About the Author

For over 30 years, John has worked in home décor—curating interiors, showrooms, and meaningful spaces. But his truest inspirations have always come from beyond walls and windows. As a child, John was most alive outdoors. He spent his early years exploring nature’s quiet magic. Whenever possible, he was in the woods, the creek, or the river, studying nature and wildlife. John also loved tending gardens, riding horses, and showing, breeding, and training dogs.

Books have always been John’s constant companions, especially those that explore religion, spirituality, and the deeper questions of life. A lifelong reader and collector, he carried the dream of writing close to his heart for as long as he can remember. With The Extraordinary Journey of an Ordinary Dragonfly, that dream takes flight. This is his first book—and the beginning of many more stories waiting to unfold.

John grew up in Charleston, West Virginia, and now lives in Naples, Florida.

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience. - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin” I saw this quote on a bumper sticker a very long time ago. I’m not sure I even understood it at the time, but I never forgot it. Like many people, I feel like the little dragonfly, seeking the same answers throughout my life that he did—wondering about the purpose of our lives and what lies beyond our Earthly existence. Why is there so much suffering in the world? Why can life be so difficult and challenging, often causing us to question our beliefs? Sometimes it is hard to see how much beauty and love there still is in the world because of the suffering. Sometimes we just have to open our eyes.

My beliefs are still changing and evolving, and I imagine they will continue to do so for the rest of my life until I’m ready to meet the Mantis again. I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I did writing it, and that it helps you along your journey. There is so much more to discover.

Thank you,

John