A LIFE AWAKENING, Living My Life on My Terms, Ethan Elliot Series, Book Three,

By Ryan Stevenson

Living My Life on My Terms is the author's third and final book in the Ethan Elliot Series, under the overall title, A LIFE AWAKENING. Ethan's story is that of a young man seeking to understand his soul's purpose in this life. Failing in many past relationships, he begins reading about souls and past lives, and why he hasn't found what he has so longed for—someone with whom to share his life.
Author RYAN STEVENSON masterfully ties together all the loose ends as they pertain to the story’s main character, Ethan Elliot. All too often in our lives, we believe that the life path we have chosen for ourselves is the correct one, only to discover that our souls which accepted their life contract had other ideas in mind.
Ethan's new position in his best friend’s company takes him on a journey of personal discovery to Chile, New Zealand, Spain, and other European countries, affording him experiences that he never thought possible. Yet in time, Ethan begins to understand that the truest love in one’s life is all that really matters. With guidance from his spirit guide, William, Ethan comes to that magical moment in his life where, for the first time, he realizes he's standing on solid ground.
This book will leave the reader with a desire to find his own life's purpose, to get back on course, and to live the life his own soul chose to live, which is what brings the truest happiness to anyone's life.
The universe always allows every soul a twin,
a reflection of itself, the kindred spirit,
and regardless of where they are, distance means little,
whether in this life or another realm.
This is destiny; this is the truest of all love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ryan Stevenson
• Release date: Jul 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310621567

Ryan Stevenson

Ryan Stevenson is the Grammy-nominated recording artist and songwriter behind hit Christian music songs such as “Eye of the Storm” and “Speak Life.” Raised in rural southern Oregon, he worked as a paramedic before his music career took off. He now lives in Nashville with his wife and children.

Book preview

CONTENTS

DEDICATION

PREFACE

Chapter 1. A New Day, A New Life

Chapter 2. Life Is Good

Chapter 3. I Know I'm Ready for This

Chapter 4. Growing Pains

Chapter 5. Wow! Just Wow!

Chapter 6. Understanding the Bigger Picture

Chapter 7. Just Incredible

Chapter 8. We Ship Out in Two Weeks

Chapter 9. Getting Ready

Chapter 10. This Won't Hurt a Bit

Chapter 11. Time to Leave Is Getting Closer

Chapter 12. Yes, I’m Out of Shape

Chapter 13. Everything Is Ready

Chapter 14. One Final Check

Chapter 15. Day of Departure

Chapter 16. Hello Panama

Chapter 17. The Land of Enchantment

Chapter 18. Settling In

Chapter 19. Time to Hit the Road

Chapter 20. I Have Never Seen Real Estate Like This

Chapter 21. Paradise

Chapter 22. A Good Night’s Rest

Chapter 23. On the Road Again

Chapter 24. My Goodness!

Chapter 25. Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

Chapter 26. I'm Smiling and It Feels So Good

Chapter 27. Going Deep

Chapter 28. Another Day, Another Park

Chapter 29 A Relaxing Evening Under the Stars

Chapter 30. A Not-So-Strange Evening

Chapter 31. Osorno

Chapter 32. Nearly Out of Gas

Chapter 33. Some Time to Relax

Chapter 34 What's With These People

Chapter 35. Last night on a soft Mattress

Chapter 36. Sun’s Up, Lets Go

Chapter 37. The long Road

Chapter 38. Silly Green

Chapter 39. So This Is Patagonia

Chapter 40. No Man’s Land

Chapter 41. I Think We're Getting Closer

Chapter 42. Finaly El Calafate

Chapter 43. Things That Go Bump in the Night

Chapter 44. Rise and Shine

Chapter 45. End of the Line

Chapter 46. Mother Nature at her Best

Chapter 47. Will You Look at That

Chapter 48. Is It Time to Go Home Yet?

Chapter 49. Land Ho

Chapter 50. On Our Way

Chapter 51. What Day Is It?

Chapter 52. Back to Panama

Chapter 53. New York, New York

Chapter 54. Did You Miss Me?

Chapter 55. The Comforts of Home

Chapter 56. A Day of Rest

Chapter 57. You Only Live Once. Or Do You?

