And now, for something completely off the subject…..

What I've been reading:
"Smoke and Shadows"
I am a huge fan of Ms. Huff’s vampire series featuring "Henry Fitzroy." Vampires? You say? Yup, vampires. Every once in awhile, I just crave a good vampire story. This, "Smoke and Shadows", is the latest installment. If, like me, you occasionally indulge in a little night walker reading….this series is great.

"The Language of Power"
This one jumped off the new books shelf at the library and right into my book bag. It is the second in a series, and while I haven’t read the first, I intend to! Fun, intelligent, a great escape from children who are much too tweaked out over school starting….

So, other than read this Labor Day weekend, I did manage to get a few more rows of Drama Queen Poncho #1 knit. I *think* one more ball of yarn and I will be able to cast off and start fringing. Big project for me…trying to keep up my motivation for finishing it. Anyone who knows me is well aware that I am a far better starter than finisher!

Lastly, answers to some "extra" SPIII questions sent by my Secret Pal!!! Woo hoo!! I’m enjoying hearing from you SP….it’s just plain fun, and we all need more of that.

22. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Do I have to stick to one?? Animated Character would most likely be Piglet. Favorite bird is the chickadee.

23. What is your favorite holiday? 24. Is there anything that you collect?
This is a long and roundabout answer…..I love holidays, especially Christmas. I had a Christmas ornament collection that dated back to childhood, mostly contributed to by my favorite Aunt, Aunt Jeanne. Jeanne always sent at least one Christmas ornament a year. A blown glass heart from Russia when she toured with a chorale group she belonged to…a stunning fairy ornament….probably 50 or more ornaments. I also started collecting a ceramic village Christmas scene with buildings, a gazebo, etc. As well, I had "done" the "Christmas Around the World" party circuit for several years and collected a LOT of that! Decorating the house was a full time job for the weeks before Christmas. Live boughs with lights woven throughout both indoors and out…I just lived Christmas from the day after Thanksgiving to December 26.
Then, I left my husband. After 14 years, 4 children…his alcoholism was completely unchecked and I had come to the life-altering realization that one of the reasons I was so miserable was that I was lesbian and denying who I was inside. I left with the children and pretty much just our clothes and that was it.

My Christmas collection? He took most of it to the dump and gave the rest to the girlfriend he took up with less than 90 days after I left.

For the first 5 years after I left Mike, I did as little with Christmas as possible. It was devastating to me….remembering all the things I had saved and cherished, but no longer have. Last year, I began to feel that old familiar Christmas pleasure and began collecting again. This year, I am already starting my Christmas high and thinking about ornaments and decorations. A Christmas ornament of some kind would be absolutely cherished.