I have always fantasized about writing an updated preface for my eighth book that would, in essence, be an acknowledgement of being close to attaining Enlightenment. This milestone was to be the pinnacle of my career as an inspirational author and the ultimate accomplishment in my search for the secrets to a rewarding life.

     But things did not turn out as planned. I never imagined that my A. E. (Approaching Enlightenment) Preface would more appropriately designate After Earthquake rather than Approaching Enlightenment. As most of you know, my dream of an earthquake devastating my hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, stole the two initials associated with my intended preface.

 

     All I know is that an unwelcome dream caused my satisfying, spiritually-edgy life to spiral out of control after revealing to my beloved community that a devastating earthquake would rip apart Charleston for the second time.