That being said, there are still some perks to the writer's life that may not put much money in one's pockets but are of value nonetheless. You get to meet some pretty interesting people along the way, and if they share your passion for a particular topic, the conversations you have are both enjoyable in their own right and good for adding fuel to your fire. Even better, sometimes you make a real friend, which is always worth cherishing. And you get the chance to become part of cultural and social events that broaden your own horizons and give you an opportunity to enrich others' lives.
Tomorrow, I'll be off to the Dunnellon Public Library in Marion County, Florida, for "Cooks and Books," a program that celebrates literary, performing, and culinary arts in North Central Florida. Now, for those of you who haven't heard of Dunnellon, it's a tiny town about 24 miles southwest of Ocala, sitting on US 41. Its economy is centered on the local springs and rivers, which offer a variety of outdoor activities as well as some truly scenic places for dining experiences. As in much of Marion County, the surrounding area is decidedly horsy, with a good many farms dotting western Marion and Levy counties. I'm looking forward to a unique experience that will let me share my own passion for horses and learn more about the area's music and culinary scenes. Should be a blast!