It's been forever since I blogged here. Last time, I had just baked for a bake sale. Shortly after, my apartment was baked-- literally. There was a fire at my apartment and I lost almost everything. But I have what I need now, still, I think "the fire" will ever be a dividing line in my life. Before the fire vs. After the fire.  Neither side "wins" at this point.



Before the fire, I had planned to write a NanoWriMo novel-- but the fire happened on November 1st, and getting my life back and writing a novel was a little too much. I had made a mental note to myself not only to write more, but to try and contribute more, volunteer more. Hence the baking frenzy, and the payroll deductions to the United Way and FreeArts Minnesota - an organization that uses art to heal underpriveledged and abused children.



Since the fire, I participated in my first charity walk, the Animal Humane Society's Walk for Animals. My daughter and I raised $150 out of the $1 million + raised overall. I also recently gave to "Guardian Bears" -- a program that allows National Guard Soldiers to leave messages with a teddybear to help comfort their children while they are deployed overseas.



I also rejoined The Loft Literary Center -- so there is at least one contribution to the Arts. I hope to do more for the Humane Society, and possibly the library this summer.