One of my co-workers, a guy who's been there a few years, tells a story about taking a chance on calling businesses that you wouldn't think would sign up for BBB Accreditation. There was a business in his leads that did nothing but make pineapple soda. Didn't even sell it to the public, just wholesale. But he thought, what the heck, it can't hurt to try, right? So he called, and the guy was delighted that the BBB had called him and was happy to sign up.

I get a lot of leads that I don't like to call. Lawyers, dentists, daycare centers, realtors. They're all a really tough sell. But sometimes I'll just go through my leads and think, pineapple soda. On Friday I sold a preschool, and today I sold a travel agent. First time for both with me. Both are businesses that I wouldn't have sought out to call, but there they were in my leads, and I thought, what the heck. Why not? Sometimes it pays to take a chance.

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The weekend was a full one. On Saturday, I went out to Monson to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the parent coven of my tradition. 40 years! That's quite a feat. There were lots of sister and cousin covens in attendance, nearly 50 of us. Although I'm no longer an active member of my group, they're still my family, and I was pleased to be there. It was nice to celebrate the Solstice with a big group of people who knew what they were doing. The above pic is Lucille, owned by the host of the event. I didn't take my camera (shocking, I know), so I took a bunch of pix with my phone. I was pretty pleased with the results.

On Sunday, I went down to Canton to my fabulous niece's graduation party. It had an Alice in Wonderland theme, and was really fun. Late in the afternoon, though, I completely ran out of steam, and left a bit early. The smoke from the grill had started to bother my mom (who's asthmatic), so she was happy to leave anyway. I'm glad I got to go and celebrate with them, though. And there were cupcakes. :)

I am one of those lucky people who had to work today. Just about the only good part of working on a holiday is the commute - no school buses, fewer cars. Otherwise, it's just a long, slow day because most people think you're closed.

At least there were no bitchy readers or people carted away in ambulances today.

A big thank you to all veterans out there, both past and present. My dad was in the Navy, and most of my uncles served in the Army, some of them in various wars. They were all proud to serve their country. It's because of people like them that we are free.

23 years ago today, I moved to Massachusetts. Almost half my life ago. Sometimes it feels like I've been here forever, and sometimes it feels like it can't possibly have been that long.

It's a lovely, bright, sunny day out there today, very unlike the day 21 years ago when I moved to Massachusetts. It was snowing then, from the coast all the way to northern NY, from where I was driving. It's not very warm though, so I will get bundled up before I head outside to roam in the woods.

I've been doing a lot of thinking on and exploring of this new character of mine, immersing myself in her world. Is there such a thing as Method Writing, akin to Method Acting? If so, then I suppose that is what I am doing. Perhaps it is a remnant of my years in the theatre. Not that I was ever a Method actor... I was more of a spur-of-the-moment actor. Or perhaps an in-the-moment one. Kind of like jumping in the deep end of the pool, getting wet all at once. Splash!

Have a wonderful Sunday! There will most likely be pictures later.  :)

Today is the 10th anniversary of The Witches' Voice. A big thank-you to Fritz & Wren, who work tirelessly to connect and inform Pagans of all stripes, all over the world. I remember when Fritz showed me a preview of the new site on his Mac, all those years ago. It's amazing how far they've come!

20 years ago today, I moved to Massachusetts from New York (the state, not the city). It was snowing.

Back then, I could fit almost everything I owned into my car. Some days, I wish that were still true; that I could just pack everything I needed into the trunk and take off for new adventures in new places. But roots have dug deeply into the New England soil, and most of my family (both blood and chosen) live here.

Still, a winter home someplace warm wouldn't be unwelcome. *g*