Been far too long, I know.
But life has delivered to my path many harsh obstacles and challenges which have been most time consuming and draining, in deed! 
Most recently and effecting, I have been struggling through losing my father.
Last November he was diagnosed with bladder cancer, which spread. I was his care giver, being with him through all of it, even his death on March 17th of this year. St. Patty's Day 
will never be the same for me again. I am doing okay but still very fragile from the experience. He was not only a parent for life but my roommate for nearly 15 years. 
I now have a wonderful roommate.
She, along with her 3 kitties, and I, along with my 3 kitties, continue this "new to me" journey of life with hope and friendship. I have been very blessed to find her and am grateful for her presence in my home. 
As for the name change,
well, we all change and grow into different beings over time as we walk our paths, discovering ourselves and our worlds. 
Noone is the same as they were a year ago. Metta Pax is a name of expression for where and whom I feel I am today, in the now. For the curious: Metta is a Buddhist term meaning "Loving-kindness" and Pax is latin for "Peace."
I am hoping to visit here more often although as with all things there are no guarantees.
This forum was once, for me, a very tight community, an on-line family of special people willing to share thoughts and expressions to further their paths and proving that although we may be different, there is still love and respect for one another. I look forward to the journey of rediscovering this very special place.
I hope all is well in your worlds.
Blessings,
Metta Pax
Ps WOW! I sure missed those smilies!
I start grief counceling next week. I think it will help to express things to pepole who have been there. I am sorry to hear that you have had this experience but grateful for your sharing it with me. (((hugz)))
for the novel and choice of life style. 
So, I would suggest going the legal route to protect your novel, if you can. 
Sorry to hear that, but the paths do twist and turn something fierce, don't they. I say 
"ONWARD!" and the PTB's say... 
do they still visit???