Chapter 58. Uncharted Territory

Chapter 59. Duty Calls

Chapter 60. You Do Know This is Good for You

Chapter 61. So Soon

Chapter 62. King for a Day

Chapter 63. It’s Been a Long Day

Chapter 64. Spectacular Ethan

Chapter 65. Time Never Stands Still

Chapter 66. Time to Think

Chapter 67. The Sense of Change in the Air

Chapter 68. You Don’t Know Until You Try

Chapter 69. Another Day and Final Decisions

Chapter 70. Getting it Together

Chapter 71. Do I Dare to Share

Chapter 72. It All Makes Sense

Chapter 73. A New Day

Chapter 74. Why Do I Feel So Good

Chapter 75. No Regrets

Chapter 76. Stop Overthinking This, Ethan

Chapter 77. Only a Few Days Left

Chapter 78. Alone at Last

Chapter 79. One Working Day Left

Chapter 80. One Last Weekend before Departure

Chapter 81. Two Days of Rest

Chapter 82. Everyone Is Looking for Happiness

Chapter 83. A Vision of the Future

Chapter 84. I Shouldn't Be Nervous

Chapter 85. Made for Each Other

Chapter 86. Less is Better

Chapter 87. I Know I'm Right

Chapter 88. I Need My Bed

Chapter 89. Can My Life Really Be This Good?

Chapter 90. One Last Day

Chapter 91. It's About Time

Chapter 92. The Last Supper

Chapter 93. Uh Oh!

Chapter 94. Ready for Departure

Chapter 95. Time to Kill

Chapter 96. Touchdown

Chapter 97. Too Good To Be True

Chapter 98. Time to Get Lei'd

Chapter 99. One Last Stop

Chapter 100. It's Tomorrow

Chapter 101. Simply Breathtaking

Chapter 102. Now This is Living

Chapter 103. Outstanding

Chapter 104. That Great Feeling

Chapter 105. Lights Out

Chapter 106. We Need To Get Going

Chapter 107. Everything Is Big Here

Chapter 108. I'm Starving

Chapter 109. People Everywhere

Chapter 110. Top of the World

Chapter 111. Where Next?

