I have learned in my nearly 49 years of living that certain kinds of life situations and disappointments call for a choice in life: whine or move on in a positive manner.

Truth be told, my month was very stressful, as hubby Steve and I had put our cottage-style condo on the market and it "sold" within three days to the first person who walked in. Yes, that sounds like a dream come true, but five days before we were to move, had put some of our things in storage, all moving arrangements had been made, and the escrow officer assured us everything was a "done deal," our buyer fired her agent and her financing fell through due to an unscrupulous lender. We were as meticulous about all of this up front as possible, but alas, there is only so much one can do. It's life.

The words, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" came to mind, so, I decided to focus on all the positive writing assignments I was working on this month and I managed to complete some really fun writing projects for several great clients, which made us both happy! For me, writing isn't work, it's FUN! I've been doing it since I was a kid, and I loved it way back then too. It's my passion! And I think having at least one passion prevents one from becoming dull. :)

Our home is back on the market, so hopefully I will be writing to you about our next new great place soon. After evaluating our current stage of life, for the next chapter, I have my heart set on a low-maintenance apartment on a top floor in a resort-like Southern CA complex. Ditto hubby Steve. I want to be high up in the trees--where it's quiet--something that seems hard to come by in today's noisy world! I've already affectionately named our prospective new place "Tea/Tee for Two Treehouse" and am planning my "indoor garden" decorating look since I won't have an outdoor garden to maintain. For some reason, I can't get a treehouse out of my head....guess you could say, like the treehouse book I mention below, that I want to live "out on a limb!"

On another note, I had a very nice thing happen this month when I recently wrote to my very favorite writing teacher from my college alma mater, South Dakota State University , and I received a delightful return e-mail from Dr. Charles Woodard. It's been nearly 30 years, and he remembered me from when I was a young aspiring writer and English literature student. I knew he was a special professor, so I wasn't surprised to learn that his own book was nominated for a Pulitzer prize! And he has received numerous other awards. See my No Woman is an Island section below to read more about this fascinating and dedicated writing teacher and our re-connecting story.

Have a great month!

Blessings!

Kathryn :)

P.S. I will be sending you my new Postal Annex address and new phone number in a separate e-mail so be on the lookout for it, please!