Some News I’ve Been Waiting to Share

Earlier this week, I went to Charleston, SC, for the first time ever. It’s a city I’ve wanted to visit forever, and it finally came to fruition. There were several reasons I went, and this week I want to share exactly what I was doing in Charleston, along with an exciting announcement.

I am going to be writing a children’s book series! The excitement pouring out of me is immeasurable. I signed with World of Kids Books — an incredible publisher based in Charleston — to help bring my children’s book series to life. Scott and Hillary Keller are the founders, and I knew as soon as I met them that I wanted to be in partnership with them. Our vision for these books is completely aligned, and I’m so grateful our paths crossed.

The books are about two lovable, but forgetful, frogs, Fred and Frieda. I created this series years ago because I wanted a way to help kids navigate daily routines and obstacles by becoming the helper in the story. Essentially, these books will give children the agency to help Fred and Frieda navigate simple tasks like bedtime routines, getting ready for school, and daily responsibilities. Each book will focus on expanding language skills by answering WH-questions throughout the story. The books will be humorous, playful, and engaging because I believe that if you’re writing children’s books, they should genuinely feel enjoyable for children to read.

You can learn more about the series here:
Forgetful Fred & Frieda Series

I was invited down to Charleston to attend the launch of Patchwork: Bee Brave, Bee Kind, Bee You by Craig Conover. For those of you who don’t watch Bravo or reality TV, Craig is one of the stars of Southern Charm. He’s also an entrepreneur, designer, and now a children’s book author. And yes, if you’ve read my previous newsletters, you already know I absolutely watch Southern Charm and all things Bravo. World of Kids Books is Craig’s publisher, so they invited me to the launch event.

Beyond being a fan of the show and of Craig himself, I genuinely love the message behind his book. He addresses bullying in a way that will resonate deeply with children. He shares his story of feeling different and how the very things he was bullied for eventually became his superpowers. It’s a thoughtful, encouraging story that teaches children to celebrate and embrace themselves exactly as they are. Quite frankly, it’s a lesson all of us need. It’s such a meaningful book, and you can preorder it here: Patchwork: Bee Brave, Bee Kind, Bee You

Along with talking to Craig about his book and hearing more about his story, I also met Chad Rose, a professor at the University of South Carolina who has studied bullying for more than 20 years and played an important role in helping shape this book. My fingers are crossed that I can get both Chad and Craig on the podcast. Stay tuned, because this topic feels incredibly important, and I’d love to dive deeper into it with both of them.

My daughter Hana came with me, and honestly, that was the best part of the entire trip. She’s 20 now, and it’s not always easy for our schedules to line up, but whenever we can, we try to take quick trips together. I know that as she gets older, those opportunities will probably become fewer and farther between.

So to anyone reading this, let this be your reminder: make the most of the time you have. If you see an opportunity, don’t wait. Say yes, even when it doesn’t always make logical sense. Somehow, someway, things tend to work out.

Travel has always been a huge part of my life. It truly is one of my love languages. My husband Sam and I have been traveling with our kids since they were babies, and it’s always been a priority for us. Growing up, my parents prioritized travel too, and some of my most cherished memories come from those experiences.

Travel doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Do it in a way that feels doable and exciting for your family. Even one night at a nearby hotel can feel magical. Changing your environment awakens something in all of us. Our senses expand. We become more present, more connected, more alive.

When my kids were younger, I worked part-time, and our budget didn’t always allow for big trips. But we still made travel a priority. One year, instead of buying holiday presents, we took a family trip to the Caribbean. My kids loved it. Truly, it was worth so much more than buying more things they probably didn’t need. Even now, my husband and I rarely exchange gifts. Instead, we ask each other, “What do we want to do? Where should we go next?” We prioritize experiences.

Having this time with my daughter was the best part of the whole trip. We laughed so hard at times that we were both crying. We ate incredible food, explored a beautiful new city, and took in every moment together. As the event got closer, I started to feel nervous, and she became my rock. It’s funny how our roles begin to shift as our children grow older.

We enjoyed every aspect of this trip, and I know it’s one neither of us will ever forget.

So onward and upward we go. I’m deeply excited about the future, even though I have no idea exactly what’s coming next. In some ways, I actually prefer it that way.

If I could put one request out to the universe, it would be this: more spontaneous trips, more opportunities to meet good people and collaborate with them, and more chances to show up in the world asking, “How can I serve?”

I’m deeply grateful that I get to write this newsletter, record a podcast, coach both parents and life-coaching clients, create resources that help people navigate life in a steadier way, and continue showing up each day more present, connected, and fulfilled.

Thank you for being here. I truly don’t think you’ll ever understand how much it means to me.

In closing: take the trip, lean on your people, love a little more, and to quote Craig — Bee Brave, Bee Kind, Bee You.

Love always,
Albiona

P.S. Here’s where we ate, and I highly recommend every single one:

• Miller’s All Day — the best brunch/breakfast we had

• Sorelle — an incredible Italian restaurant

• Lenoir — charming, intimate, and unbelievably delicious

• Bartaco — truly 11/10