Chapter 112. A Quiet Evening

Chapter 113. Heading North

Chapter 114. Life Keeps Getting Better

Chapter 115. This Haast To Be the Place

Chapter 116. That’s One Big Glacier

Chapter 117. A Vast Land

Chapter 118. As the Sun Sets

Chapter 119. Off to the North Island

Chapter 120. Let's Stay a While

Chapter 121. Off to Picton

Chapter 122. To Wellington and Beyond

Chapter 123. Towns Along the Way

Chapter 124 The Land of Vulcan

Chapter 125. A Mystical Place

Chapter 126. The Night, the Stars, and You

Chapter 127. Second Guessing

Chapter 128. That's One Gigantic Hole

Chapter 129. On to Hamilton

Chapter 130. Time Stood Still

Chapter 131. Where To Go Next

Chapter 132. Our Last Day

Chapter 133. An Evening of Dreams

Chapter 134. I Never Want To Leave This Place

Chapter 135. A Very Modern City

Chapter 136. I'm Getting Dizzy Just Looking at It

Chapter 137. Somehow We Both Knew

Chapter 138. The Very Long Trip Home

Chapter 139. What To Do for a Wedding Present

Chapter 140. Something Smells Good

Chapter 141. I'm Not Going To Worry Over This

Chapter 142. Half Way Home

Chapter 143. One Day To Go

Chapter 144. Almost There

Chapter 145. Only 3,000 Miles To Go

Chapter 146. Everything In Its Own Time

Chapter 147. Back To The Grind

Chapter 148. Dawn Of A New Day

Chapter 149. Getting Ready For A Wedding

Chapter 150. Hola Madrid

Chapter 151. I Feel The Excitement Building

Chapter 152. To Thine Own Self Be True

Chapter 153. What A Beautiful City

Chapter 154. You’re A Sight For Sore Eyes

Chapter 155. Time To Get Ready

Chapter 156. A Day Of Surprises

Chapter 157. And We All Got Smashed

Chapter 158. I Feel No Pain

Chapter 159. The Big Day Finally Arrives

Chapter 160. Not A Dry Eye In The House

Chapter 161. And The Band Played On

Chapter 162. One More Evening In Madrid

Chapter 163. Life And True Love Begin Anew

Chapter 164. A Life Fulfilled

A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR

PREFACE

In the final installment of the Ethan Elliot Series, Ethan is confronted with the question of his sexual identity. Having been in several relationships with the opposite sex, Ethan begins his journey in trying to understand the life his soul chose to live, as opposed to the life he was trying to live through his ego, with free will being the ultimate arbitrator. William, Ethan's spirit guide, attempts to show Ethan that life holds many possibilities, and with the aid of William’s whispers of encouragement, Ethan delves into profound conversations with his friends, Mark and James.

Ethan's soul-searching allows him to understand that if one is rigid and inflexible in his thinking, the outcome is always the same. As Albert Einstein so cleverly postulated, The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. For Ethan, it was time to make a change in his effort to find his true identity. With the help of his friend, Mark, along with a series of events that take place on several trips, both men come to understand that there is a purpose in the friendship that is developing between them. That it wasn't coincidence that brought these men together, but rather it was a consequence, destined to happen when these two souls began their search for something that was missing in their lives.

A true and lasting love is what both Ethan and Mark are searching for, and they discover their desire is within reach, if only the negative bias created by ego can be understood for what it really is—outdated programing and negativity carried over from childhood into adulthood. With each day that passes, Ethan realizes that this potential union with his friend, Mark, is his soul’s choosing. Ethan's journey of discovery takes him to places such as Chile and New Zealand, where conversations he and Mark have with total strangers further their acceptance of why these kindred spirits had sought out each other.

No one ever said life would be easy; we always seem to be on a steep learning curve. But after reading Ethan's story, you will come to appreciate with greater clarity those signs our souls place before us, as it is their way of moving us toward a life fulfilled, and ascending on to its next life, with further lessons to be learned.

The universe always allows every soul a twin,

a reflection of itself, the kindred spirit,

and regardless of where they are, distance means little,

whether in this life or another realm.

This is destiny; this is the truest of all love.

Chapter 1

A New Day A New Life

Having just returned from spending nearly two years in San Antonio, I had a great night's sleep, and awoke to the smells of Mom cooking breakfast. I couldn't resist just lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and thinking how lucky I was that my life had somehow been transformed through a series of events that most people never have the chance to experience.

The first thing I wanted to accomplish was getting Jackie's check for twenty-five thousand dollars deposited into my account. The second thing on my agenda was to contact Mark at his advertising agency, and really understand how I was going to fit into his organization. But before getting to any of that, Mom's pancakes and bacon had my mouth watering, so I thought I might as well get my day started.

As I sat on the edge of my bed, ready to start my new life, I still couldn't wrap my mind around the events that had taken place in the last couple of weeks; and yet, here I was. It was time to get going. So I took a quick shower, got dressed, and headed downstairs so that my taste buds could catch up with those wonderful scents coming from the kitchen.

Hey, Mom. Good morning.

Well, good morning, Ethan. Are you hungry?

Mom, I could eat a horse at this point, so bring it on.

When were you going to contact Mark, Ethan?

I have it on my to-do list, Mom, but first I want to get to the bank and deposit Jackie's check. Then I think I'll give Mark a call and get together with him at his office.

Sounds like a plan, Ethan, Mom said. I'm so excited for you, especially since you've gone through so much in the last four years. I sincerely wish you the best that life has to offer, and I know once you put your mind to the task at hand, you will succeed.

Since I had given my own car to James when I left San Antonio, I asked Mom, If you're going to be housebound for a while, can I borrow your car for a couple of hours?

Sure, Ethan. Do whatever you have to.

So with that, I finished my breakfast, grabbed her keys, and off I went.

*****

Chapter 2

Life Is Good

After leaving the house, I headed to the bank first, to get my check deposited. Then, before catching up with Mark, I wanted to make a pit stop at my old place of employment, the Hot Spot, where I had worked as a waiter. When I walked in, you would think that my friends who were still there had just seen a ghost.

