NEWSLETTER: "The Hand She Dealt to Me" (Dialogue-driven fiction) - by Phyllis P. Colucci aka "Fictiontarot"

📚 NEWSLETTER📚

 

TRY THIS "DIALOGUE-ONLY", 3D READING EXPERIENCE, THAT WILL TAKE YOU ON A 467-PAGE LITERARY JOURNEY INTO LIA'S WORLD OF THE UNKNOWN; SOMETHING SHE IS SO CURIOUS TO DIP INTO, YET SO TERRIFIED TO EMBRACE...IT ALL STARTED FROM A CHANCE ENCOUNTER IN THE PARK WITH A WOMAN NAMED "AMIRA"...  (GET YOUR COPY AND SECURE YOUR SEAT IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THE ACTION, AS THE PLOT UNFOLDS PAGE AFTER PAGE) -   "Danger" slowly introduces itself to Lia and her family as they all begin to fall deeper into its relentless grip. Their innocence and family values work against them, until the criminal aspect of that fateful encounter in the park turns their reality into their revenge. (Love, Friendship, Family, Trust, Betrayal, The Tarot, The Crimes, The Chaos)!

📙🕮😘😦😍💔💖

https://www.amazon.com/Hand-She-Dealt-Me/dp/B09TDW83R5       (PAPERBACK)

(Available in ebook and audio book formats, as well) 

https://www.amazon.com/Hand-She-Dealt-Me/dp/B09TDW83R5       (PAPERBACK)

(Available in ebook and audio book formats, as well) 

 

TRY BELOW EXCERPT AS AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK - AND FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE: 

 

CHAPTER2 – MEETING AMIRA

...Oh it’s such a wonderful day fora walk in the park.  The skies are blue,the wind is calm, the trees are budding, the birds are singing, and this cup ofcappuccino is just the best.  Ummm, thecinnamon smells so good.  Yes.  All is well in Brooklyn.  This is so relaxing.   I’m alittle disappointed that Carla couldn’t meet me this morning for breakfast, butI’m actually enjoying this alone time.  Ilove Carla, but sometimes she just talks too much.  I have some nerve thinking that when I do thesame thing myself – and dear Carla has no problem telling me that too; but itreally is so great not having any voices vibrating in my ears today.   Ah,there’s a park bench in the shade.  Ithink I’ll sit here and meditate a while. I hope a bird doesn’t shit on me. There’s dried bird poop all over the back of this bench…Oh great!  I knew I had some paper towels rolled up inmy bag.  I’ll use one to sit on.  That’s better now.  I guess I’ll have to take my chances withthese birds…Anyway, they say it’s good luck when a bird poops on you…Oh howcute are they?  Look at that elderlycouple sitting on the park bench across the way, sharing coffee and a bagel;and still holding hands.  I hope that’sme and Steven in thirty years.

.…Excuse me.  Excuse me please.  So sorry I interrupt you lady.  Can you tell me where you buy that coffee?  I see it is from Café.  Your cup say “Café Bianca”. 

Oh sure.  Café Bianca is at the other end of the park,where all the restaurants are.  This is greatcappuccino.   You should try it sometime.  Are you new in the area?

Oh yes.  I come here one month ago – maybe a littlelonger.  I have place two block fromhere.  I do not know many people yet.  You first person I really talk to outside ofmy shop. 

Wonderful!  Welcome to the neighborhood.  My name is Lia.  What is your name?

My name Amira. 

Oh what a pretty name.  It sounds foreign. 

You like name?  Amira is Arabic name.  It means “Princess”.  What does Lia – is that right- Lia? What doesLia mean?

Lia is what my friends and familycall me.  My full name is Pauline.  We like to shorten our names here in America.   

Oh I see.  – Lia is pretty name too.  Do you mind if I sit on bench with you for shortwhile Lia?  Maybe we talk a little bit.  It is such beautiful day.  I love come and feed birds here sometimes inthe morning before I open shop.  I bringsmall bag of old bread for them.  Theylove so much.

Oh how nice.   Look how the birds are gathering around you.  I think they’ve gotten to know you.    Please, sit.  Where is your shop Amira?

My shop?  Oh it is not far from here.  It is close to park. 

Where are you from?

