June 13, 2004

Hi everyone....greetings from Asheville. It's been a while since I've written but I've been really busy with my new little house. Found a tiny, but sweet, house in the woods about 1/2 hour from Asheville. It feels good to have a home again. Since I had gotten rid of most of my "stuff" when I set out, lo these many years ago, I am having to pretty much start over.

In addition to my house, I just got a tiny kitten, Molly, who is the sweetest thing. I plan on getting one more kitten to be a playmate for her. She makes my house a home.

I'm working at the local community college, teaching in the basic skills department - working with folks getting their GEDs. I'm in a couple of interesting settings...one is for convicted (nonviolent) felons. They are mostly young people and I enjoy them a lot. I'm learning street language! Another site is a recovery program for drug/alcohol addicted men. These guys are really appreciative and I love working with them.

Life has been exceedingly good - except for the illness and recent passing of my lifelong, beloved friend, Betty, in Chicago. This has been a very challenging time but she was a true inspiration and I feel blessed to have been able to be with her until the end. Of course, "being with her" meant many trips and daily phone calls since she lived in Chicago. I feel that I learned a great deal about living - and dying - from her.

Not much else to say at this time. Altho I now have "roots", my "wings" are "in the wings" and I hope to hit the road again soon....maybe next summer. The gypsy in me is alive and well but "in remission" as I take time to enjoy fixing up my new home and explore my new town.

I feel so very blessed and grateful for all that fills my life. I hope you are all on a path that brings you satisfaction and fulfillment. Despite the disturbing state of the world around us, life is a gift and, with love and compassionate kindness, the Light still shines brightly as a beacon for us all.

Love and many blessings,

Rachel