A little coffee, a little poetry, and a look ahead

I woke this first morning of 2026 with a couple of little poems in my head—too late to make Moonshine Love and I wouldn’t probably put them there, even if I could. But I like them here and here is where they will go for safekeeping until further notice.

The Aging Wordsmith

Words come easily to me
The way the River runs to the Sea
The way the ink sticks to the paper
They cling to me
And I feel safer
But lately some of them escape—
They get away scot-free
I have found if I will wait
They always come back to me—
At least so far

By Land or Sea (Paul Revere in Love)

One if by Head,
Two if by Heart,
The things we dread
Will pull us apart.
To arms! To arms!
Then let us flee.
Where they can do no harm,
For you and I and he
Make three!—
It's Jesus, you, and me, kid.

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
–Deuteronomy 33:27 (KJV)

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
–Ecclesiastes 4:12 (KJV)

A Look Ahead

Yesterday, I recapped 2026.

Today, I want to peek ahead, which is dangerous for a writer, I know, but here goes (what to expect from The JourneyMan this year)…

Release of Moonshine Love!

My second book of poetry will hit the bookstands, bookstores, and online shops in time for Valentine’s Day. It is chock full of love, life, rebellion, obedience, crying, shouting, laughing, and living…and you can give it to your sweetheart with a dozen roses and won’t you get lucky then!

Ain’t that sweet?!

The All-American Songbook is coming with Santa Claus

This is one of the most unique works I have undertaken, and unlike anything anywhere else. Every story is fueled by song.

Working on the 25th Anniversary Edition of my first book The Preacher’s Kid.

Released in 2002, 2027 will mark a quarter century since The Preacher’s Kid leapt out of my heart and onto the page. I plan to release the anniversary edition in Q1 2027, with additional chapters and an expanded story. This is going to be epic!

An industry book for Insurance Claims Professionals, especially adjusters.

I plan to announce the name and release of the title at the Mid-America Claims Conference in Biloxi, Mississippi in January. I will deliver the keynote for this conference for the fifth time in its 13-year history.

And I’ll have the usual, of course!

I will continue to share my thoughts, hopes, dreams, and little irritations here in 2026. I will also continue to write The Word Warrior Newsletter on LinkedIn and contribute blog posts to the Mid-America and Adjust U websites.

I will also continue to guide the best adjusting school in America.

Other than that, not much going on. How about you?