I come from Pennsylvania.  My parents come from Lebanon - Middle East,where I born.  They settle inPennsylvania when I was little girl.  Imarry here and spend a good part of my life here in America.  After parents die I want so much come to NewYork.  People say it is happy place, Ican open shop and make good living.  Myhusband go back to Middle East.  He is fromLebanon also but he grew up in Pennsylvania like me.  He never like city very much.  We divorce a few years ago, American-style.  It seems many Americans divorce.  Women they are more free here.  I like the life here. 

Divorce, American-style?  That is so funny to hear.  I guess divorce is pretty common here.  But I’m very sorry for you, that’s toobad.  Do you have any children?

No. I have two miscarriage.  I cannothave baby.  I am very sad.

Oh, Amira, my heart goes out toyou.  But sometimes in life things happenfor a reason.  Sometimes it helps tobelieve that.  Maybe it’s time for you todo something for yourself now.   I hope New York works out for you.  -  Welllook, it was very nice to meet you Amira. I am going to be on my way now. Have a very nice day and good luck with your shop.  What’s the name of your shop?  I’ll stop by to wish you luck one day.  Maybe we’ll run into each other againsometime in the park.

Thank you.  You kind lady.  – Oh wait, please…do not leave so soon.  Tell me a little about you now.  Do you have family Lia?

I have a husband.  He owns Roma Pharmacy in the neighborhoodhere.  I have a daughter.  My daughter Julia and her boyfriend Mike areaspiring actors.  I actually grew up inthis neighborhood.  I love it here.  I hope you like it here too Amira.

I feel I am in goodneighborhood.  I like so far.   Yes, maybewe see each other again in the park? Here, please take my card.  Youcome visit shop.

Oh of course, I’d love to.  -  Oh…Whatis this?  “Amira’s Mystic Fortunes”.   Is thisyour shop?  Are you a Fortune TellerAmira?  Oh, my goodness.  I thought you owned a Middle Eastern food orclothing shop.  My mistake.    I hadno idea you were a fortune…

Yes I am Fortune Teller.  You look surprised.  Please know that I am very good at what I do.  Let me read fortune for you – for free.  You come see me.  For you I do tarot reading.  Tarot is very powerful reading.  You will enjoy the experience.

Well  I don’t really believe in that kind of thing.  I’m Catholic Amira, and this type of thing goesagainst my religion.  It’s reallyforbidden.

But I have gift from God.  I do good thing, not bad.  How can good thing be forbidden my friend?

Who is your God, Amira?  Is it Allah?  I know, because you’re Muslim.  We do not practice the same religion.   Wedon’t believe in the same God.  Allah isnot my God Amira.  Still, I don’t believeAllah would approve of Fortune Telling either.

Oh no my friend.   You make a little mistake here.   Allahis God in Muslim religion, yes; but Allah is not my God too.  I am Catholic, like you Lia.  Even though my family is from Lebanon, wehave many Catholics there.  I am goodChristian, like you Lia.  So as I say, I havegift from God in heaven.  Our GodLia.  Believe me, I only work for thegood, not the bad, not the evil. 

Well now I’m even more surprisedAmira.  I don’t know many Catholics thatwould choose your line of work as a career. I’m sure you do very good things for some people, but I wouldn’t like toknow my future.  That’s in God’shands.  God has a plan for all of usAmira, even you.  What will be, willbe.  Now please, I really should go.  I’m running late.

Wait my friend.   Please.  I can help you with family matter, personalmatter, finance.  Let me read tarot foryou.  I sense you need some help withfamily matter.  I see aura around youthat tells me you are a little sad maybe? In need of a little help maybe? You have some things on your mind that cause you a little confusion?  You worry much.  Come…come walk back to my shop.  I read for free.

…Oh please excuse me Amira.  I see my husband’s partner.  - Gary! Gary!  Hey Gary!  Over here. – It was nice to meet you Amira.  I really need to go. 

Keep card.  You come by for free reading.

Fine.   Have a good day.    - Gary!   What are you doing strolling through the parkat this time? 

Hi Lia.  I’m enjoying this beautiful day with this greatcappuccino, as I see you are.

Oh I don’t mean to pry Gary.  It’s just so good to see you; but Steven toldme you guys had to open up the pharmacy early so you can meet with a salespersonthis morning. 

