolving planet Earth is abundant with all the seasons and epochs of life.
The dawning of a new era is always upon us, each day we spend alive, is it not?
This pearl of wisdom is found in Xing Xing's pursuit of the purple pearl that leads her to the ancestral homeland of Xiao Ao, the grandson of the legendary Chinese sea turtle, Ao (simplified Chinese: 鳌; traditional Chinese: 鰲; pinyin: áo). It is just one gem of ocean literacy out of many that I share throughout The Blue Marble Seres. I am eternally grateful for the people who have allowed me to craft and develop these stories. Change is constant, and despite those who wish to control us by breaking our spirit or sowing insecurity, it's important to remember that each of us has the power and responsibility to enact changes that happen within and around us.
What began back in January 2017 as just an idea I shared with my friend on a hike, has evolved and come to life over the past years, regardless of what challenges in life I was dealing with personally. In many ways, this story has kept me focused on what I love and the importance of sharing that love, staying in awe of it, and expressing it as much as possible. As I continue to search for a traditional publisher that will support my own ocean exploring, passion for storytelling and feverish activity pack crafting, I thank my lucky stars for all of the generous contributions from my readers and dream-believers. I hope to delight you with the development of this series and build a joyful global community of Sea Huggers by the end of 2024.
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