Welcome back, I am so happy you are here.

If you missed last week’s newsletter, fear not! You can read every previous edition on my website.

Table of Contents

1. What a Wonderful World! | Comic

2. The Flame | Poetry

3. Little Art, Big Meaning | Graphic Design

4. Bi-Weekly Recommendations | Closing Thoughts

What a Wonderful World! - 7/22/2026

Scroll down to see full comic!

This is still my general understanding of adulthood.

The Flame

~

I’ve found myself drifting,

Far out to sea,

Thinking of thoughts,

That think nothing of me.

And though sadness climbs,

Each wave with ease,

The grief is just proof,

That I’m truly free.

For I’ve wandered through silence,

Where no light could stay,

And the sound of old echoes

Still brought me to day.

I reached for tomorrow,

While lost in the night,

Each ache that I harbored,

Still yearned for the light.

I’ve fought to find sunrise,

Beneath fading skies,

And cast all the places,

Where hope still defies.

I gathered the fragments,

The pieces I’ve known,

And found in their breaking,

The seeds I had sown.

For hearts that stop longing

Grow quiet in time,

So mine keeps on breaking,

In rhythm and rhyme.

Perhaps that is living,

To bend like the trees,

Pain blossoms in spring,

And falls with the leaves.

So I’ll keep on sailing,

Hear the storms call my name,

Because within every sorrow,

Sits a small, sheltered flame. 

Though I’ve found myself drifting,

Far out to sea.

I’ll admire the thoughts,

That think nothing of me.

And as I watch sadness climb,

Each wave with ease,

I lay back and join it,

And feel truly free.

~

Little Art, Big Meaning!

Anyone who knows me most likely understands the love that I have for running, the outdoors, and endurance sports. Over the past 18+ months, I have been dealing with a whole host of health issues, from multiple stress fractures, to nerve issues, and beyond. While I can enthusiastically say that I am beginning to build a little bit of momentum, for a year and a half, I struggled to find a consistent positive connection between my brain and my body. Any time that I spent outside was often limited, restrictive, or painful, and healing, strengthening, and rest became my primary focus.

Like all things, recovery isn’t a straightforward process. Two steps forward, somewhere between one and three steps back. Goals are simplified, progress is measured by the inch, and growth continues to redefine itself again and again as a long-term endeavor.

Throughout the process, I had my good days, my bad days, and a lot of days were somewhere in between, but as is the universal law, you learn to adapt. I built a routine around my artistic goals, my job, the physical activities I could do, and though it was limited, it was direction and it was more than enough. Even this newsletter was born out of excess energy, combined with the encouragement from friends.

Now, if you have ever been connected to my athletic or coaching career, you may or may not know that I enjoy designing my own gear for training and racing, but that context is important. Early on, I made myself the promise that when I got better, I would design something that I could wear on my runs to bring me a little bit of strength, and remind me of the work I put in to return to the sport, while serving as a beacon of gratitude.

For 12 months I hemmed and hawed about what that symbol might be, and I have been at a loss. So there I was on my first jog back, and I couldn’t help but notice the sticker of a bearded man, with a tall pointed hat stuck to a lamppost. A wizard. The thought stuck with me for the rest of the run.

To me, a wizard represents a conduit for magic, and magic, like all things has a cost. Physically, mentally, emotionally. Magic is transformed, like all energy, and the sacrifice required to do so has to be respected. It felt like a pretty strong metaphor for running, and health furthermore. Plus, a rich history of Dungeons and Dragons, fantasy books, and Lord of the Rings movie marathons fueled my perseverance. By the time I got home, it was decided, a wizard would represent my journey back to full health, and the discipline required to cultivate gratitude, and a connection to both mind and body.

Let’s dive in!!!

And there you have it. An exercise in simplification, not of meaning, but of concept. I plan to throw this on a few shirts and hats, so my friend the wizard can keep me company next time I’m out on the trails. Should anyone else be interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out with a request, and I’ll make sure he finds his way to you!

Bi-Weekly Recommendations

• If you had a mascot to represent the last 6-12 months of your life, what would it be??

• A few songs to make you feel like you’re in a movie…or at the very least, a high-end TV show:

  • “i hate this tune” by Royal Otis

  • “Wars” by Of Monsters and Men

  • “See You Dancing” by Kids That Fly

  • “Honey” by The Lone Bellow

  • “Suddenly” by Chance Peña

• Don’t forget to follow the “What a Wonderful Wednesday!” Playlist on Spotify, updated bi-weekly!

Support My Work!

If you enjoy what I do, please consider a donation! Not only does it support the time and effort I put into my work, but it also allows me to create more. Anything is greatly appreciated!

Thank you for being here.

Not subscribed yet?

Never miss a future newsletter!