It appears that both my gmail and yahoo mail accounts have been hacked by some nondescript asshole in Pakistan. I have sent NO emails in recent memory from either account.

Carpe Cakem, hon. Have a great one. I'm waiting patiently to hear from you.

All my hopes,
Cathilynn

and I quote: "Fictionmania was..." which indicates one of two things to me.

Jennifer Jane Pope posted this extensive listing of Brit terms/slang a few years ago at Crystal's Storysite.

If you've purchased a copy of my book, HEADLIGHTS GIRL, or if you've read it online, would you please go to my amazon page and leave a review?

Woke up this AM to winds blowing trash cans and various bits of lawn furniture about the yard and streets. Seems like we have gusts of over 50 MPH here although some seem higher than that.

for all your hard work and vigilance in keeping the site up and running. Erin, Piper, Samantha, Cat, my eternal thanks for all you do for us. Top Shelf is my home on the net.

In years past, when my Dad was still alive, I couldn't quite connect with his feelings when one of his friends passed away.

I'd like to take this space to wish everyone out there a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a good one and is able to spend it with the ones they hold dear.

I am thankful for:

The Science channel is, right now, running a Firefly marathon, followed by the final two episodes and then a reunion of the entire cast.

if you've missed reading "Susie and Jeffrey", by Jamie Hayworth, you've missed out on one of the most riotous romps of humor I've read in a long, long time.

We are located about 70 miles south of Buffalo and about 20 miles from the lake Erie shore. We got virtually no problems from the storm. Just some rain and light winds.

Today is a very special day because it's Piper's Birthday. Piper has done SO much for all of us and she deserves our most profound thanks for all she has done.

I've been online for over ten years now. From the very beginning it amazed me that the level of acceptance and compassion was as high as it was, and is.

Two uplifting Youtube videos that highlight us as who we are

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwZgCsRSn3Y American Transgender

The leader of our local support group is looking for poetry to use in our Day Of Remembrance meeting/event. I have seen some very poignant verses written by you, the writers here at Top Shelf. If you wouldn't mind having some of your work used for this purpose, please let me know. NO poems or verses published here will be used without permission by the author of same.

If any of you know of some other works, please link me to them? Of course, none of this is being done for profit, and nothing used will be published in any way whatsoever. It's only for our event.

Thanks all.

How especially fitting that, following the recent unpleasantness here at Top Shelf, along comes a day that we all can appreciate, Erin's Birthday!

From a happy, satisfied customer, sometime writer, fan and a friend, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIN!!

May the next year be free from strife and full of the love that pours in from your family, friends, and all who enjoy and appreciate your hard work and dedication.

Birthday huggles, love and respect,
Catherine Linda Michel

Okay. A news story this morning has me wondering, nay, in fact astounded!

It seems that there is a forest fire somewhere in the U.S. Not unusual, right? However! the report stated that some aircraft which were involved in fighting the fire were grounded because of METEORS in the sky, which would have endangered the aircraft!

Is this the beginning of some subtle invasion from "out there" somewhere... the beginning of the raprture again? The harbinger of the forecasted end of the world on Dec 21st?

WTF?!?!?!

METEORS interrupting the battle against a forest fire??

D.C. Comics has announced that one of their major heroes is going to be "coming out of the closet." The main speculation is that it's... are you ready? BATMAN!!!!!

Cathy

First of all. I am better. Whatever evil, mutated virus was attacking me seems to have given up most of the ghost. I say most because I am still having some after effects such as nose constantly running, multiple explosive sneezing, and a vague ache in my head and neck. I have been checked out by a doctor and he says that nothing is seriously wrong, just my general lack of anything resembling a healthy lifestyle, which probably led to the attack of the mutant virus in the first damn place.

I have begun to feel a bit better, but am still down with this whatever-it-is. I've been to the VA health clinic and have gotten some anti-biotics which will, I hope, kick this thing in the ass and get me feeling better.

I thought to post this to update anyone who might have been concerned about me. Thanks for caring.

hugs and love,
Cathy

we'd all like to know how we did with our first real action chapter. Please give it a read and let us know?

Thanks everyone.

Cathy, Erin, Maggie and Grover.

RECKONING -8- Gifted, Assemble!

FROM CATHY: Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. A computer problem is to blame, but all is fixed and here we go!

An incident prods our heroes to jump into action. Chapter 9 will follow very soon, I promise.

As of 11:10 this evening, our little terrier mix has given birth to two seemingly healthy puppies. I wasn't present at the event, but my housemate, who is the owner of the dog, said everything went smoothly. Don't get me wrong, but I find it relatively easy to not be overly excited about this.

Okay. I guess that's enough for now. Flame me if you like. I am not mean to dogs at all. I just like cats better. Such is life.

Catherine Linda Michel