It has been a difficult winter here but on January 24th , it was a real Tower day and strange precursor for the upcoming Mercury Retrograde, my home was very nearly burnt down due to a power surge coming from an anchor pole in my backyard. This pole has been an object of my concern since the Ice Storm of 1998. Thankfully, we are alright and the only things damaged were major appliances and electronic equipment. I think we can live without TV, DVD's and Playstation 2 but my kids think otherwise. All the phones were zapped too....see what I mean about Mercury RX.

Unfortunately, my computer got totally fried during the episode and I lost all of my work. I found this quite upsetting and it was 10 days before the computer was repaired. It is functioning mow but definitely is not up to par. I did manage to pull some writing back together and recovered some photos from an old back up disk for this issue. I would really like to extend a big thanks to everyone who jumped in with articles for this issue. Bonnie, Dolly, Gigi, both Rachelle's, Nanci, Mama Donna and Atham Z were all above and beyond helpful.

Needless to say Hydro is not being too quick to pay for the damages but that is what passes for customer service these days. I am thinking I might have to write Michael Moore and tell him that big corporations are trying to kill me...he might write back.

On a cheerier note, we all know that February 14 is Valentine's Day so this issue has a focus towards love and relationships. These are the hearts. As a special treat, I have created a photo spread of Bonnie's beautiful gardens. Flowers always cheer me up and gardens are so wonderfully peaceful. I thought it might help us remember that the warmer days will be here soon.

I wish you well!

Bonnie's Gardens

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way. (Goddess substitutes nicely in this one).

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There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

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In the tiny petal of a tiny flower
that grew from a tiny pod,
Is the miracle and the mystery
Of all creation and God!