She's had several surgeries over the last couple of years, and I think there was a gall bladder or something removed. There's been very little word in several months, and I've stopped sending emails because I don't want to add to the burden.

A lot of the authors who worked with Drollerie are being moderately pissy because "she should have gotten us word somehow, this isn't how you run a business, etc." There for the grace of God go you, nitwits.

If anyone deserves a miracle, it's her. I don't know of anyway to contact her other than email. I can only assume the mailing address I have from a few years ago is still good. I'll dig that up and send a note, perhaps that will at least cheer her up a bit.

Oh, no, Deena!! That's awful. Is there anything we can do to help?

Oh no, Deena! I had no idea.

Behold the sheer wonder that is the Halloween costume I saw at Target today: [link]

I *love* that it's explicitly labeled *cool* vampire. Because nothing's cooler than that ruffly shirt and vest with chains. NOTHING.

There ... there are several really bitchy comments I could make about that costume, relating to the Seattle scene. But I won't.

However, I will say that the idea of the vest is kinda nifty. It could be done much, much better, but the idea is good.

Oh, I'm not opposed to a vest. Just *that* one. Oh, man.

Oh, poor Deena. Don't know what to wish for her. Just, the best possible.

That costume is... really something.

Amazing what 12 hours of sleep will do. Last night I was literally stumbling around getting ready for bed muttering, "It will be better after I sleep, it will be better after I sleep."

Matilda update:

This morning she wanted to snuzzle in bed and play mommy-and-baby, a game which consists of her being an exceptionally sweet and patient mom while I recite the baby lines she feeds me (usually fractious and cranky).

Matilda: Baby, I'm going on a vacation today! Now you say, "Can I go with you?"

Me: Can I go with you?

Matilda: Yes, you can!

Me: Yay! Where are we going?

Matilda [ponders a moment, then her eyes go so wide and shining I think she's going to say "Neverland"] We're going to... OHIO!

Me: ...Ohio?

Matilda: Yes, Ohio! Where they're always doing the hula dances. But you have to be gentle with the Ohio people, and don't bonk into them while they're doing their hula dances.

Teppy is out looking for hula dancers right now.