8/18/2009 Several weeks ago my new book "Byron The Lonely Christmas Tree" was released by my publisher Tate Publishing and Enterprises. It is a story of a scrawny little tree who yearns to be chosen as someones Christmas Tree despite his disabilities. He finally is given his wish by way of a Christmas Miracle.
I have chosen to donate 10% of the proceeds of my book to the City Rescue Mission in Jacksonville, FL.
It is hard to believe it has been over one year since I lost my job to re-organization and yet to have found a replecement. I am still hopeful of replacing the job and have several opportunities which I hope will pan out. In the interim I have been blessed with the time and opportunity to finish a novel which I hope to submit next year along with two other children's books which I also penned this year. In addition I have had the opportunity to complete many paintings and pieces of shell art and surfer necklaces which I sell at craft fairs. I have also been blessed with the opportunity to surf a great deal with friends, stay involved with serving on the Executive committee of the First Coast chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, spend more time with my wife and family, and volunteer my time in the community.
I am thankful for those who have stood beside me and supported me with their friendship and prayers through this dificult times.
This year has had it's share of joys and heartaches. On the positive side, I turned 60 in December and don't feel it, we have been able to visit family, have four wonderful grandchildren, and three wonderful daughters, two sons and laws and one special beau of our other daughter. On a sad note, my mother passed away this summer. I will stay in touch and try and keep the faith.

Update of 2/2/09

Well as I write this blog I have yet to find steady employment but there is a possibility of same on the horizon so I remain hopeful. In the interim I have been busy working on my art and on the second draft of a novel that I hope to have to the publisher by the end of June. During the later part of 2008 my Children's book Byron the Lonely Christmas Tree was placed into pre-release by my publisher Tate publishing. The book is scheduled for full release this coming July.
I have decided to hire a publicist to aid me in the promotion of the book and myself. I also hope to be able to further promote my current book Chicken of the Sea and do speaking engagements relative to those two book s as well as related inspirational topics. During this difficult time of unemployment I have appreciated the help and support of family Friends and the Lord. In January I contributed to an article in the new Surfing publication MorSurf. I hope to be able to contribute on more articles in the future. I also, in the near future, hope to start writing blog articles for Mysurfari.com. I feel belessed to be able to write and hope that my writing can both inspire readers and bring joy to them.
At the end of December I turned 60 and was blessed to be surprised by the visit from two of my daughters their husbands and our grandchildren. We had a great time. Turning 60 was not as traumatic as I had thought. I am still able to ride my short boards and other than the normal aches and pains do not feel any older. Though poorer i do feel a bit wiser but i have also come to realize that I will continue to struggle with my weaknesses and frailties. But as they say, it is sure better than the alternative. It was unfortunate that our other Daughter Ashley could not make the trip home for the holidays from Hawaii. As such, we will look to visit her out there this spring. Aloha for now and Mahalo

Hi: Welcome to my new blog

Hi : I am a new blogger who has been reluctant to do so until now. I am currently unemployed having been layed off in a "reorganization" six months ago. The blessing in it was that it has given me time to pursue my other passions including my art and writing and i have also been able to surf quite a bit more. I am approaching my 60th B-day but my passions have helped to keep me young. While being unemployed has been most difficult I try to keep my faith and believe that God is directing me in the direction that I need to go in. I believe that writing and helping others through my writing and speaking about my faith and trials and tribulations is what he has gifted me with and wants me to pursue. I have to admit that this is not yet paying the bills but I do believe he will provide for me. I have been fblessed to have had two books published and have also finished the first draft of a novel. I also have this week completed my first article for the newly formed Surfing Publication MoSurf and will soon be doing a regular blog for MuSurfari. I will be developing links to those publicarions as things develop and will try diligenyly to do regular Blogs here. Thanks for reading. Mahalo, Paul