Aims! Shane is at an IB school this year and we LOVE it so much!

I am loving every little thing about it.

Most importantly, the lack of multiple behavioral issues. I didn't fancy getting sliced open and punched in the face anymore.

::waves at everyone::

So good to see alllllllla the pixels, man. I'd forgotten how much I missed this place.

I did forget a couple of things—both of the Rugrats are in college now. (I don't even know how that happened.) The Snark is likely going to be a photography major (although he hasn't confessed that yet, at least, not to me) and the Diva is in Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount as an animation major.

And in the realm of my writing, I did finally have my first non-YA/women's fiction short story published in the Bouchercon anthology for this year. It's on its surface a mystery/crime story, but it is, in actuality, the origin story for the paranormal/horror thriller I've been working on.

So-- yeah.

I certainly don't count as a lurker, that would imply I come here on occasion. But I see a lot of you on Facebook, thankfully!

My update is going to sound bad, but I assure you it's truly the opposite. I'm in the process of a divorce. But that is not cause for sadness. It's cause for riotous celebration! I'll spare you all the details but will simply say that I've been in an emotionally abusive marriage for seven years now and I was stuck for a very very long time due to the standard fear and isolation, but also the very real financial roadblocks to getting out. But I made friends. They raised me up. They helped me find a way. And sometime in the next few months (please send all the -ma you can spare, as the Belgian courts are giving me a pretty big hassle), my beautiful daughter and I will be FREE. We're moving back to America, presuming the judge here approves the mutual agreement we've signed. I'm getting nothing, in fact I'm being totally screwed by the divorce, but I'm getting Luna and I'm getting my freedom and those are the only two things I care about. I'll happily start over from zero with a child in tow if I am able to do it on my own terms finally.

In other news, Luna is six now, fully bilingual, and never stops talking. She's smart and funny and beautiful and I am often amazed she came from me. I cannot wait to see how much she thrives when surrounded by family that loves her all the time.

I'm biding my time. It passes slowly. I cook and read and hang out with friends. I started painting a couple years ago and just recently switched from acrylics to watercolors. I now spend a significant chunk of my free time painting. I'm remembering who I was and figuring out who I'll be once I get to live again. I'm anxious but hopeful!

Oh, Callaluna. I'm so sad for what you've been through and so so happy for your new life of freedom! Lots of Court~ma to you, may it go quickly and easily and entirely in your favor.

Sherlock, I mean Raq, lovely to see you again!

Callaluna, I wish you all the best in your new start in life.

Oh, Callaluna, I'm sorry for such a long struggle but I'm glad you are finding your way out.

Wow, Raq!

Sherlock-Raq, that's pretty cool!

freedom~ma, Callaluna!

Callaluna, I'm sorry for what you've been through, and I'm glad you have found a way out of it. Luna is absolutely beautiful.