When Scenes From A Story Come To Life

I’ve reached the season of life where I get to live some of the experiences I once only researched for my characters.

Earlier this month, it was a couple of chapters from 452 Memory Lane. 

There’s a scene where Sam and Kate zip line, and another where, as a challenge, they have to cross a suspension bridge. 

Kate is terrified in both and has her daughter and Sam to guide her through her fears.

So, imagine my husband, our adult son, and a sassy author (that's me), standing at the edge of a real zipline course in Montana. 

And wait, there’s more. Halfway through the course was “The Bermuda Triangle.” We had to cross three suspension bridges.

It was a scene I had written. Except in real life… I was the one terrified.

My strategy? This girl belted out Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey at full volume.

I thought—surely someone at the other end would join in.

Spoiler alert: no one did. 

When I finally reached the other side and hugged a tree, I thought Well, that didn’t go like the book.

But here's the truth: sometimes our scariest steps become our favorite memories, even if no one sings along.

And speaking of favorite memories… this is my birthday week! 🎉
To celebrate (and to honor the book that inspired my latest adventure), 452 Memory Lane is only 99¢ this week.

It’s a sweet, funny, second-chance story about friendship, healing, and love that’s been there all along—just waiting for the right moment (or a zipline) to show itself.

I hope it brings you as much joy as the memory brought me—tree-hug and all.

With love and laughter,
💛 Merri