In Autumn, the rewards of the season are harvested. It is a time for giving thanks for all our blessings and letting our hearts fly to the highest heights. Reaping what we have sown, our readers will delight in this edition's "Best of Theme" authors and artists.

One acquaintance in particular seemed to think it remarkable that I wasn't jealous. She was surprised that I would praise my sister and boast about her accomplishments instead of cutting her down. This leads me to wonder how many of us cannot or do not look to our families for support and encouragement as we travel through The Artist's Way.

She doesn't belong to this world today. She can't think or feel. Still this routine is part of her small world. Will she be able to leave this behind for a mysterious country that is a thousand of miles away from Vietnam?

the scarred moon hangs overhead
moss spreads underfoot
vines multiply moment by moment
pulling her into the undergrowth...

Against all her better judgment, Rose paid her six dollar entrance fee and scanned the zoo map for the World of Darkness where she'd agreed to meet Paul, SWM, 43, somewhat overweight, slightly balding,rumpled and reasonably content, seeking open-minded, mildly adventurous, woman for whatever develops.