First world whine alert: I just spent a significant amount of time making risotto with fresh high quality shrimp (that Tom spent a lot of time cleaning and peeling) and I didn't like it. Sigh.

That sucks, Nora.

I used to love shrimp, but I really don't anymore. Every time I get it it just seems bland. I seem to recall reading somewhere that the shrimp of today just don't taste as good as they used to - anybody hear about this?

Oh Nora, that's... well, it's enlightening. At least you know it isn't the prep that you don't like, it's the food itself. That's something. And I'm sorry.

Nicole, I'm so glad somebody to pummel you properly! I hope she continues to do well.

bonny, I'm not familiar with the Star+Gate deck, although the cover reminds me of one I have that I can't place right now. The perils of plethora (sorry). Plentitude (stop that!). Um.

I have the Faeries Oracle, and though I don't read with it, I meditate with it often. Also, I just got the 2010 Froud wall calendar. Now all I have to do is fight my way to the wall to hang it up so I can look at it.

Almost all my decks came second-hand, except for a few which were gifts, or which I saved my pennies for. Some came with boxes or bags. The wooden box you mentioned came with a "green" Thoth deck that had belonged to a San Francisco personality in the music and occult-metaphysical community. I used to have his website bookmarked, but no longer. Most of my bags I made myself. I have probably a dozen blanks, with matched linings, already cut out, and the braided cord to hand. In a thousand years, when I get squared away, I'll set up the machine and finish them up.

I start writing in blank books and then stop, so I have several with just the first few pages written on.

I think I'm going to see the Dirty Dozen Brass Band tonight! I thought it was last night, when I had plans. And I'm going with some peeps from my New Orleans trips, so it should be good times. Damn I love living two blocks from the Cat's Cradle.

Haven't heard from MFJ this weekend. I'm kind of bummed but just trying to accept what is. Which was a lovely diversion and a bridge into singlehood if nothing else.

Have you ever seen the Po Mo Ta Ro? I bought the deck for a friend of mine and I think it's out of print now. I forget all the suits except for guns & TVs. Bottles maybe?

That's another one I missed, Laga. It's still available.

Oh cool! Last time I looked I couldn't find it.

Beverly, Connie, Nicole, thank you all for your help.

Got your back, Windsparrow, but in a supportive way. Not in a shove-you-into-something against your better judgement way. I hope whatever you decide to do goes well. At least better than it has been going.

I start writing in blank books and then stop, so I have several with just the first few pages written on.

Hey, that means I am smonster! That means I get good hair and the ability to belly dance, awesome!

I recently customized a blank journal I bought at T.J. Maxx for about $3, and it is my dedicated notebook for the fiction project I am working on. All of my plot notes, crack-addled ideas, and dialog snippets have been scribbled in it. It actually is kind of motivating me to write, so yay?