Louis Tomlinson. Two Years of Joy.

So, here I am, diving headfirst into crafting another anthology, a thing I love to do. One thing though. I’m doing it pro bono. Yep, I’m donating my time, and frankly, it’s turning out to be the best thing I’ve never charged for. And no, I’m not even talking about the book itself — that baby’s still baking. I’m all about the joy of pouring myself into something that lights a fire in my soul.

For years, I’ve been the behind-the-scenes driver for countless clients, clocking hours that felt more like a countdown to retirement than actual living. Sure, I’ve had my share of fun (cue memories of blurry nights in LA, New Orleans, Chicago, and London). And yes, there were laughs, fleeting romantic encounters, and moments of patting myself on the back for a job well done. But genuine, jump-out-of-bed-in-the-morning joy? Not really. Until now.

Most of you might be wondering how I wound up here, all poetic about a book project. It’s not like I’ve been an open book (pun intended) about my journey. But as I was writing the dedication and sifting through messages for this anthology, I hit a reflective patch. Why this book? Why now? And why Louis Tomlinson?

For the record, I’m no paparazzi-chasing celebrity fanatic. Sure, I like movies but in my soul I’m a music lover. But what really gets me going are people with grit and authenticity — rare breeds who choose action over apathy. And in a world that’s had its fair share of gripes lately (weirdness actually), that’s saying something.

Then came the pandemic — our collective timeout, giving us over a million minutes of pause. Not one to just sit around, I explored every artistic alley my free time allowed. Reading, writing, painting, cranking up the music, and yes, even solo dance parties in my living room.

I’ve been around the block a few times, and I’ve often wished I could meet more people worth going to the mat for. You know, the kind who bring out the best in us, who make us laugh, care, and want to pay kindness forward.

So, why Louis Tomlinson? Why now? A couple of years back, I decided to only tune into what truly matters — people with a spark, resilience, and bravery. Louis popped up on my radar in 2021 quite by chance, thanks to a Harry Styles concert recommendation from Amazon (algorithm, you suspicious interloper). Suddenly, there I was, reminded of Tomlinson’s charm, his voice, and that smart-ass vibe that felt oddly familiar (kind of like myself).

Before I knew it, I was down the rabbit hole, sidestepping the celebrity muck to focus on the man and his music. Fast forward to 2022, and I’m live-streaming his concerts, feeling a connection to his words and essence. That September, I even jetted off to Sicily for one of his concerts, kicking off a month-long Italian adventure. By 2023, I was a ten-concert-hopping fiend, from Chicago to London, Athens, and beyond.

Sure, some called it an obsession, but my son got it — he saw it for the adventure it was. He was happy I was doing something I genuinely loved.

The pandemic did one thing right: it nudged me to follow more of my passions, to create for the sake of joy, not for recognition or return. And what a ride it’s been — discovering the pure bliss of giving without expecting anything in return.