Photo: Mongolian warriors out at the Genghis Khan Statue Complex in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Hum, I like the sound of that for some reason.

I guess it’s because I’m still here to start off the New Year.

Yes, my timid lifestyle has saved me from destruction again.

When we travel to foreign places, we are often asked, “why are you going to such a difficult or dangerous place?”

I have no good answer for that other than our interest in and possible encounters with strangers outweighs the possible dangers.

We have had many close calls and sadly see planes crash that we have flown in all over the world.

I guess luck plays a big part in the fact that I am still here.

By all rights, I should be in prison or dead considering my early upbringing and location of my childhood. “Hood” being the important word in that sentence.

Anyway, I am glad you made it to this New Year as well and still have a chance to make a positive difference in the world.

Go to Amazon and order one of my novels. They are different and interesting, to say the least.

“Atlanta” and “Judgment Day” are crime novels. They are very different from each other. One is very short and to the point. The other is an in depth look into a wealthy family who have desires for political power.

“The Adventures of the Smith Family” and “Sailing Away” are the first and second books of a saga about an English family’s success and willingness to take risks in order to reach their goals.

“Dreams of Costa Rica,” is an adventure and love story based on a family member of mine who left to live the rest of his life in Costa Rica, no matter the dangers or hardships. He is buried there in San Jose as well as my grandfather.

“Kazu, son Oshida Kmasaki,” is a tale of revolution, love and adventure in an ancient Asian country.

“Grandpa Ernie’s Secrets,” is a spy novel taking place mostly in Italy. It is fun, complicated and a little light hearted at times.

Go on, don’t be afraid. Get!