Everything was pretty much as I had left it two years ago, and it was good that the lunch crowd hadn't yet arrived, which gave me the chance to talk to my old manager, as well as some of the servers I had worked with. Everyone was really happy to see me, asking how I was doing and what I was planning now that I had returned. I told them all that a great job opportunity had just landed in my lap, and that I would be working for an advertising agency as a staff photographer. Many of my friends at the Hot Spot knew that I enjoyed photography. The manager had even let me place some of my photos on the walls of the restaurant; in fact, some actually had sold from time to time.

It was great seeing everyone, but this strange feeling came over me as I stood watching the staff go through their paces. It was as if I no longer fit in—that somehow I was out of place, with a little voice inside of me saying, Time to move on, Ethan. I watched as everyone was preparing for the crush that would be arriving before long. They seemed to be moving at light speed, while it felt as if time was literally standing still for me. And all the time I had that very strong feeling that, just as my relationship with Jennifer had ended, my life as a waiter also was becoming a distant memory. Now there was so much to look forward to in working with Mark.

I waved goodbye to several friends I had worked with, and as I headed toward the doors to leave, my old manager, Jerry, walked over to shake my hand and wish me the best for the future.

I'll be OK, Jerry. And I promise I'll stop in from time to time.

With that, I left and returned to the car. I sat for a moment before calling Mark, and looked back once more at where everything had started. Somehow, there was an emptiness I felt after revisiting the Hot Spot, but I knew in my heart that nothing in our lives ever stays the same for long. Perhaps that little voice inside me was right, and it was time to move on to new and exciting experiences.

*****

Chapter 3

I know I'm Ready for This

After pondering the past for the briefest of moments, I called Mark on my cell phone. He asked how I was doing and if I would like to take the grand tour of my new surroundings. He also was anxious to show me the new photography equipment he had ready for me. I told him I would be over in about twenty minutes, as I had to drop off a few articles of clothing at the cleaners.

Great, Ethan, Mark said. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

The position that my best friend, Mark, offered me was a dream job. Being able to travel the world with a great friend and someone I had always looked up to was a no-brainer, at least for me. Several years ago I had completed an intense certificate program in photography at The New School in New York City, and I had gained extensive experience in photography since then. So at the very least I felt I had the technical background to accomplish anything that was thrown at me.

I dropped off some shirts and a couple of pairs of slacks at the cleaners, then headed for Mark’s office. His advertising agency was in one of the most prestigious buildings in town—eight stories tall, with a shining glass facade.

I pulled into the parking lot, and as I got out of my car, I looked up, took in a deep breath, and thought: This is where I will be working. When I entered the building, the first thing I spotted was a security guard sitting at a desk in the small lobby. As I approached, he asked if he could help me, and I told him I had an appointment with Mr. Mark Jameson at Jameson and Rowe. The guard picked up the phone and punched in a speed dial number. After apparently speaking with someone in Mark’s office, he asked me to sign my name in a book on his desk, then handed me a temporary I.D. badge, and pointed me in the direction of the elevators.

You'll find Jameson and Rowe on the fifth floor, he said. I thanked him and headed toward the elevators.

When I reached the fifth floor, the elevator doors opened to an entirely new world for me. I walked out into a huge lobby, with walls that were lined with photos of products for which the agency had created ads. On the far side of the room a young man, seated at a desk, was busily talking on the phone at the moment. I waited until he had finished talking, then walked over and introduced myself.

Good morning. My name is Ethan Elliot. I have an appointment with Mark Jameson.

He picked up the phone and announced my arrival to someone at the other end, and almost immediately Mark walked out of a side door, with a smile from ear to ear.

Hey, Ethan. What's up?

He walked over to me, shook my hand and gave me a hug; then, placing both hands on my shoulders, he said, You have no idea how happy I am, not only in seeing you, my friend, but in our being able to work together on this new venture for the firm.

I looked Mark right in his eyes and said, Mark, I won't let you down.

With that, Mark said, "I want to give you the grand tour and then show you your office; but first I'm going to walk you over to the Human Resources Department (HR). They can explain your benefits package and get some paper work out of the way so you can start collecting a salary.

