I am deeply inspired by the enchanting summers of my childhood in South Louisiana, where each moment was filled with wonder and discovery. Among those cherished memories, the summer of 1993 holds a special place in my heart. I vividly recall a Tuesday afternoon when my grandmother, her metallic blue 1989 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, and I embarked on a whimsical journey. The car, reminiscent of a small boat, required a pillow behind her back for my diminutive grandmother to see over the steering wheel. As we cruised down Main Street, I found myself captivated by the graceful dance of Spanish moss on the branches of the majestic live oak trees. It was on that remarkable day, the day I received my very first library card, that my extraordinary adventures commenced.

Through the power of reading, I soon discovered the gateway to other worlds, and with each turned page, my sense of adventure was reinvigorated. The beauty of adventure is its ability to unite all those who delve into the realms of literature.

This collection is a heartfelt tribute to my beloved late grandmother, Lucy Bennett Boudreaux. She bestowed upon me the precious gift of her love for books, and together, we embarked on countless mesmerizing journeys. That summer, she gifted me a lifelong odyssey. Even today, nestled among my most treasured possessions, resides my library card—a tangible reminder of the profound value it holds in my life.