It's all about the bear necessities.

and there ya go... *puts a finger in the air... 'Drummer... rim shot if you please!'

*hugs...

V.

How do you weave this magic into your stories? I should know better by now. Any time I causally click a story, I leave feeling changed, often with a series of emotions rushing through me that I wasn't ready for. And in such a simple and effective manner of telling.
You've just really got the skill, V. No doubt about it.

*smiles at the silver tongued Wolf... thank you Onic... that is much appreciated...

*hugs a bunch...

V.

I know Matilda, she brought me a basket of strawberries.

I thought I'd died and gone to heaven,

Bunners

so very true... so very true... for me as well...

V.

Oh, so you've met my cousin Matilda. Nothing clears the mind as fast or well as a slap from her paw.

The foibles, follies and fears of the Stock Market have never been in as sharp focus for me as they have been since around the first of February. My income is now at the whim of chance, the Market and my IRA. I was still, at last check, about $9K in the hole for the year. Not on the edge of the ledge, but I may still have to look for real work.

*chuckles... sometimes you just need a good slap...

as to the stock market... except for the 401K I've never played. To my way of thinking, it was always just too easy to manipulate. The latest panic comes via computer program. They didn't panic, they simply did what they were programed to do... downward trend - sell. And then they were all selling...

Since then it's gone back up and even higher...

*hugs...

V.

Well, that's the problem. My IRAs all started out as 401Ks -- from three ex-employers. When I was laid off or quit, the companies holding the 401k said, "We can't hold this for you, you either have to withdraw it or convert it to an IRA." December was like a holiday, February like the cold gray light of dawn. If I can get back on my feet I'll sit on my seat and write, write, write.

I can't wait to retire!

V.

Good one Vixyy. I keep comparing you to Rod Serling, and with good reason obviously.

*chuckles... well... he is one of my heroes...

thanks so much...

V.

“If you're in trouble or hurt or need–go to poor people. They're the only ones that'll help–the only ones.” - John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath

Brilliant piece Vixyy, especially with the characters and the morals there-in.

Thanks so much... I never heard that quote either, though I know 'of' the book and movie.

V.

I've only read parts of the book, but I saw the film in a history class years back and it still holds up.

Very nicely woven tale my dear... A few moments of flash back into time that is no time...

*hugs da Fem...

V.

HUGGGGZ Back at you too

I love the idea of the Valley reaching out and pulling in folks who need a good dose of wisdom. It's a little wish fulfillment mixed with some tough love. I think it could straighten out most anyone.

Where do I sign up?

I've got the number one spot but I saved the number 2 just for you... *smiles very big...

V.

Ha! That was enjoyable. Well done! I love reading your works.

well thank you so very much Kantuck...

*hugs...

V.

OHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhh that was just horrible

In fact it was deplorable

That you need 'bear necessities'

Just to succeed

Says much for your breed...

*giggles madly and runs off.......

V.