First we walked through a very large room that had tables with advertising photos being moved around by employees working on upcoming submissions. There were people hunched over at desks working on writing copy for various ad campaigns, while others were working on a huge wallboard—actually a storyboard—where various articles were being placed in specific order so that the final product could be sent off to the printers.

As we continued on our way to HR, Mark pointed out the conference room, which was used for presentations to clients as well as for staff meetings. After a few more twists and turns through the corridors, we finally made it to the HR. Mark introduced me to Mrs. Chase, an older woman, who had been with the firm for many years.

Kathy, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Ethan Elliot, our newest employee.

I reached out to shake her hand and she said, Ethan, you’re going to love this place, so let's get started. 

As Mark turned to leave, he asked Kathy to bring me to his office after we were finished. Then Kathy and I got down to taking care of business. 

*****

Chapter 4

Growing Pains

It took nearly forty-five minutes to get through all the paperwork that had to be completed for the company, which even included insurance forms; and last, but not least, a photo had to be taken of me that would be incorporated into a security badge for entering the building. Kathy had gone over the benefits package and I had to laugh when she said I would have four weeks vacation in my first year with the company. As I was listening to her, I thought, Kathy, this position is going to be like a vacation every day.

Finally, everything was done and Kathy said, Let's take a walk over to Mr. Jameson's office; I believe he's waiting for you.

We walked over to the other side of the office complex, and after coming through two double doors, I saw a secretary at a desk, surrounded by some of the most beautiful plants I had ever seen.

Kathy said, Good morning, Pat. This is our new employee, Mr. Ethan Elliot.

After Pat acknowledged me, she buzzed Mark's office, and in a couple of seconds, his door opened."

So I see you did survive Kathy in HR. Come on in, Ethan, and let's discuss this little venture.

As I walked into Mark's office, I continued to be impressed, as I never really had understood the depth of his work, or how far he and his organization had come. Mark's office was a corner suite, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson Valley, where you could even see a section of the Hudson River. Pictures of past advertising campaigns covered one wall; and standing out about two feet from that wall was a plush sofa, with two matching chairs, and a square coffee table, on which were arranged several travel magazines. A second wall consisted of built-in shelves for the display of industry awards presented to the company, as well as what appeared to be a built-in bar. Beneath one set of windows was a small, round conference table, with four chairs. Mark’s massive mahogany desk sat beneath the other set of windows, with two comfortable chairs facing his desk.

So, my friend, what do you think so far? asked Mark, as he took a seat in the upscale chrome and leather swivel chair at his desk.

Mark, I'm speechless, I admitted, taking a seat in one of the chairs facing Mark.

"Well, Ethan, just after you left town a couple of years ago, an advertising executive got in touch with me. His name was Jason Rowe.

Was? I asked.

"Yes, Ethan, past tense. Jason had a lot of irons in the fire in the business world, and wanted to move on and get involved in other ventures. So eventually, I bought him out, and as part of the buyout deal, I agreed to keep his name as part of the company name, so long as my name appeared first. I thought it only fair that he should still get some recognition as the founder of the company, and so today it is known as Jameson and Rowe. This name appears on the front door, as well as on the company’s stationary; and even the plane you arrived on belongs to Jameson and Rowe.

"Jason had some amazing contacts in the advertising world, which we both capitalized on. As you know, Ethan, I always have been involved in the art field, and after a couple of attempts, I still had not been able to break into the large corporate accounts. That's where Jason came in. He had contacts all over the world, and it wasn't long before we were knocking down some major advertisers whose ad budgets exceeded seven figures. So the company grew very quickly, and I never have had any regrets in the buyout decision. In fact, the business just keeps growing exponentially.

For the most part, Ethan, I have some very key people that easily can handle all the day-to-day operations of the company. We also use several photographers to do the in-house studio work, but your position is going to be really unique.

How so, Mark? I asked.

Before Mark answered that question, he asked me another. Ethan, how long have we known each other?

Well, Mark, you’ve known my family for around twenty years, so I guess its been at least that long that we have known each other; and you know, we probably have one of the most rock solid friendships any two friends could have.

Then Mark continued: "You have tremendous talent, Ethan, which I spotted many years ago when you used to show me the photos you had taken. Whether they were local or shot on various vacations, you always seemed to capture the beauty and real essence of the places you visited.

