Ok I wrote this sometime ago, but because my computer decide to die and the craziness of putting it in the shop (I am sure some of you know what I am talking about), I am posting it a little late.

I spent Mother's Day weekend in New Orleans attending the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival. I will always cherish the experience. Saints and Sinners provided with the opportunity to network with people who read in the same genre as I, GLBT. I believe the most memorable experience I had was meeting Wonder Woman, one of my childhood icons. Elizabeth Whitney does a one-woman show that is out of this world. She and her partner, Max (Hi Max!) are involved in a research project called Miscegenation. Check out their website http://www.miscegenations.com/. Although I personally am not involved in an interracial relationship, I feel it is a project I would like to be involved with.

I also had an experience at the infamous Rawhide. I went on Thursday night, which happens to be their Black Out party, and boy what an experience. I was walking into forbidden darkness, cautious of where I was going. I felt something poke me in the side, and stumbled into the pool table, interrupting a gangbang on the pool. I realize this was not for me and quickly left.

It was good to see some old friends, Jolie Du Pre (watch out for our m/m and f/f novel, coming this fall), Laura Baumbach (the Queen of Man Love Romance), Kathleen Bradean, Deana (the awesome graphic artist), and meeting some new friends, Phil Michal Thomas (not the actor) Gavin, Renee George (and her sister Robbin), Amiee Evans, and the list goes on.

I participated in a reading from my novel, Moments in the Life. If you get a chance, read the work of Faye Jacobs. She is an excellent reader. Her memoirs makes me want to go and visit Delaware's only gay resort city.

Many of us have seen the movie "Birdcage". Well I have a couple who one definitely the modern day couple. They hosted the opening reception in their home, and boy what a home it is.

One of the highlights was meeting Paul J. Willis, the Executive Director of the festival. I hope next year to be more involved and I encourage you to attend as well. http://www.sasfest.org/

On another note, seeing first hand the effects of Hurricane Katrina, it makes me sad to say I am a citizen of the United States. If everyone would take a weekend of their lives and participate in helping rebuild the city, it would not take to long. The amount of crime has increased, and it is because people are doing what they can to survive. I am looking into seeing how I can become more involved, not simply by contributing money, but actually getting my hands dirty (and those who know me know manual labor is not my thing). I encourage and invite each of you as well to get involved. We have to remember they are citizens of "the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Since I am running way behind schedule (deadlines are now my best friend) I have to cut it short.

BTW, check out the pictures of New Orleans.

Much Love,

Timothy D.