Two Journeys: Swimming from Darkness to Light

It started off as a long anticipated journey to Bali. She was about to turn sixty, had recently become a grandmother, and the trip turned into something else: a second journey, a journey of introspection. Tales of would-be lovers, motorcycle rides, Balinese ceremonies and snorkeling intertwine with back stories of divorce angst, mother/son dynamics and buying a derelict banquet hall on the road to self-sufficiency.

"Lorna, a gentle world traveler, is marking a milestone birthday by spending a month on her own in Bali. She intends to snorkel, make art, and reflect on her life, but finds herself instead consumed with 'writing her life.' Her sharp personal stories of marriage and its dissolution, scary maddening moments as the mother of 'adult children,' and dating relationships in midlife, send shivers of truth-telling recognition to women anywhere in their life's story. Life in Bali unfolds in new ways as Lorna settles in for her longest ever immersion in a new culture. Thankfully, English is spoken, but it is the unspoken that takes Lorna by surprise. Marvelous line drawings throughout remind me that all good books have pictures, and they provide thoughtful points of contemplation for the reader as well as bringing Bali to life. A very enjoyable read." -- Jessica Crawford, librarian (retired), Toronto

"I could relate to the ways you defined your womanhood and sexuality. I saw you as a woman who built her identity around the men in her life, who had the rug pulled out from under her and was forced to start anew. The trip to Bali was like a culmination of your experiences with men ending with you embracing your abilities, talents and uniqueness." -- Jennifer Travene, London

"I enjoyed traveling along with you in Bali and your other journey - I can certainly relate to that one. I have been there... a long and twisted road before finding Steve." -- Judi Schulman, North Miami Beach