Yeah, we actually did have thatmeeting this morning.  It went quick,really fast for a change.  Same oldthing.  New medications, all sorts of newdrugs, new samples to check out, new company to deal with.  By the way, I enjoyed the biscotti Stevenbrought in.    It was delicious Lia.  He told me you get those at that small bakeryshop near the florist.  I’ll have to stopin there one day. 

Oh yes, I stop there once aweek.  They have great cakes and pastriestoo.  Their tiramisu is to die for.  You love tiramisu.  You should stop in there and try it.  You won’t be disappointed.   Carla and I are like two kids in a candy shopevery time we browse around that bakery. We don’t know what to choose, everything looks and smells so good.  We walk out of there with boxes of goodies,and ten pounds heavier.

How is Carla?  She did a great job on my hair the last timeshe cut it.  I really need to get anotherhaircut.  I’ll give her a call when I’mready.  I hate going into the city justfor a haircut.  I don’t have the timewith the hours I’m working.  Does shemake house calls?

For you Gary, I’ll see what I cando.  I’m sure Carla wouldn’t mind comingto your apartment to cut your hair.  Yourhair is getting so long.   I’m not used to seeing you with longhair.  Don’t let it get too long Garybecause you won’t look like you anymore.

I’ll take that as a compliment Lia.

Of course it’s a compliment.  I like the old Gary.  The conservative and reserved Gary.

I’m still the old Gary.  The hair is just a mid-life crisis Ithink.  At least that’s what other peoplehave said to me.  But hey - I like it.  I hesitate to cut it actually.

If it makes you happy Gary, thenkeep your hair just the way it is.  Itworked well for Samson.

That it did.  So there’s hope for me after all, unless Imeet up with a Delilah.

A Delilah?  Bite your tongue…Hey Gary, I’m so surprisedto run into you here.  I wouldn’t expectto see you so far down on this end of the park at this time of day.    

Well, I thought I’d take the longway through the park Lia.  It’s such a greatday for a walk.  No humidity.  No clouds. Great day.   I even left my suit jacketback at the pharmacy.  It’s Gary goingcasual.  What do you think Lia? - No tie,open dress shirt, rolled up sleeves.  Istill look pretty sharp, right?   That whole suit thing is too confining…What?  What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me funny? What’s that little smirk on your face for? -  Lia, what’s the matter?  I look disheveled?  I think I look good.  You’re not used to seeing me out of my suit,that’s the problem.     

Hey, I’m all for comfort Gary.   It’s just that you’re always so prim andproper on the job, not so dress-down casual, especially on a work day.  You know what’s missing?  Your white pharmacist’s coat. 

You don’t expect me to wear mypharmacist’s coat strolling through the park now Lia, do you?  I hope not…No, l just leave the suit jacket behindwhen I’m strolling.  See, nice andcomfy.  Even at the pharmacy, once that suitjacket comes off in the morning and I put my pharmacist’s coat on, it lives ona coat rack until I go home for the day. Believe me, this is a treat for me.  I feel like I can breathe.  To me,suits are for business meetings, weddings and funerals.   I feel too stiff, full-suited.  I have to admit though, when I get to thepharmacy in the mornings, wearing  my designersuits, I look like a real sharp dude. The ladies stare when I walk down the block.  Lia, I’m not kidding.  I’m not trying to show off either.  It’s the truth.  Ask Steven. He’s seen it.  He teases me aboutthat.  I could be on the front page of amen’s fashion magazine.   After I walk through the pharmacy doorsthough, the show is over.  Off with thejacket, on with the white coat.  But Ilook damn good Lia.  You’ve seen me in myfancy suits? 

And what about my Steven?  He’s a pretty sharp dude too.

He is Lia.  I never said he wasn’t.  But Steven has “married” written all overhim.  I have that “bachelor strut” thatattracts the ladies.  Come on Lia, I’msure you noticed that about me.

I have.  I surely have.   I’veseen the ladies check you out Gary, but forgive me for laughing because you arejust too funny.   Your modesty is admirableGary, what can I say.

Stop chuckling at me Lia.   I say if you got it, flaunt it.  Modesty is not in my vocabulary.

Well you’ve got it Gary, and yousure love to flaunt it.    

I’m that bad huh?  -  Well,anyway, it’s good to take a break from the pharmacy whenever we can.  Things can get pretty hectic there, especiallyin the morning.  I need to get away for ashort while as soon as the calm rolls in…clear my head, you know?  Steven sneaks off for a cup of coffee now andthen to clear his head and I like to take a bit of a walk.  So we have our own way of coping Iguess.  It gets us through the day.  We take turns, we cover for each other.    

