To Ben Cicatti
Illustrator of my first book, Pablito and the Speckled Bear.

Dear Ben:
It was such a coincidence to meet you one day on Mountain Drive.  I had run that road for years, probably 16 or more years. For the last four or five years, maybe longer, I had followed the changing images of the iron heart sculpture.

To all of my friends in the Santa Barbara running community:

Today marks four weeks from the onset of the Tea Fire as well as just about two weeks until Christmas Day. I wanted to thank you all for your kindness, support and outpouring of generosity and share with you a little bit about the past month and what transpired.

My book club was incredibly supportive, helping to find temporary
housing within two days after the fire and boundless friendship, love and kindness