On Growing Clarity and New Directions
I haven’t posted for over two years. For those of you who’ve stuck around, it’s good to connect again. A lot has happened since August 2023. I’m sure that’s true for you all, as well. I hope you’ll drop me a note in the comments and give me a brief update.
I’m currently enrolled in the Publishing Institute at Denver University, a four week intensive graduate course on the industry of book making. I am in my happy place. They have done an incredible job developing this immersive program that is a safe space for students to fully engage and take risks. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced an environment that is so completely supportive. The faculty, all of my classmates – without exception – are cheering each other on and lifting each other up.
The motto their faculty espouses is, “Be kind, and work hard.” It’s a beautiful thing. And also smart. This is the next generation of genuine book lovers to move into the publishing industry. Students who are not afraid to make mistakes or share their creative ideas are students who will bring innovation to an industry that is always transforming.
Being kind and working hard is good business and, I think, a good motto for living life. It may be a little out of vogue at the present, but I believe it’s a principle that will stand the test of time. I find myself now evaluating my relationships and the ways I spend my time with growing clarity. And I’m excited about life’s new directions.
As a quick update, our cabin addition is nearing completion. It’s taken longer than we hoped, but that’s the nature of construction at 8750′ elevation. The two small cabins we’re renovating are also near completion, and we hope to get those on the market this year. Craig is returning to engineering, his core strength, and I’m excited to open Panhandle Creek Press for general submissions as soon as I graduate from the Publishing Institute. We’ve applied to the county for a hosted short-term rental. If that goes through, we look forward to welcoming writers for some quiet mountain inspiration time, complete with beautiful views, hiking trails, wildlife and bird viewing, propane fire pit, and a hot tub overlooking the Panhandle Creek.
I intend to get back to regular posts here to keep you all apprised of developments. Please share them with your writer friends and let’s build this community of nature-loving writers. Together, we changed lives with Writing for Peace. Panhandle Creek Press will be a new beginning, a way to cultivate kindness and celebrate hard work.
Copyright © 2025 Carmel Mawle. All rights reserved.
With snow in the forecast for Thursday, we took a long lunch on Tuesday and headed out. There were 8 or 9 trees down that Craig cut with his chainsaw. Together we rolled them aside and pulled the slash off the trail to redirect hikers. It was a beautiful day – the kind that reminds you what’s important. I’m grateful for my co-chair, Rachel’s, sage advice, and the reminder that life is always changing.