I've always wanted to expand the scope of the company, and what better way to do that than introducing an entirely new product line of our own? Not just a travel magazine, but a bi-monthly magazine that will include not only your photos, but highly in-depth stories and personal experiences about our travels. I have no doubt, Ethan, that both of us can make this a success, and the opportunity to travel with your best friend around the world makes it all the better.

Mark, I always knew you had a great head for business on those shoulders. There never will be any way I can thank you enough for giving me this opportunity. I know we can make this venture a success, and I can't wait to get started.

Great, Ethan, Mark replied. Let me show you to your office.

We both got up, and Mark walked out of his office, with me at his side. As we passed through the reception area, he said to the secretary, Pat, I'll be back in a few minutes. I'm just going to show Ethan his new home away from home.

*****

Chapter 5

Wow! Just Wow!

Just on the other side of the hallway that leads to the executive office suite, there was another set of double doors. I noticed a large brass plaque on the wall beside the doors that said Photo Journalism Studio, and underneath that, another plaque that read Mr. Elliot. I looked at Mark and asked when he had had the time to do all this, and he smiled and said, I have some really great staff that can get anything accomplished in record time, but if you are impressed by the plaques, let's take a look inside.

As we walked into my new office, the first thing I noticed was that the curtains were closed.

Why so dark, Mark?

Ethan, watch this. Mark picked up what looked like a television remote, pressed a button and all of the curtains opened automatically; I nearly fell over when I took in the expansive view outside.

My desk was outfitted with the latest in electronic gadgetry, and outlets for everything from I-Pads to computers, along with multiple telephones. Mark turned to me and said, Well, Buddy, what do you think so far?

Mark, I'm numb. This is all for me?

This is nothing, Ethan. Take a look behind that door over there.

I wasn't sure what to expect as I slowly turned the doorknob and pulled the door open.

Oh my gosh, Mark! All of this must have cost a small fortune.

I was literally breathless at the site of shelves on my right that must have held every film and digital high-end camera that existed. Nikons, Cannons, Hasselblads—you name it. On my left side were shelves with at least 100 different lenses for all those cameras, with a treasure chest of every imaginable color-enhancing filter as well as polarizing filters that could fit each of the different lenses in the inventory. In addition to all that, there were top of the line aluminum carrying cases, tripods, and reflectors.

Mark, I never have seen such a concentration of this kind of equipment in the best of studios.

Wait, Ethan, there's more, Mark said, as we walked past shelves of equipment and then entered an anti-way into a massive darkroom that had to be larger than our living room back home. On one side of the room were three Omega enlargers that could be used for film work, and on the other side were wash sinks and all the right chemicals for both black and white film as well as color.

After walking out of the other end of the darkroom, we entered the computer graphics room. Mark asked how well versed I was with Adobe Photoshop, and I replied, Pretty well, Mark.

Well, Ethan, then you’re going to feel right at home. How about if we go out for lunch, and we can get a little more in-depth as to where I envision this magazine concept going.

Sure, Mark, I'm starving.

We walked back to Mark's office just long enough to tell his secretary where we were going.

Hey, Pat, Ethan and I are going out for lunch. You know how to reach me on my cell phone if you need me. And then we were off.

*****

Chapter 6

Understanding the Bigger Picture

As we got into Mark's car, he asked me when was the last time I had a really great slice of pizza.

Honestly, Mark, after leaving New York, I can't remember.

I found a new place a few weeks ago that I think you're going to like, and it's also quiet, so we can hear ourselves talk.

On the drive over to Mark's new restaurant discovery, he began to outline his concept for the magazine he wanted to create. He not only wanted to have great photos in this new bi-monthly publication, but was determined that the copy for each article really would provide the readers with the feeling that they were actually there, vicariously experiencing the various places we would be traveling to. He wanted to showcase the differences in how people lived in diverse parts of the world—their typical clothing, their typical foods, and their unique customs—instilling in the readers a desire to travel to these remote and exotic destinations. He also planned to locate the best places to stay, and describe each one in detail.

