We have been documenting our travel adventures with you for almost 8 years now.
It’s hard to believe that we sold our family home back in 2013, and set off shortly afterwards to travel the world for an indefinite time period. During those years we have traveled around the world and made some amazing friends along the way.
Visiting other countries and witnessing a different culture, seeing another way of doing something, eating new foods, observing how they dress, hearing about their history, exploring a museum, admiring the architecture, and seeing the natural beauty has had a profound effect on both of us.
We are more accepting, tolerant, patient, and understanding that OUR way, is not the only way, and in many cases, not the best way either.
We have become more grateful for the little things, like hot running water.
We have written stories, told about our day-to-day experiences (both good and not so good), shared some laughs, taken literally thousands upon thousands of photos, and grown as people.
You have kindly followed along and several of you have encouraged me to write a book about our travels.
Well, long story short, with all the time I have had on my hands, while socially isolated, I just recently signed up for an online course to teach me about the publishing world. After six weeks, I am only about half way through the course, and I have not been slacking. There is a LOT to learn, but I am making headway.
One of my homework assignments was to write a short 3,000-5,000 word ebook. That included composing the introduction and several chapters, include a resource section, format it, design a cover and publish it in one day. I completed the task, but it took me two days instead of just one. And now, (drum roll please), as of last week, I am now a PUBLISHED AUTHOR on Amazon.
In all fairness, this is NOT the Great American Novel that I someday hope to write. In fact 5 of the 26 pages are the Copyright and Resources 🙂 🙂
Today I was thrilled to see that my little booklet had received a couple of reviews and was ranked as #1 New Release in the Philanthropy and Charity category.
In case you are curious, and want to share in my latest adventure, you can find my book on Amazon here:
I took nine topics such as friends, family, children (or grandchildren), someone grieving, the homeless, or a favorite cause, and then listed free, middle of the road, and over-the-top ways to be of service through acts of kindness and generosity.
AND, just in case you do not have a Kindle to download an eBook, there is a very simple solution. There is a FREE downloadable app that can be uses on your computer (Mac or PC), iPad or other tablet or phone (Apple or Android).
Here is a link for the simple free Kindle download.
Just to clarify, the app is free, but my little booklet sells for a whopping $2.99. And if you do get it, and like it, I will be quite grateful for positive reviews.
Obviously, this tiny tome is not my end goal.
I have completed the outline for my first full length book. I chose the topic to use as a learning tool. It is on a heavy topic, but as my generation ages, there is more and more need for this information. It is about Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and what one needs to know when they suspect a loved one may be exhibiting memory issues. I drew upon some of my experiences while being a primary caregiver for my mother. I still have not decided whether or not this book will end up being published under my name or a pen name. I expect that it will be sometime mid-summer before it will be ready to publish.
My real goal is to write about my passions, travel and photography. I am also part way through writing the outline on my first travel related book. It is much easier to write about a topic we have loved and enjoyed together for decades. I have no idea how long it will take me to complete my first travel book, but it is exciting to finally have it started.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful to be in a position where I can see my dreams coming true. I have had my picture taken around the world wearing my silly black baseball cap with “WRITER” boldly blazed across it. I have envisioned this and stated my intention out to the universe for so many years. I am thrilled to finally see a crack in the door. Thank you to so many of you who have encouraged me over the years to write a book. The final versions may be different in scope and subject than I had originally envisioned, but, I do feel like I am finally “pregnant” and “something” will get delivered after a challenging nine month or so gestation period.
P.S. There will be NO gender reveal party 🙂
If you are new here and have not already joined our “A Note From Abroad” family, we hope you will sign up below.
A Note From Abroad 
Tim and Joanne
Unless I personally watched them have a huge breakfast, I might want bigger yellow sticks for my photo op. With that said, one cannot have unique experiences without risk. Clearly, the reward is more than worth it.
Steve and Brenda
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These beauties were about 18 months old, and were raised by handlers from birth. They were taught that whomever was holding the stick was the leader of the pride. We had to attend an orientation class before being allowed to interact with them. One of my most memorable travel experiences.
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This is fantastic!
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Thank you Laci!
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You’re welcome!
