Update since the summer

Wow. A lot has happened. I don't do a consistent blog here at zaadz. You can normally find me blogging over at http://romanticcircussongs.blogspot.com
but I'll tell you what's been going on...

The break-up I spoke of was for the absolute best because three weeks later I met my true soul mate, my Twin S-elf, whatever you want to call it. He is my "He Who Will Be," the one I've been looking for all of my life. His name is Jake and we have such a journey to take together.

He has some serious health problems which I'm praying will be worked out next year with surgeries. Then a quick recovery and then -- joy of all joys -- we will get married!

We've been together a little over 4 months. It's been a whirlwind. I find my compassion and love growing every day. I take care of his ailments when I can and it feels so good to alleviate any pain he might feel for he lives in pain every minute of every day.

We have a bumpy road ahead of us....but we'll get there, no doubt. We have an AMAZING love that will help us last the ages.

Job-wise, I've been on unemployment and focusing on my writing. I've started a workshop called Inside Out Writing Workshops (http://insideoutwriting.blogspot.com) which focuses on the benefits of emotional healing through the act of creative writing. It's still in its new stages, but once I get some housekeeping done with other areas of my life, I'm going to (as my new friend Melissa says) "say yes and freak out later." I'm going to target elderly homes...to help them tell stories and write if they can.... and I want to target hospitals...mental health centers.... you name it.

I'm also applying for writing fellowships and teaching opportunities around the country. From California to Colorado to Baltimore to Boston.... we shall see. A big part of me wants to find adventure elsewhere for Madison holds little professional happiness for me (except the WI Institute for Creative Writing which is my first choice) but then again I don't want to leave my precious Jake. However, he encourages me to go to whatever institution accepts me and he will follow when he is able.

I'm also considering applying to UW-Madison for the Master's Program in Speech Pathology. I had a horrible stutter as as child and I'm fascinated with speech and disorders and I very much would like to work with children in the schools and help them find their voice. The way a speech therapist helped me.

So yeah... lots of things happening.

I've also got a part-time job now at a used bookstore. I absolutely love it. My place is in a bookstore, to be sure!

Next blog entry... meeting the fabulous MELISSA!!