We finally arrived at the restaurant and walked inside. We each chose a big slice of pizza and an iced tea, and then found a table where we could continue our conversation. As I tasted the first bite of that pizza, I realized how much I had missed New York. Then I asked Mark how he came up with the idea for a travel magazine?

Well, Ethan, as you know, I've done a lot of traveling, and even though I'm ten years older than you, I still haven't been to the types of places you usually only read about in National Geographic. So I would like to create a travel magazine that could take people off the beaten path. Anyone can stay at a Hilton or Marriott, but what about all those people that aren't into Olympic size pools or having to dress for dinner? That's the demographic I really want to concentrate on.

I could sense the excitement in Mark's voice as he continued to talk about places around the world that I probably would have to look up on the internet. Mark knew I loved to travel and take in new sites, and what he was planning seemed the perfect outlet for my creative aspirations.

So, Mark, where do you see us heading first?

Ethan, I know you have never been to South America, so I thought one of the first places we might travel to would be the country of Chile.

That sounds fantastic, Mark. When do we leave?

Slow down, Ethan. There are a number of things you're going to have to take care of before we go on our first outing.

Like what? I asked.

Mark laughed and looked at me and asked, When was the last time you saw a doctor?

A doctor?

"Yes, Ethan. You’re going to be traveling to many different places where you can get diseases from contaminated food and water. Not all countries are as careful with their hygiene practices as we are here in the U.S., and you will need a few immunizations to protect you from these diseases. So when you see your doctor, just tell him you'll be traveling to Chile—and especially to some places off the beaten path. Aside from the routine vaccines you normally get here, he will have a list of other vaccines recommended by the CDC for travellers to Chile.

And by the way, do you have a passport?

Actually, my passport expired a couple of years ago, and I never got around to renewing it.

Well then, Ethan, you can see that before we take off on our first journey, there are a few things you're going to have to take care of. You also can use the next couple of weeks to get acquainted with all of the equipment back at the office.

Consider it done, Mark. In fact, after lunch I wanted to go back to the office with you to check out all of that amazing equipment. Considering today is Thursday, when did you want me actually to start on my job?

Well, I thought this coming Monday, if that's all right with you.

That's perfect. And that should give me time enough to get the passport application and the doctor’s visit out of the way.

As we finished lunch, my mind was racing at the unbelievable possibilities this position could offer. Aside from experiencing foods and cultures and fantastic sights in foreign lands, the chance to spend some quality time with Mark made it even more special. Yes, my life was about to make a radical move in directions I never could have imagined before.

*****

Chapter 7

Just Incredible

After lunch we returned to our office building, and once Mark pointed me in the right direction, I made a beeline to my new office, and entered that special place that any photographer would drool over. The amount of camera equipment must have been worth over a hundred thousand dollars, and that was just the camera bodies and lenses. Everything was top-shelf, and I was still trying to take it all in. If ever there were a scene of a kid in a candy store, it was me, standing there looking at that sizable investment.

I then went into the dark room to look over the equipment, and again, everything was top of the line. Lastly, I walked into the graphics studio. Mark knew I preferred working on a Macintosh computer, and that was exactly what was there, a brand new Mac Pro desktop with a 32-inch monitor. Then I noticed various stacks of CDs with software for everything from Adobe Photoshop to font generators. I really had to fight the urge just to sit down then and there and start checking out everything, but I knew I had other things on my agenda that had to be accomplished first. I could not imagine any photo department more complete or professional than what Mark had set up for me, and the last thing I ever wanted to do was to let him down in his belief in my abilities.

Before I left, I began compiling a short list of books that would complement my own library of photo tutorials I already had, so I could pick them up from a local bookstore on my way home. I needed to begin boning up on some of the finer elements of computer graphics. Once I had my list complete, I walked over to Mark’s office to let him know I was leaving.

Hi, Pat, I said to his secretary. I’m getting ready to leave, and I wonder if I might be able to speak with Mr. Jameson before I go.

She buzzed his office to check with him, and then told me to go right on in. The look on my face must have been that of a star-struck school kid. Mark looked at me and asked, Well, Ethan? Happy with your new digs?

Mark, I'm absolutely speechless. I can't thank you enough for believing in me and providing me with this amazing opportunity.

