I go back to work full time and I fall behind on journal entries. I did better last year. At least I was doing an entry or two a week.

On the writing front, Kate Wilhelm got back to me after reading my novel. Since the novel is basically a second draft she read for structure. And she had a lot to say. Some great thoughts on the book and very encouraging. Actually, I probably shouldn't say "book" because she suggested the material presented is of novella length. This might be true. I'll give it some thought. I might be more up to cutting and some reshaping to make a novella instead of fattening up this 50,000 word draft.

I think I would enjoy drafting the next novel, but I haven't begun moving in that direction yet.

I'm doing some short stories and looking carefully at focus and plot. In fact, thanks to a challenge created by Devon and Nina, I wrote, finished, and then turned in the story to workshop on Tuesday. Devon and Nina were each doing a story with the title Traveling Shoes. They suggested I do it too. So I did. My story is the third story in as many weeks to have the title of Traveling Shoes. I get critiqued, um, I mean my story gets critiqued on Tuesday.

Otherwise it's been TANGO! I've been learning to relax and not think of the steps and just move with the music. I'm still not ready to dance with anyone but Ximena, however she says I'm probably ready. I'll dance with others during our lessons but I haven't done so when we've gone to the milonga on Friday and Saturday nights.

X and I have turned on the tango music and practiced in the apartment. No matter how hesitant I am or apprehensive, once I have her in that embrace and I'm just moving and we're dancing, that joy I see in her face entices me to hold her forever.