I want you all to meet Babs. Well, I mean, click onto her link.

Almost one year to the date, Rhubarb did the same for me – introduced me. She opened the wondrous world of JS and the delicious friends I have made.

Babs will discover, like me, that the various nicknames are a hoot and sometimes deceiving. The best example is Electric Grandmother. In the beginning, I read her posts, and afterwards, was left scratching my head. Her nickname did not jive with the posts. I soon discovered that she’s a young mother, much like Babs. And, equally, a delight.

Anyway, for Babs’ sake, here is a rundown of the people she will encounter per my links. Beyond my links are many other fine writers, but there are only so many hours in a day. :)

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Netta is everyone’s favorite. When I first went to her site, I clicked on the links to her short stories and fell in love. She is a superb writer. She is also totally irreverent in a benign way – a sweeter heart you will never meet. I also thought she was about 19-years old. She ain’t, but she’s very much the hipster. :)

Lisa is our baby – expecting her first baby. Her youthfulness is a journey to our own youthful days. I swear to you, when she feels her baby’s first kick, so will we. Now, if we can only get her past morning sickness!

Eric (and his wife, Mary) are our resident published-authors-extraordinaire. He fashions himself a curmudgeon, but he isn’t. He’s tender and the most sensible of us all – yet, makes us laugh ourselves silly.

Randomthoughts (Rando) is our token Brit. He’s our court jester with brainy brains. He always makes us smile – after we weep. Or makes us weep – after we smile. His heart is bigger than the so-called Pond. Oh, and be sure to check out his short stories at ChickFlicks. Some berry, berry good stuff.

LA is multi-talented and founder of ChickFlicks, a fabulous ezine magazine. Babs, I encourage you to submit some of your work to this fine publication. BTW, LA is the ultimate kick with wit.

JD is also multi-talented – a very fine author, above all else. She is our globetrotter. She has even traveled beyond JS, but my link will take you to her. Be sure to dive deep into her posts to read her travelogues. They are the very best I have ever read. Of great importance, she loves everything with a beating heart – and ya can’t beat that!

Also, dive deep into Harmonium. Her humor is pitch perfect. Several of her readers, including me, have begged her to publish – to link up with a newspaper, whatever. She is such a treat – she makes my sides gratefully ache from laughter. I wish I could write like her – really.

Rhubarb is the BIG brains of the group. She is an uber liberal, so buckle up! She holds no punches, and because of that, she is illuminating each and every time. She keeps us honest. :)

Shrinking Violet has the keenest sense of observation among us. She doesn’t reside at JS, but she’s one of us. She, too, is a smarty-pants, with quiet humor that makes me erupt in belly laughter.

Wanaki is a breath of fresh air. She bubbles with youthful hope, which gives my ancient bones hope. I especially enjoy her “Free Association” posts. They make me think – and I enjoy reading other participant’s answers. She’s a treat to savor.

Dfaz is our exotic one who is about to become a globetrotter, like JD. She’s a frisky one. Heh. But I’m always touched with sentimentality because of her familial ties. She’s a beloved whoop – an eternal teenager at heart, yet with wisdom. I bow to her.

Mr. Cloudy is our beloved philosopher. I call him Sir Cloudy because I think it is befitting, deserved. I have the utmost respect for him and every morsel he throws our ways. His tenderness awakens kindness in all of us. He’s a must. Required.

Smartiplants: I embrace and identify with all her joys and sorrows. The seams of our lives are closely sewn. She’s devoted to everyone in her life and I esteem that. She’s comfort food on a screen.

Hazel is a very good pal of mine, but he doesn’t post very often. Give him a nudge, will ya! When he does write, it is so from the heart, that mine skips a beat with gratitude.

Taerkitty is the other brainy one of the group. His insights awaken thoughts in my lazy brain, and I am grateful for that. Take a deep breath and venture into his world. You won’t be disappointed. He’s beyond Mensa-bright.

I’m gonna lump KentuckyPine and Outtamyhead together, because they are cut from the same cloth. Two more real people you will never meet. They are down to earth and full wisdom. I cuddle into their affection.

Me? I’m an ordinary person with an extraordinary life. I bumble along. This past year I’ve written observational essays, but I think in 2007, I’m gonna do more daily journaling. Dunno.

Okay, I’m worn out. But, JS buddies, go deep into Babs’ posts – you will be blown away. And please welcome her. She’s an amazing addition. An amazing writer.

xoxo