Gary, sometimes Steven comes hometotally exhausted, mentally and physically. I know how grueling the job can be. It’s a stressful job.  You guysreally have to concentrate on what you’re doing.  There’s no room for error.  You’re dealing with people’s lives on a dailybasis.  So again, I understandperfectly.  And you picked a great day fora stroll Gary.   The weather is picture-perfect today.  Oh Gary…Look at all the kids out on theswings.  They’re so cute.  But they sure can scream… So how are youreally doing Gary?  You haven’t been bythe house for a while.  Everything okay?

Everything is great Lia.  I’ve just been busy. 

Busy?  Then there must be someone special in yourlife who is keeping you busy.  Even thePresident isn’t that busy.

Actually, I did meet someonenew.  She’s drop-dead gorgeous too…

Oh really?  I wouldn’t have guessed…

Come on Lia, you know me.  I can’t resist a pretty lady.   Wereally seem to be connecting.  She’s abit shy though, so I don’t think she’s ready to meet new people yet.  But I promise that as soon as things get morecomfortable between us, I’ll bring her around.   It’s been great.  I’m happy Lia.  That’s why I haven’t been around to thehouse.  I’ve been working on this for awhile.  I don’t want to push things.

Well then, that’s wonderfulGary.  I’m very happy for you.   I can’t believe you’ve been keeping her asecret though.  That’s not like you.  Anyway, when you’re both ready, we’d love tomeet her.    Where does she come from?  What does she do for a living?  Where did you meet her?  Tell me. Inquiring minds want to know.

Lia, are you writing a book on me?  I’m flattered.  No, but honestly ah…ah…she ah, she comes fromQueens somewhere.   We actually met atthe pharmacy.  She was in the area andstopped in to buy shampoo or hand lotion, I don’t remember.  You know me, I can’t let an opportunity tomeet a pretty woman slip through my hands. So I jumped on it.  I turned on myusual charm, and the rest is history. 

Of course, Gary.  Sounds just like you.   I’msurprised Steven never mentioned that you met someone at the pharmacy.

Well I could explain that.  I didn’t want to make a big deal of it.  I never mentioned it to Steven because he’salways teasing me about not settling down, and always being too flirtatiouswith women, so I kept this one quiet, especially since I met her at thepharmacy.   You know Steven, he doesn’t take me tooseriously when it comes to women.  Thesad part is, I can understand why.  Butthis girl is different.  She’s gotmagnetism.  I’m attracted to her, plainand simple.  I really want to see wherethis goes.

You know what Gary  -  Goodfor you, As long as you’re happy… Sooooahhhh then…what does she do for aliving?  Forgive me,  I’m just curious about her.  After all, Steven and I love you Gary.  We want what’s best for you.

Well if I tell you too much abouther now, there won’t be much to talk about when you first meet her. 

Fair enough.  I’m sorry I’m turning this into twentyquestions.  This is really none of mybusiness and I shouldn’t be putting you on the spot like this.  My apologies. You know me, always putting my foot in my mouth.  Steven can attest to that.   I wish you all the best with this new personin your life.  Like I said, we’ll behappy to meet her when the time is right for both of you.  No more questions.  I promise.

Thank you for your good wishesLia.   But don’t misunderstand.  I really do like this girl.  You know how they say guys are ruled bytheir…

Don’t say it Gary.  I get the picture. 

Well what I was going to say was,not this time.  Yes, she is attractive,but she’s really smart and has a good head for business.  I like that in a woman.  Be proud of me Lia.  I was able to look past the physicalattraction and notice her great mind.

Wow.   I am proud of you Gary.   But you’re a good catch yourself.  You’re a smart, handsome guy with a greatcareer as a pharmacist, and you have a really fun personality.  You’re kind-hearted and caring, approachable,always smiling and, most importantly, very easy to get along with.  Both Steven and I love all those things aboutyou; and – you’re very patient.  You knowwhat they say -  “patience is a virtue”.   So you have a lot to offer too.

I’m all of those things Lia?  I don’t even recognize myself.  I’m that good huh?

