One of the most surprising things I’ve heard from early readers of Beyond the Storm is:
“Wait… did that actually happen?”
Yes. Every bit of it.
This book is my firsthand account of living through Hurricane Ian and what I witnessed while stepping into waterlogged homes, trying to salvage flood-damaged photographs. I didn’t sugarcoat a thing. The messy emotions, the chaos, the impossible decisions, and even a few moments that still leave me shaking my head. It’s all in there.
It’s a story of a hurricane, of lost memories, of regrets. But it’s also filled with everything I know about securing photographs so others can avoid the same kind of heartache.
I also shared some deeply personal moments in Beyond the Storm. Several people have already asked me about “the great car line incident.” Yep, every word of that happened. And YES, it really did shift my entire outlook on life. I’ll just leave it at that for now. 🙂
All of it – the hurricane timeline, the personal stories, the unthinkable sights after the storm – was written with one thing at its core: the love of photographs. The love of memories. And the realization that while we can’t stop every disaster, we can take simple steps to protect the things we’d be devastated to lose.
I’ve been overwhelmed (in the best way) by early feedback from readers who say they’re now looking at their photo collections differently and reconsidering what matters most.
And to the Southwest Floridians who’ve told me this book captured that moment in time – thank you. That means everything. My experience may not mirror everyone’s, but the emotion, the heartbreak, the resilience, the shared perspective on what really matters is something we all carry.
This book started out as a kind of diary. Just a way for me to process one of the most surreal, life-altering experiences I’d ever lived through. At the time, it was therapy to jot down these words.
Today, with publication just around the corner, my hope is that Beyond the Storm becomes more than just a story. I hope it’s a wake-up call, a rallying cry, and a mirror that helps readers see their own lives and memories more clearly. I hope it sparks action, and that the steps feel a little less overwhelming because of what’s shared in these pages.
Beyond the Storm is available to purchase now! You can grab your copy on Barnes & Noble, Target or Walmart. Or at this link on Amazon:
Part memoir, part practical guide, "Beyond The Storm" delivers emotional, real-life stories while providing invaluable tips for digitizing, organizing, and protecting your own precious memories before disaster strikes. This book is a must-read for anyone who values the power of photographs and the stories they tell. Perfect for fans of "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" and "Hold Still," it’s a call to action—reminding us that even in the wake of destruction, our most cherished moments can still be saved.
And if you’re looking for even more help getting the most enjoyment out of your photos, check out the other ways we can connect:
👉 Grab my free Photo Resource Guide – it’s packed with tools, apps, and simple steps to get started.
👉 Want to dive deeper? My online course will walk you through organizing and scanning a lifetime of print photos.
👉 Want to join the photo organizing CRUISE? This fun getaway is set for February 2026 and YOU are invited to join! Check out The Great Photo Voyage and be sure and sign up soon, space is limited!