I think I just made a "rainbow connection."

"The lovers, the dreamers, and me ... " Ok, I'll stop singing, for now.

Great news, world!! I have a second meeting lined up next week with a marvelous global organization - which just so happens to be my late mother's favorite "cause" - so there's freelance work possibilities, as well as a permanent high-falootin' Communications Specialist position that I am in the running for.

I made it through to the last round of interviews next week - only three of us left competing for the position. After two written exams for the role, I sure hope I land the full time gig. I've already put a lot into it, but whatever comes, it's a honour to work with the organization in ANY capacity. Of course, as a professional, I don't use words in the "real world" like high-falootin', that's what's so fun about a personal blog, and an anonymously written one at that. It's my verbal "sweatpants." God forbid I ever let my employers or colleagues know about it or read it ... but then, they wouldn't recognize me anyway, my style is so completely different in the professional sphere, and my novel is an even greater departure than that. I wear many hats, maybe berets, a few different chapeaus, whatever headgear writers wear.

I'd just like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my friends, readers and twitter followers - your kindness and support has helped - a LOT. My hands are now pain-free, I'm psyched to get back to my career in communications, and my novel is progressing quickly now, so if I can complete it by the end of the summer as planned, my life will be tickety-boo.

Ahhhh ... what a relief. After all I've gone through these past six months (and I have had to walk through fire, so-to-speak), battling RA and off work on medical leave, I am in a good place at last. So take heart, if you're going through a rough patch, remember, "This too shall pass." And if it doesn't, find a way to overcome and fly above the crap. Drop me a line, because it's all about helping each other to figure out how.

Rick Hansen is my inspiration. He's still in motion, and so am I.

It's been a while since my last post. I have been busy job-hunting and training on Dragon voice recognition software so I can resume my writing career. Most days, I feel very positive. After all, I am STILL a skilled marketing communications and PR writer. Other days, like today, I experience an almost paralyzing fear. Unemployment takes its toll: financial stress, feeling "displaced," and unwanted, it can be overwhelming at times. I try not to give into my fears, but I have to be honest with you, readers, I feel physically exhausted from all the worrying.

I have been sitting at my desk for hours now, scanning a multitude of websites for job opportunities, and I came across something on the Rick Hansen Foundation site, in Rick's story, that made all the difference. It said, "Growing up in a rural environment with aunts, uncles and grandparents all close by, the close-knit family community played a pivotal role in the development of Rick’s character from a young age. That same close community rallied around him following his spinal cord injury providing strength and encouragement at a time when it made a critical difference to the path his life would take."

If you don't know Rick Hansen's story, I encourage you to read it at http://www.rickhansen.com. It gives me courage to overcome my RA, and puts my own minor physical challenges into perspective. As for support, you all know that both my parents are deceased, that I'm single, and that I have one brother in England who I rarely hear from, so I am sadly lacking in "support group" and "family." Hence, this blog. I heard it said on Oprah the other day, "Family refers to the people who love us when we need them." In that respect, I have one outstanding person: my best friend in Calgary who, just last week, mailed me a huge box of food and much-needed supplies, like toilet paper, deodorant and a new toothbrush. And, there are a few of you out there, anonymous though you may be, who have taken the time to write me with support and suggestions. I can't even begin to find the words with which to express my gratitude. A voice that says "I care" in the night can turn darkness into light. To all of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. On days like today, you light my way in the dark. And to my best friend in Calgary, whose anonymity I respect as much as my own, I LOVE YOU!!!

As for me, I'm determined to keep moving forward and be the centre of my own "Woman in Motion" tour. How about that, Rick? Thanks for being my inspiration.

Perspective and prayers for Haitians

My problems don't amount to a hill of beans compared to the devastation in Haiti. I have nothing to say about myself or my "stuff" right now, and even if I did, it is a time to respectfully hold my tongue. I don't have my head up my own caboose today.

The people of Haiti, and Haitian communities all over the world, are truly suffering and have lost loved ones and everything they own. The news images are heart-wrenching. My heart is heavy and my head is bowed for you. I send out prayers to the people of Haiti. God bless you all, and shame on Pat Robinson for saying such a hideous thing. He will have to answer for it someday.

With my heartfelt thanks, always, to friends and followers.