"7 years, 12 months".

That's what my account said when I checked it this morning.

So assuming my math is right, I have managed to be here for 8 years.

It wouldn't have been possible without my friends - you know who you are, if I try and list you all I'll forget somebody - and the wonderful work of Erin and her elves.

Here is hoping I get many more years here.

After having what I can only describe as a toxic relationship with food for most of my life, with my internal organs in danger and chances for SRS growing fainter, I have been forced to face the fact that I am a food addict.

I have now joined a support group that uses the methods of A.A. to help people like me change not just their diets but their relationship to food, and I am going to do my best to get into recovery.

All hugs, prayers, and words of support are appreciated as I begin this difficult journey.

I dont usually talk about sports here, but something so remarkable happened last night at the start of the playoff game here in Edmonton, I have to mention it.

See, due to technical difficulties, the young man who was supposed to sing the American anthem found his microphone not working.

It could have become an embarrassing moment for everyone involved, but instead, he got the crowd to sing the American anthem with him, ringing the rafters as they sang.

Super classy move by the fans, so to all in attendance thank you for representing my town in such a fantastic way.

My short story collection is up.

Please consider buying and reviewing if you can.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B071H9XP8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-tex...

Well, my doctor got the results of my ultrasound and its much worse than I could have feared. My liver is very fatty, my kidneys are enlarged, and I am in serious trouble unless I can make a total 180 on my eating habits.

You add to this the fact I was already struggling emotionally and spiritually, and I am in a very bad place at the moment.

hugs and prayers appreciated.

Just so anybody reading chapter 20 of Mercy and worried that it says "The end ... for now", dont worry just yet.

I plan to bring Mercy, Brand, and company back for a Book 2, with a focus on the idea of self-forgiveness.

I mean, its great to forgive others, but what if you cant forgive yourself?

I have no timeline for when I'll actually be able to have something to share, but I promise that as soon as I do, I will post it for everybody who still likes these characters to enjoy.

I dont know how others write, but I tend to write in sequence - that is, I write the first part of a chapter first, then each event as it occurs.

Once in a great while after I have finished a part of a chapter, I realize something would actually work better earlier, and switch it around, but generally the story unfolds as I write it.

But I think I need to do something different for the next chapter of Mercy.

Well, despite a long time delay that made me wonder if my muse was no longer interested in Mercy, she gave me enough to finish chapter 19.

I hope the long delay hasn't scared away all my readers ...

Well, I had a very bad day today. First, I tried to get my pink slip from my old work only to be told its up to my local guy - a guy I cant even get a hold of - to get that done.

Then, I went out and found that someone had gotten into my car - again - and threw everything in my glove compartment around. At least this time, my battery wasn't dead ...

a story of mine has been published.

Here is the link:

http://www.createdgay.com/files/magazineapril2017a.pdf

If you havent read it yet, Bailey Summers' latest piece, Touch Starved so hits it on the head it hurts.

I often feel like I am starving to be touched, but thankfully I do have my mom so the occasional hug can happen for me.

So thank you Bailey, for saying what so many of us feel ...

Well, I ran into a brick wall with my Mercy story.

I was gonna have Faith meet with a suicidal student, but since Vantier just did that in her latest chapter, and I don't think I could top it, I need to go in another direction.

If only I knew what that direction was ...

I'm trying to bribe my muse with chocolate but no luck so far ...

I have been noodling the idea of a group of explorers who are taking clues which lead to different parts of North America and a hidden puzzle piece that only when all are found and everyone cooperates will lead to the ultimate treasure.

What I'm hoping for is a group of authors, each one following one of the teams looking for the answers through them finding a puzzle piece, and then one large story that would be about all the teams working together to get the treasure.

Would you want to be involved?

Well, it was a mixed bag of emotions at my daughter's birthday last night. I was very happy to have some time with her, of course, and the food was good, but the conversation ?

Well, not so much.

See, my mom started talking about my brother going to college, and my sister in law going to university, and how successful they were and are, but when it came to mentioning me ... well, let's just say I have had less success in my life.

I was reading the other day that a lot of places including the U.K. and Canada are looking into dress codes that force women to wear heels at work, as well as overly sexual outfits like short skirts. While this is a good thing, it sucks for those of us who are used to trans stories that feature a guy following the girl's dress code ...