Thanks GIVEN

Just wanted to drop a little note and let everyone know I had a Great Thanksgiving. I only wish I had the opportunity to spend it with more of my family, because no matter how stereotypically "your family" it will be, grit your teeth and smile, you will surely miss it when it is gone.

I was delighted and in a state of joyful shock when I heard Matthew Bloom wore the dog tag necklaces I had inscribed for him last Christmas to the Longo family dinner and exclaimed, "this is for Amy." That truly touched my heart, and can only motivate me to work hard at all I do: trying to make a difference in this world.

The days are counting down now, and I cross each one off my calendar with trepidation and excitement. This is the unknown state-- well technically the; write, relax, and enjoy family state first, but then I take on the real world. It's a little nerve-wracking. ((Deep breathes.)) But I cannot say how happy I am that I will have my Bachelors of Art and moving on to grander plans, I will miss my friends, and surely visit the little hole in the wall town; Potsdam, Pdam, The dam, Pdiddy, Hopscotch, whatever it's called, I will remember it as one of my many homes. Transitioning into the next phase...

I am typing up and refining about 25 of my poems right now as I get ready for a poetry slam this weekend. Saturday I will be competing against other poets with a three minute or shorter piece of prose. I am excited and a few of the girls from my sorority are coming. But truth be told, I am also nervous.

I have also been redoing two of my short-story/essays for my writing honors class and my professor has suggested I send one to a bunch of magazines including, Psychology Today, Glamour, Health, Etc... it is an honor even to hear that a published author, my teacher, believes my work is that good-- what a confidence boost.

I love when people like to read my work, seeing their reaction to it, even if they are not an educated literary critic. Take my roommate for example, Biz as I call her, or Lauren, when I read my poems or the story about my dad to her, her face lights up with all types of emotion, a smile, a laugh, holding back tears, the sorrow in her eyes; this brings me joy. It is unfortunate my boyfriend does not like creative works-- it's always straight to the point, cut out all the fluff, WELL sometimes the fluff is what makes things beautiful and what describes things so accurately the seem real to the reader-- that is what is of importance.

Alright, no more ranting, off to my acting class this morning. Then European Culture, which btw my professor wrote me a private email yesterday that said, "Amy:>> I just would like you to know that your general knowledge is impressive and your eagerness to learn is commendable. All the best to you as you finish your educational formation here and start your professional
career. You have a bright future ahead of you and I wish you all the best as you
work toward accomplishing your goals. >> Dr. Allison" Wow, I was impressed and grateful, not many teachers send little emails after class, at least I have never received any.

Well after that I have work with my Youth Advocate Family introducing them to the new Administrative Director on the case, then to the library for the rest of the night again.

HOPE all is well in everyone's life!

Love Always and Forever,
Amy Lynn


PS. My deepest sympathies to Charlotte for the loss within her family