R15, D18

[IslandGirl]

Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement (and your offers to forward my availability to others!). This community means so much to me, and simply knowing you all are out there...in various places...makes me feel like everything's going to be okay.

We're into grey fall weather here, which often makes giving more of a challenge - not as many spontaneous opportunities. This morning, I replaced my upstairs neighbour's garbage bins behind the house - simple and easy. I left a dime on top of a utility box, and then when I went to pick up day-olds at the coffee shop, I bussed a few tables. The barista to whom I'd given writing advice asked me to read the beginning of her story. I did, and I gave her some feedback (at a way higher level than high-school English class, but... I didn't know how else to do it). She seemed really happy about that.

This morning, I called the tax agency. Long story short, I have to call them back in a month. The good news is, if I can't make my payment next month, it won't be the end of the world. I still want to make it, but it's nice to know the flexibility is there. They don't seem set up to calculate payment arrangements with self-employed people (I don't know what my income will be month to month...and I rarely do). But the woman was reasonably friendly, and I knew that calling them was the right thing to do.

And... within 30 seconds of hanging up the phone, I received an email from the woman whose manuscripts I've been reviewing. I wrote last night that I'd sent her some thoughts, including suggesting I take a pass at a manuscript she'd abandoned. I quoted a very, very low rate... and she accepted. By tomorrow afternoon, I should have enough to put a little towards bills and food - at least enough for the weekend. I don't think thattiming was a coincidence, either :)  

So now I have three small projects, and suddenly I have a lot to do. The pay won't bring me entirely up to date, but it'll keep the utilities connected, and it'll buy some food, and I'm glad for that. I've noticed over the past few days that there's a strong correlation between blood sugar and brain power. I'd forgotten that...

(Another project, one I've been counting on - and that was supposed to happen this weekend - is now on hold for at least two weeks. Which is disappointing, but in this moment, it feels better to focus on the projects I do have).

I hope you all had good Thursdays. Thank you again and again and again for all your words of support. Cheers!

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Love and prayers continue as things improve for you, sweet Sarah! xoxo

[Lois55 wwt]

Well, maybe not all of the bills, but at least you will keep your electricity on and such, and the food! I had to reread...take care, love and hugs..

[Lois55 wwt]

I'm so glad the work is coming in, enough to keep you and your kitty fed,and the bills up to date,awesome! I hope these kinds of projects keep flowing...and what a blessing that you can find a little relief about the tax situation. Prayers continue...hugs...