She categorized it the move from hell for a number of reasons, not the least of which was discovering numerous problems with the place that they had purchased. And that is why the issue is a little late. As of Sunday afternoon, the computers were not hooked back up. So, I am writing this on Monday, and wondering, since I have not gotten any exultant e-mail from her, if things are back together yet. I just trust that the issue is getting on the wires.
Harry's anxiously waiting to read it. He wrote me that he'd gotten a couple of e-mails from people who are enjoying the stories of Westlake Village. Harry has a wonderful sense of self-deprecating humor in his character in the Village. His additional story in this issue, "The Wedding Dress," while categorized as a short story, which implies fiction, is actually not. It's the true story of a relative of his.
His story illustrates an angle to the subject of love, which seems to be prevalent in this issue, which reminds us that there have been and are many people who don't ever experience love from another human being. And that sometimes the lack of love overwhelms all else in their lives.
Another aspect of love is the subject of new author Al Carmichael, who introduced himself to me via an e-mail on the subject of the book Conversations with God. His e-mail was so good, that I invited him to write an article, and I'm pleased that he submitted "The Challenge of Unconditional Love."
The other article that came out of the blue was Susan Smith's "Animal Magnetism." I thought it rounded out the issue nicely to include her thoughts on animal and human male and female differences when it comes to sexuality. And yes, she corroborated that the "Coolidge Effect" anecdote has become "sociobiological terminology." That's one story that I hadn't heard circulated about "Silent Cal," and I lived in Vermont for 28 years.
Enjoy this issue as the northern hemisphere turns into autumn and the southern hemisphere enters springtime. Wonderful thing, the earth. Do get outdoors and experience her changing season, wherever you are.
Heed the winds and the waters, the lights of sun and moon, note the birds that cross your vision in this shifting time. Be here now and live it.
Cherie Staples
Editor