It’s the first day of April. Amongst the vibrant flowers and hope filled warmer temperatures, this day carries the rep of foolery. As a fun junkie, I love humor, the craft of joke telling, and a well delivered tale. While one might argue that innocent pranks and the art of duping falls into the comical category, I don’t lean that way. Unless it’s quick, painless, and innocent, such as putting celery and carrots in the Krispy Kreme box, I’m not a fan of tricking or being tricked. (And in this example, it’s only okay if the glazed are warm and waiting on a plate in the kitchen.) I guess if I peel back the layers, it’s the intention of deception that I find troublesome.

Since it’s Tuesday, I met up with my running partners for a cruise along Evans Street in Morehead City. Our routine involves starting before sunrise and finishing just as the day is beginning. It’s a glorious way to exercise and I’m better ­– mind, body, and spirit – for cardio with these friends.

This morning we talked about being a parent, teaching dogs to be obedient (also parenting,) and the fit of sports bras. These were the main branches of our conversation, there were lots of side limbs and sprouts that we also explored over our five miles together.

On the last stretch, I glanced down and on the pavement was a silver cross. For real. I looked around and then stopped and picked it up, handing it over to Baby Bad Ass. (We all have nicknames.) I wasn’t being pranked. It was a cross in the road. As though the Universe was all up in my business with, “Dude, it’s April 1, here’s your sign. A cross in the road can be trusted. It’s okay.”

Thank you, Jesus.

I’ve been at a crossroad for several weeks as my publisher and I work toward bringing the best version of A Spork in the Road to our readers. This has meant making the conscious decision to stay in the editing and publication process a little longer than expected. It means that the April 5th delivery date (the one that I double swore, pinky promised,) has moved as we continue to incubate and curate something we’re all going to be proud to share with the book world.

My sleepless night worry has been that the over hundred people that pre-ordered will feel hoodwinked or conned in some way – but that’s not the case, nor would that ever be my style.

If you pre-ordered, expect a little surprise in your real life physical mailbox in the next few days. No fooling. The book will follow along directly and I appreciate your patience and support.

If you haven’t reserved your copy yet, I invite you to do so as it won’t be long now.

Happy April, yall. I feel confident of this crazy journey and in the belief that when there’s a spork or cross in the road, reach down and take hold.