Greetings to all!

I've taken some 'me' time, as well as time with family and friends. The healing is ongoing; life is showing more purpose again. I'm going to attempt this eBay thing again. Hopefully, I will be finding some really cool stuff that others will want. :) I'm hoping to pick up on estate sales/auctions in the coming weeks. And, as always, I'm frequently visiting thrift shops for that special 'deal' of the week!

What I haven't sold on eBay is being donated to Second Chance Pet Adoptions located in the heart of NC. These babies, both dogs and cats, need donated items to be sold at their annual yard sales and auctions to raise money that will cover medical costs, food, cleaning supplies, etc.  Matter of fact, I've picked up some volunteer hours doing telephone work to help educate people who want to sponsor, foster and/or adopt a precious 4-legged 'critter'. Since I live about an hour away from the facility, this is something I can do remotely, and there is no fear of me bringing home 50+ animals every day!!! lol! I love them ALL! I have two rescues in my home (dogs); they are my world, and only a tiny bit spoiled (ha!). I tell folks I pay a mortgage on a dog house. I really do!

I've also opened up Hopes & Dreams Publications while I was away. HDP is my publishing company for my written work. It's been 'alive' since 2000. By so many requests, I took it public. I've picked up a few editing gigs, and I've also posted a 'good news' page. If you are interested, you can check it out at www.hopesndreamspublications.com and see what you think. If there are any services you need that I may be able to assist, please do not hesitate to use the CONTACT button. :) It also appears I will be self-publishing my book. After I finish legal counceling, "Battalion 1: Surviving After Taps" will go live on the world-wide web, and maybe a few choice bookstores.

As you can see, I've utilized my grieving and healing time wisely. Even though the last six months have been trying, I cling tight to 'hopes and dreams' of something positive coming from something negative. With the tragic death of my best friends' son, I got a reminder of how short our lives on earth really is, and the need to be constructive is always there... waiting for us to realize, acknowledge and move on.

Thanks for visiting, and I truly appreciate your support! Take care.

Dustee