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Congratulations, Joanne. Writing is fun and can be a passion. But it is also hard work. –Curt
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Yes, I’m finding it both exhilarating and exhausting. I was awake most of the night last night, just tossing and turning with ideas flowing through my brain. Sometimes it is hard to turn it off. And then when I sit down at my computer, my mind goes blank! Go figure 😬
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Peggy can tell when I am writing in my mind. I get a blank look in my eyes. I rarely stay awake at night thinking about it. Do you keep a pad and pencil handy to catch thoughts? Writer’s block isn’t much of a problem. I attribute that to keeping a journal, which I have been doing for 20 years. Getting words down on paper feels natural. Then comes the editing. 🙂 When I write makes a huge difference. Mornings are far the best. The other thing is being able to focus. I can’t think of any other activity, at least for me, where I am as easily sidetracked. Peggy made me a small quilt that hangs above where I am writing. When the book side is out, she is really good at not disturbing my train of thought. Once, I am off the track, I am off the track. We writers are a touchy bunch. Grin. –Curt
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Mornings are far more productive for me as well. I don’t keep a pad and pen next to the bed, but that’s a good idea for those sleepless nights and when inspiration hits.
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I read about one author who carried a small notebook and pen in his shirt pocket so he could scribble down ideas whenever they hit! I haven’t reached that point, Joanne, but I understand it. 🙂
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Good luck with your book! My travels motivated me to write a book as well. A Country Within is about my experiences with the refugees who came in on boats to the islands near Turkey, which was life-changing. https://www.amazon.com/Country-Within-Journey-During-Refugee-ebook/dp/B07B5TMKDP/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
And I’m working on a second!
I will get a copy of your first!
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Kim, I just looked up your book and it sounds both intriguing and heart wrenching at the same time. Congratulations on telling a story that needed to be written. I appreciate your encouragement ❤️ ~ JJ
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Congratulations! I will check it out. I hope you don’t give up the blog!
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Nope, I do not intend on giving up my blog. I still have a couple of get-a-ways that I have not written up, plus quite a few “drafts” that did not get completed. It may still be a few months before things are opened back up for endless travels, but I have no doubt that there are still some great trips in our future that we will enjoy sharing.
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A Secret to Shareâ¦
On Wednesday, March 31, 2021, A Note From Abroad wrote:
> Tim and Joanne Joseph posted: ” Tim and Joanne with two 19 month old lions > *** Note the hat! We have been documenting our travel adventures with you > for almost 8 years now. It’s hard to believe that we sold our family home > back in 2013, and set off shortly afterwards to travel t” >
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Thank you for sharing ❤️
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Congratulations on your first book publishing. Not only is that fantastic,but I think it takes a lot of courage. When I started my blog a few years back, I was truly frightened about everything – would anyone like my work, would I be a total washout, what if everyone thought my work just stunk?
Once again, congratulations on your book and the awesome reviews. I have followed you all for a few years now, and well, I am not surprised. You are great story tellers. I think this is a great next step for you all.
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Tim, thank you so much for your kind words. I know all of my book publishing business is in its infancy, but I am thrilled to be learning and to have the time to explore this unique opportunity. Your comments mean a lot, especially since you have followed along on our traveling journey. ❤️ ~ JJ
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You are welcome! I hope you keep us updated via your blog.
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I was intrigued by your book and just bought it!
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Thank you so much Susan!
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congratulations!!!
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Thank you! 😊
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Congratulations Joanne. Good for you for going for it! Impressed.
Alison
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Thank you so much. It really was a labor of love. ❤️
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Congrats on being a published author!
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That sure has a nice ring to it. 😁
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Congratulations on your book !! Many of us have such a dream to travel the world and only few can do it , like you , you are a true inspiration. Have a fantastic journey !
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Thank you! Traveling has been a lifelong passion for me and I can not recommend it enough. I hope you find a way to make your own dreams come true ❤️
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So proud of you! I had NO doubt that you would someday be a published author. ❤️
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Thank you! It was a long time in coming, but I’m hopeful that this is just the beginning.
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Congratulations! I’m very pleased for you. This is just the start.
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Thank you so much. I’ve sure been spending a LOT of time at the keyboard.
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This is wonderful! Congratulations on your accomplishments! #goals!
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Thank you very much!
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CONGRATS! It’s thrilling to see something you created come to life. I’ve often wondered if there’s another book “inside me”. If I did another, I’d probably do the ebook approach like you did. Where did you take your course?
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The course is by Audiobook Income Academy (AIA). They specialize in non-fiction and walk you through the entire publishing journey. I started the course almost two months ago, and have been working at it almost daily for 6-10 hours and am about half way through the course. It is intense, but thorough.
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