Summer-like Springs, Rave Reviews, and Sleepless Nights

 Afternoon, Thursday, May 22, 2025, Miami, Florida

Hi there! It’s one of those gloriously vibrant late spring days that feels like summer has arrived a bit early. The temperature is sitting at a toasty 94°F (34°C) under cheerful, mostly sunny skies—high for May, or at least higher than what I remember from my younger days in South Florida during the ’70s and ’80s. Toss in a light 6 MPH (9 Km/H) breeze from the west—a gentle land breeze on this side of Florida—and a humidity level of 45%, and voilà, the “feels-like” temperature crosses into the realm of 102°F (39°C).

Florida’s weather has always been my constant companion, shaping the rhythm of my days and seasons. Except for three memorable chapters—a childhood stint of nearly six years in Colombia, a magical three months studying abroad in Seville, and a recent 10-month adventure in New Hampshire—this subtropical haven has been my home. So, I know this climate well. Late May marks the start of the season where the air turns sticky and the sun feels relentless, lasting all the way through mid-October. Hoping for anything but heat in Florida is akin to dreaming of balmy sunshine in New Hampshire in late December—delightful, but entirely unrealistic.

What’s changed, though, is the intensity, a subtle but unmistakable shift over the years. Since at least the early 2000s, the southern United States—and Florida especially—has been warming steadily. Miami and Tampa Bay, the two metro areas I’ve lived in, seem to be turning up the heat earlier with each passing year. I remember when 90-degree days were reserved for July or August; now, they’ve moved right into spring’s territory. As far back as 2010, I recall cranking up the air conditioning during March, April, and early May—something that felt out of place back then. And by 2015, the year my beloved mother passed, the spring heat was so intense that even an air conditioner set at 78°F (25.5°C) struggled to cool her room in April and May.

So, yes, today is one of those classic South Florida scorchers. I know this because I recently stepped outside for a burst of fresh air, a ritual I grew fond of during my time in New Hampshire. There, I’d stroll through the neighborhood, soaking in the natural beauty before diving into my writing. Here, though, I opted for a simpler pleasure: relaxing in the backyard on a comfy chair while the Miami sun enveloped me in its fiery embrace. It was a moment, however fleeting, to reconnect with the familiar warmth of this place I call home.

Anyway….

I’m a bit tired this afternoon. Not just from the brief exposure to the torrid temperatures outside, but also from the lateness of the hour at which I went to bed: 2 AM.

 I usually go to sleep sometime after 11 PM, but I guess I was kind of euphoric about Denise’s review of Reunion: Coda, which was posted on WordPress, Amazon, and Goodreads yesterday. I’m hoping that the positive write-ups about my novel will pique prospective readers’ curiosity and cause a spike in sales. But I’m also happy that my first novel is connecting with people and getting some badly needed engagement via reviews and ratings on Amazon, personal blogs, or Goodreads.

So, yeah. I guess I experienced an adrenaline high last night. I didn’t make a big deal about it here at home, but I did write several blog posts both on this blog and the original version of A Certain Point of View to celebrate the fourth review of Reunion: Coda and perhaps gin up some interest from folks who haven’t yet read any of my fiction works. So between the emotional rush I experienced and trying to publicize Denise’s positive appraisal of the book, I was too excited (and busy) to take to my bed at my usual time.

This afternoon, as I sit here reflecting on the interplay of life’s rhythms—weather, writing, and the way small victories can ripple outward—I’m reminded of the power of connection. Denise’s review wasn’t just words on a page; it felt like an affirmation, a bridge reaching out to readers with the promise of shared emotion and understanding. And as someone who has poured heart and soul into crafting stories, these moments, however rare, feel like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

The process of writing itself is a journey marked by solitude and introspection, yet the rewards often lie in the communal act of storytelling—of seeing how words you’ve carefully chosen resonate with another’s experience. It’s not lost on me that this journey began long before Reunion: Coda saw the light of day; it’s rooted in years of thought, observation, and the endless dance of refining ideas until they feel whole.

This interplay of creating and sharing feels much like the rhythms of the seasons here in Florida. As sure as the sweltering heat of late spring morphs into the thunderous rains of summer, the cycle of crafting a story and awaiting its reception carries its own sense of inevitability. There will always be moments of doubt, but they are balanced by moments like Denise’s review—where doubt gives way to gratitude and determination.

So here I am, on a Thursday afternoon, caught somewhere between the heat of the South Florida sun and the warmth of knowing my words are starting to find their audience. It’s a delicate balance, but one that feels worth every effort.

Discover the Journey of ‘Reunion: Coda’

A story that resonates deeply

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Jim Garraty’s journey continues as he navigates the intricate dance between past regrets and present hopes. Now a successful history professor, Jim’s life is a tapestry of unspoken love, haunting memories, and the pursuit of emotional closure. Through introspective moments and heartfelt letters, he finds the strength to confront his deepest fears and embrace new beginnings. Each page invites readers into his world, where the significance of friendship and the unpredictable nature of life take center stage.

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