Long, long ago there were two young girls who lived in a magical place called Topsail Island. The island was such that these two girls, and many of the other children who lived there, had the freedom to spend all day playing in the sun, sand and beautiful ocean that surrounded it.

The parents of the children were all hard working people. They were also a generous people and in months when times were hard, they opened up their hearts to the community and gathered together to feed chicken and fish and oysters to everyone.

This magical place still exists, though mostly in the hearts and minds of those that remember the magic of Topsail and those days long ago. Glimpses of it can be seen in the remnants of tall towers, of wooden pilings standing staunchly in the Atlantic, and in the friendliness of the islands long time residents.

This is what I'm waiting for-what I'm ready for-my favorite flower-the happiest flower. One day of cold weather and I've had enough. But alas, I know this-the daffodils-is a couple of months away.

                                                                 IN THE MEAN TIME

I stopped by the college this afternoon and found that a few people have already signed up for my creative writing class-soooo excited and can't wait to put your pens to paper. We always have lots of fun in class and I've been told that a lot of learning goes on as well.

We will be delving more vigorously into character development and as always, I will be working one on one with the students and their personal projects.

Classes start Feb. 15 so sign up as soon as you can. Thanks so much.