It’s a blessing that the weather from Helene isn’t as severe as predicted here in NW Georgia. While it’s dropping steady rain, we’re fortunate to be spared the strong winds. I had taken down the hummingbird feeders thinking they'd be blown away. Instead, I have hummers out there wondering where their food is, so I hung them from the porch again, and the wet birds are eating breakfast.

In times like these, it’s easy to take these little moments of calm for granted, especially when so many are facing challenges elsewhere. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends in Florida; I hope they’re safe and navigating the flooding as best as they can. Having lived through Hurricane Charley, I think back to the anxious moments of calling my family up north, telling them we were in our home and that I loved them as the storm barreled toward us. If our home was destroyed, and we could not be found, we'd see them in heaven.

As I settle in to finish edits on Sages of Tachnir (Dragonborn Saga Book 3), I’m reminded of the power of gratitude during difficult times. It’s grounding to focus on thankfulness even amid the storm—like having power and a quiet space to create as rain falls outside my window. And I continue to pray for those impacted by the storm.