Ethan, Mark said, We've known each other a long time, and there was never any question about your creative talents.

Mark rose from behind his desk and walked toward those floor-to-ceiling windows. Take a good look, Ethan. The world and everything in it is abundant, and while this planet may continue to shrink every day because of technological advances, it doesn't mean that people can't plug in to that abundance. I'm really hoping that what you and I create will provide the incentive for a lot of people to go out and explore many of the places that we will be traveling to.

You know, Mark, I remember an old saying.

What's that, Ethan?

I think it goes like this: A ship tied up in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.

Ethan, I know exactly what you mean. By the way, when you were down in San Antonio, did you keep up with workouts at the gym?

Actually, Mark, no, I didn't, and I'm sure it shows.

Mark laughed and asked if I wanted to meet him at the gym later that day.

Mark, I know I have to get back into it, but I have a lot of catching up to do; but if you’re game, how about sometime on Saturday? Just give me a call and let me know when you want to meet up, and I promise I'll be there.

Great, Ethan. I’ll check my schedule, and give you a call later this evening if you’re going to be home.

Sure, Mark, I'll be there. I’ll expect to hear from you then.

I walked over to shake Mark’s hand and thank him again, but rather than accepting my hand, he placed his arm around my shoulders and said, Ethan, I think an entirely new world of experiences is about to open up for both of us, and I have no doubt you will succeed beyond even my expectations.

With that, I told Mark to enjoy the rest of the day, and I would be waiting for his call later that evening to confirm the time of our getting together at the gym. I then headed back out to my mom’s car, with two stops already in mind; first, a visit to Barnes and Noble Book Store to pick up my list of books, and then a quick trip to the county government center to get my passport application going.

The one other thing to take care of was to make a doctor’s appointment for any vaccinations I would require, which I would do after I got home. Finally then, over the weekend, I would have the chance to catch up on some much-needed reading. I wanted to be really prepared before heading into the office on the following Monday.

As I sat in my mother’s car looking at the glass edifice that would be my new home, the one thought that entered my mind was, You lucky bastard! Life just doesn't get any better than this.

*****

Chapter 8

We Ship Out in Two Weeks

I finally cranked up my car and headed for the bookstore, where I found everything I needed. I then stopped by the government office and put in my application for an expedited passport, and finally I was headed back home to my first home-cooked meal in ages. It was good getting back together with Mom and Phil, and there was much to catch up on, considering I had been gone for nearly two years. When I arrived back home, I found Mom and Phil sitting outside in their favorite lawn chairs. Mom was reading one of her books she had picked up at the library, and Phil was reading the newspaper.

Hi, Guys. How's it going? Mom smiled as Phil came out from behind his newspaper.

We're just fine, Ethan, Phil replied. Ready for dinner?"

I sure am, Phil. What did the chef create today?

Mom laughed and said, Ethan, I made your favorite meal for you.

Mom, that can be only one thing—lasagna.

With that, we all went inside to enjoy one of my mom's best dishes. I ran up to my room to wash up before dinner, and the smells of dinner along with the scent of garlic bread wafting through the air had me salivating. I bounded back downstairs, and as we sat down to eat, both Mom and Phil began asking questions about the time I had spent in San Antonio.

"You know, it was a great experience. I met some incredible people who were regulars at the restaurant, and the owner and staff were some of the best people you could ever want to meet.

I have to tell you, I was floored toward the end of my stay when so much was happening all at once. It really has taken some time to sink in. I mean, how many people can say they know a lottery winner, who decides to give them a check for twenty-five thousand dollars? Then on top of that, your best friend in the world offers you the job of a lifetime.

Any idea where your first destination will be, Ethan, Mom asked.

Well, we are heading to Chile for our first journey, which reminds me, I have to make an appointment with the doctor to get whatever shots I may need. I also need to get my passport renewed, so I sopped by on the way home and put in my application.

That sounds fantastic, Ethan, Phil said. I always wanted to visit South America.

You know, Phil, I can't wait to get started.

As we were finishing dinner I heard my phone ring. That must be Mark, Mom. Thanks for dinner, but I better grab the call.

I ran upstairs, and sure enough, it was Mark. He