In the heat of this financial crisis where I have resorted to buying expired foodstuffs and going to Wal-Mart because their cat food is slightly cheaper (cat food is up about 33 percent since February!) I have decided to contact an attorney about a remedy. That is going to take place next week. I have called her already and set up an appointment.

In the meantime, I am painting again after the rush of entertaining my sister and her kids. I have three canvasses underway. I've only had three very small graphic design jobs this summer. The well is pretty dry there. Short story submission had to stop because I can't afford contest fees and the mail costs started to hurt, too. I can't even afford the anti-depressants (the VA won't cover me.)

This has been coming for a long time. It all goes back to when I threw in the proverbial towel at the end of the three-year divorce.

I gave up too much and went away with most of the debts.

I am all right, though. So are my pets. Bunjii is still the coward and lives under the bathroom sink - avoiding Doobie's bully demeanor. There will be no more visits to the Veterinarian.

As for pro-bono work, I am finished. I can't devote any more time to it when I am not making ends meet here.

So, I will keep trying. And I will stay in touch with my muses, my friends and my spirits. Don't worry.