I credit my grandparents with the journey they took 100 years ago this year to come to America. I went to Ellis Island on the exact 100th anniversary of each of their arrivals. One of those stories is in the book. The other time (pictured above), I held the fruits of my labors (and theirs).

More credit? Well, turns out I got course credit for my book, Round Ireland with a Duck, from Georgia Southern University, the only U.S. public university with a campus in Ireland. I am now a matriculated post-Bacchalaureate degree-seeking student — for free, since I’m over 62. The journey continues.

Where are you on your journey? What one step forward can you take today? The steps add up, you know. And they open doors.

If you haven’t read my books Round America with a Duck and Round Ireland with a Duck* yet, you may find something in there inspiring. Possibly even life-changing. I know these experiences already changed mine. And I’ve only just begun.

* via bikes, buses, trains, and working on organic farms while in search of hope in two countries-at-crossroads in a world in crisis