I wanted to pass on a few updates:

My brother is doing better thanks to the pacemaker, but is still having breathing issues that we don't know the cause of.

My ex is taking her near-death experience seriously, and has started to look for a cheaper place that Sam could have going forward, but she is showing signs of a deep paranoia that is quite worrisome.

As for me, I've been trying to do a deep dive into understanding my manic phase, but I still got a lot of work to do.

Greetings Top Shelf Writers and Readers,

I wanted to bring back from way back in the Big Closet a writing challenge that Erin made way back in 2008:

"What might happen to such a person {'a troll'} who ran a foul of some of the mythical beings who lurk in the back of the BigCloset? :)" ~ Erin Halfelven

I take joy in being a part of this website as it has served transgender readers and writers. I answered the challenge back in 2008 with my story From Troll to Triumph . I would love to see what can be done in 2025 with this classic prompt from Erin.

Talk among yourselves.
.
.
.
.
That's enough.

Now go forth and write!

Heads Up!

Melanie and I are going to be staying in a motel tonight, and we may have to do it again in a few days or a week. I no longer feel safe trying to use our shower; we've got someone coming Friday to take a look at installing a more accessible bath.

So, I'm going to take a one-day vacation from the site. I'll have my laptop with me, but may not turn it on, who knows. Piper will be watching for problems, and we should all be fine.

Play nice.

Hugs,
Erin

“Go wake up Donna,” I told the Turbo Toddler. “Dad, too,” I added.
“Ogay!” she agreed and sped off toward the bedrooms, squealing about ‘hopgakes!’
"That’ll keep her busy for a few,” I told Mom.
“But not quiet,” she mentioned as we could hear the uproar down the hallway.

Thanks, Erin, for giving me so many laughs by letting this bundle of energy appearing in your story!

Martina

This may be old hat to some of you but I just "discovered" Astrid Jorgensen who created a phenomenon called Pub Choir. Here are a couple of clips to introduce the performances that she organizes:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNO-OSztM5s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtM-5lhZ-yo

She also auditioned on America's Got Talent which YouTube will lead you to.

I am working on the final chapter of “Circle in the Sand”.
I’m hoping to have it completed this weekend,