Well don’t let it go to your headGary.  Yes, you’re “that good” but notperfect now.  You have one flaw thatsurprisingly seems to work well for you…

And what can that be Lia?

You’re totally conceited.  Even a little narcissistic.  – But still loveable. 

Ahhh.  That hurts Lia. 

Despite all of that, you stilldeserve a good woman to spend the rest of your life with, and I hope she’s itfor you.   Once she gets the opportunity to chip away atyou, she’ll find the sweet and loveable Gary that Steven and I know andlove.   You put up a great front dearGary.  I hope this woman is everythingyou want.

Me too Lia.  I think I’m falling in love.   I meanreally falling in love.

I think you just got shot in theheart with cupid’s arrow.   

I thought I felt a sharp pain in mychest.  Wait, let me check my shirthere.  No blood Lia.  No arrow mark.   Areyou sure I just got shot?  I don’t feelanything.

Oh stop being funny.  Seriously Gary, this is a really good thingthat’s happening for you.  Enjoy it andtake it slow, cultivate it.  Let it growinto something meaningful.  This is agood sign.  Steven and I always wantedthis for you.  We want to see you settleddown into a more calmer, subdued lifestyle.  A good woman can do that for you.   I mean it from the heart.  You deserve this kind of love. 

I appreciate that Lia.  You’re too kind.  Look Lia, I don’t mean to be rude, but Ireally better get back to the pharmacy before Steven puts an APB out on me.

That sounds like my Steven.  Take care Gary.  Don’t be a stranger now. 

           

…Hey Carla?  It’s me – Lia.  Are you busy? I thought I’d give you a quick call. So sorry you weren’t able to meet me for  breakfast this morning.    I have so much to tell you.  I was walking through the park today and Iran into a very strange woman.  It was soweird.  – And then out of nowhere, Garyappeared.  He was on a break from the pharmacyand was walking through the park.  Iactually felt like he saved me from this woman. The timing was perfect.  I wassurprised to see him down on this end of the park so early in the day, but Iwas really so happy to run into him, at the same time.   It was an excuse for me to get away from thislady.  Her name is Amira – and she’s aFortune Teller…Could you imagine!  -  Yes. I’ll come up for air Carla.  Oh, I’msorry.  Here I am going a mile a minute.  Yes, like you.  I know. See, we have a lot in common Carla…Oh okay.  Sure.  You’rereally busy?  No problem, I understand.  I’ll fill you in another time.  Can we meet for breakfast tomorrow?  Wonderful. We’ll talk then.  I’ll see you atthe “Old Brooklyn Diner” around nine-ish?   Same table over by the window?  If you prefer to meet at my house, then comeby early.  We can walk over to the dinertogether.  Okay then,  I’ll meet you at the restaurant.  See you in the morning.  Have a good day, and don’t work too hard.  I’m sorry Carla, one last thing.  When you have time, I need a dye job soon.  Julia said my roots are showing and it makesme look old.  She thinks I should godarker.  I love her to death, butsometimes these kids…Well I’m glad you find that funny.  So try to find time to squeeze me in.   Oh and before I forget, Gary wants to know ifyou make house calls.  He’s so cute.  He needs a haircut.  I told him you would.  -  Ohthanks Carla.  You’re a sweetheart.  He’ll give you a call when he’s ready for acut.  Okay, sure – I’m sorry, go back towork.  See you in the morning.

           

…Hmmmm.  “Amira’s Mystic Fortunes”.  Just my luck to meet up with a FortuneTeller.  I should throw this card away inthe trash, but I really want to show it to Carla tomorrow at breakfast.  It’s kind of intriguing.   I won’t dare mention this to Steven orJulia.  They’ll really think I’ve goneoff the deep end if I pay any mind to it.  I’m so glad I have Carla to confide in. But that Amira was striking.  Shewas absolutely gorgeous...yet so very strange.  She had a unique charisma.   I can’t get her eyes out of my head.  Her stare was paralyzing.  It was like she was looking right throughme.  Like she could actually read mymind.  Was I that transparent?  Could she really see my fears, my thoughts? Ordid she pick up on how vulnerable I can be. Maybe she just sensed my curiosity? We all have concerns about our families, our finances.  She’s just guessing.  That’s what Fortune Tellers do.  I’m just being silly.  Yet the nerve of her to suggest that I carrythis worried aura around me.  She doesn’teven know me.   - Okay, stop it Lia.  This was just a chance meeting with astranger while strolling through the park. It means nothing.   It might havebeen anyone else that I could have run into today.  It could have been old Mrs. Conte complainingabout Mike honking his horn so early in the morning.  Gee, how I wish it was Mrs. Conte I raninto.   There would have been no mysteryor intrigue there.  Now just forget aboutAmira.  I need to stop at the post officeand pick up a roll of stamps like I planned. Then I’ll pick up some semolina bread from Gallo’s bread store and head straighthome to  a wonderful dinner with myfamily.   I can smell that bread now.  Right up through my sinuses…And then I canend a beautiful day with a beautiful night making love to my husband.  Yeah, that sounds like a plan.  I’ll save Amira for my breakfast conversationwith Carla tomorrow.    That should befun.

