are wonderful."

Zach: "But you're special."

Cassie: "No, we're all special. He's special--she's special. And Sheila--and Richie, and Connie. They're all special. I'd be happy dancing in that line. Yes, I would."

The above is an exchange that takes place at a pivotal point in "A Chorus Line" and I thought of it many times over the past 10 days and how special you people here are and how special you made me, and my 18th birthday, feel.

I received cards, poems, e-mails and comments from all over the world and the United States wishing me a happy birthday and many more. So many of you went the extra mile for me and even if one day we exchange unpleasant words and/or thoughts (not that we will!) they will pale and disappear because of your thoughts in helping me celebrate my 18th birthday and making it--yes, there is that word again--special!!

I am finally catching up with everything, crossing off many things on my 'to do lists'. I am back on my diet, watching my smoking, reading all the blogs that accumulated, making comments here and there, making new friends and adding new subscribers to my list. Caught up with 9 days of posts, conversations and the latest happenings at talkinbroadway and other web sites that I neglected to visit while on 'hiatus'. And the birds are certainly happy to be back on their old schedule!

Thanks to all of you and all I can say is "JUST WAIT FOR MY 19th!" in 2012!