After the Walk: The Amazing Places the Mind Goes

Walk with me through Ramona, CA.
Every day, my dogs and I wander the scenic trails of our hometown. As we walk, I practice a gentle form of walking meditation—listening to the rhythm of paws and footsteps, the harmony of our breathing, the rustle of leaves in the wind, and even the occasional spirited bark from other dogs along the way.

But this is not a book about meditation. It’s not about dog training either.
This is a book about the philosophy of life—the reflections, insights, and wandering thoughts that bloom after these quiet walks.

Inside, you’ll find a collection of 34 short stories. Some will make you smile. Others will nudge you to pause and look deeper into your own life. All of them are rooted in the simple, yet profound, experiences of walking with loyal companions.

In 2021, Julie Gallant from the Ramona Sentinel interviewed me about how I use painting as a canvas for emotions. A few months later, I realized some feelings couldn’t be captured on canvas—they needed words. And so, this book was born.

At the time of writing, my faithful walking partners were Nena, my service dog, and her daughters Juliette and Panda, along with Jolie, Kapa’a, Indie, and Luna. Each step we took together left an imprint not just on the ground, but on my heart and in these pages.

Step inside this book, and discover what unfolds after the walk.