Maybe I should take the long wayhome, around the West Side of the park. If I go the way I came, past the fountains and around the loop, I may endup exactly on the street where Amira’s shop is. I can’t run into her now.  She’llthink I was looking for her shop and that I was interested in getting a freereading.    I think this will be the best way to walkhome.  Oh the sun feels so great on myface, but all these trees scare me.  I’malways afraid of getting hit with a falling limb while walking.  Now that would be worse than bird poop.  I read about these accidents in the paper allthe time.  Steven thinks I’m justparanoid.  Maybe I am,  but I’d rather be a bit paranoid than dead,or worse - layed up in a hospital bed like a vegetable because a tree limb fellon my head; especially since the trees in this park are so tall and so very old.  No, I don’t feel like being the topnews story in the local paper tomorrow morning. I can just see it now. Pharmacist’s wife hit with tree limb while strolling through the park.  Yeah, I don’t like that too much...Oh God,please don’t punish me for my encounter with Amira this morning by allowing atree limb to fall on me.  There I gobeing paranoid again.  I better shut upbefore the power of suggestion kills me. Ummm…I love the smell of freshly cut grass…It’s really wonderful…I couldactually enjoy whiffing this all day long. It relaxes the soul…That’s what I need…Okay, let me see.  Maybe I’ll walk along the track field.  No trees, lots of sun, happy runners going by,people laughing, children playing.  Niceand serene.  No threatening limbs hangingover my head.  Now this is more my speed.  Okay, I feel much better now…Oh yes, muchsafer.

…This is nice…Well I’m at the endof the park now.  Okay, right, left, whichway should I go?  This looks like a dead end.    I’ll head towards the left, I can see themain street.  Walking is good, doctor’sorders.  Great for lowering bloodpressure.  This was such a great day,despite running into Amira.  -  Oh no …that looks like it might be hershop.  Damn, she’s sitting outside.  Please…please…don’t recognize me.  – I’ll just walk with my head down, maybe shewon’t see me.  I can’t believe I ended uphere after working so hard to avoid Amira’s shop.

…Lady!  Lady! Excuse me.  Lady!

Oh no.  I can’t outwardly ignore her.  What do I do now?  What do I say?  Oh boy… - Oh hi Amira.  So this is where your shop is?  Okay.  This is a nice area.  I hope youdo well here.

Come…come…I give you free readinglike I promised.  Free tarot.  Come in.

No, no.  Please. I’m in a rush.  I have to gethome.  Maybe some other time.

You have card.  Call me or come by any time.  I have gift for you.  I have special crystal for good luck.  Or maybe scented candles.  You like scented candles?  They bring good luck too.

Please.   No thank you.  I must go. Maybe another time.  Good-byeAmira.  – …Oh my God.  I walked right intoher.  I can’t believe this.  This woman is persistent.  This is scary.  She’s drawing me to her like a magnet.   Almost like she singled me outpersonally.  How weird is that?  I’m getting bad vibes from this.  I can’t wait to tell Carla tomorrow.  I need Carla’s take on things.      - Okay, now get back on track Lia.  Smile…forget about this brief encounter.  Don’t mention it to Steven or Julia.  Go home to your family and just act likenothing unusual happened today.  Nothingdid happen.  You’re letting yourimagination run wild.  Pick up thestamps, pick up the semolina bread and go home. That’s it.  Back to the securityof my own home, my family…a nice dinner…and then, later in the evening, I’ll bein the arms of my wonderful husband Steven. Now that’s a nice picture.  That Ilike.  Priceless.