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It’s 5:30 a.m. I lie sandwiched between two of the sweetest souls on Earth. My beloved husband sleeps to my right, while our treasured Norwegian forest cat molds her body to my left side. How do I know these are wondrous souls? Because they take their places night after night, sharing their warmth and love with me. Still.

We three have lived intimately for many years by any human standard. But if you measure time in moments and emotions exchanged, we’ve spent at least a century together. In that time, we’ve seen a lot of water flow under our bridge: My patient companions have withstood enough tears to soak through all our carpets, run down the stairs and pour out of every door – for at least a week. They’ve remained sympathetic through loss, pain, panic, exhaustion and relief. And they face anger that can flip from frosty to blistering in six seconds flat. Or less. Depending on the situation.

Yet they look into my eyes with love. They expect me to be trustworthy. They make me laugh out loud often. We’ve become shifting constellations that must honor their bonds with a silent caress, a quick kiss, a sleepy smile, and, of course, food.

I fear greed is another of my flaws, yet I wish and hope with all my heart that love lives on and on…for you, for us, for every being.

May 2016 bring immutable love and peace to ALL.

We last left each other in the spring. I was on my way to Bhutan, Cambodia and Bangkok. And I know you were starring in your own adventures.

Our trip was amazing and I’ll offer more detail in future writings, but the upshot is: go, go, go! Bhutan is a particularly interesting blend of medieval, agrarian society with new cell phones, and a spanking new democracy welded to Buddhism at its very large heart. But magic doors is really my current topic, so…

Soon after I returned from Asia, I discovered I’d made a commitment to a longtime and beloved friend that meant I wasn’t going to be in town for our annual salsa competition in July. That was tough news for me to accept – and to break to Salsa Libre. Read “door closing.”

But then my decision seemed to lay out a welcome mat for inspiration, as in “door opening.” Since May, I’ve written four new tunes, a picture book (really?), and a new sci-fi short story. I’ve also decided to self publish my middle-grade novel, and I’m in talks with a brilliant artist for illustrations.

But what was my first reaction? Grumpy! So I felt ungrateful along with grouchy right up until my ever-wise friend Patsy said, “You’re not ungrateful for the gifts, you’re impatient with anything that interrupts them. This is the best ride in the creative theme park. Who wouldn’t be grumpy when they had to step off?”

So now I’m just full time grateful, and accepting the grumpy as part of the package. I’m also thankful for insightful friends and a very patient husband.

Have a great Holiday Season and a truly wonderful New Year!

Note: If you like sci-fi, check out Clarkesworld, the online sci-fi and fantasy ‘zine. Great writing, fun attitude – and they have gift subscriptions. I know my man is gonna love his.

I dreamt that I was enjoying a remarkable evening with friends. The night was warm and exotic with torches and candlelight throwing shadows across the bare ground and rough table. We talked and laughed over a timeless dinner. I got up to use the women’s room. It was on my way back to the table that the miracle happened.

I walked in a wide aisle between massive crates overflowing with flawless fruit stacked higher than my head. I heard compelling Latin music. The dirt beneath my feet turned to a smooth white surface as my body began to dance. Stunned, I glanced down at my white-girl feet moving in perfection to the sultry music. Then I was dancing atop the mangoes and watermelon without missing a beat, without damage, without ever having to stop.