Everything has Changed - sort of

The biggest change is my new publication title: That Just Dawned on Me. Every time I say it out loud, it makes me laugh—and it carries a story about my name.

I was born on a cold mid-December morning. My parents had hoped for a son, and when I came along, they probably hadn’t chosen another girl’s name. I imagine my dad driving my mom the seven miles to Winter Haven Hospital just as the dawn was breaking. Somehow, he gave me my name—Dawn.

For most of my life, when Mom would say, “It just dawned on me,” I resisted hearing it as anything more than a phrase. But now I realize it was a quiet homage, whether she intended it or not. What has dawned on me is that her words carried more meaning than I allowed myself to see.

This shift in perspective has also shifted my writing. My focus now is to live and write with honesty, tranquility, and purpose. My path forward is simple: let my inner light shine by sharing what I love—nature, creativity, and connection.

Connection also means collaboration. That’s why I’m adding a new feature: introducing some of the wonderful people I read on Substack. If you enjoy my work, you may enjoy theirs, too.

• Jeannie Ewing is a mother of five who still finds time to write daily. She’s a published author and someone I am grateful to call a friend.

• Sam Messersmith is a wife, cat mom, and tree-hugger on a mission to bring humans and the More-Than-Human-World closer together for healing.

• Sherry Taveras (whose “Nightly Niblets” inspired my idea of “Daily Dawning”) is a mom extraordinaire, living in the Caribbean with her husband of 26 years. We recently laughed about our shared fondness for bearded men.

• Teri Leigh is a writer and the founder of the Creator Retreat Cohort, where Jeannie, Sam, Sherry, and I encourage each other. She publishes daily and inspires me with her dedication.

That’s enough for now. I’d love to hear what you think—reply to this email or leave a comment on Substack.

See you later, alligator.

—Dawn