"there's the sliver lining I've been waiting for," she whispered as she leaned in for a kiss.

"first day of class and I find joy in being crafty. I feel a new season coming on [autumn] and it turns me on. Fall is my favorite time of year; observing the death of excess, known as summer, the descent into the land of picked over dreams stamps out the warm fleeting feeling. like a diamond in cave, the memory of summer is only revealed when it is darkest to be held in the hands who love it most. picture wading in the remains of a wasteland of the destroyed cityscape. in disgust, i will take full advantage of the smoldering view trying to find a way through the rubble.  some say we live only once, right? because this time i am going face my fears and take the fall. fall into this feeling, with my true be-ing, failure or success, sugar with the salt.  this time is imperfect. standing up this time, for me and those whom i care i will take the initiative. supported by those who i love, i feel bolstered to take this plunge into the unknown, to find my confidence in facing the monster and pushing myself to never return, i fall into the light. what use are we if don't make sacrifices to better ourselves? what other beasts will i meet on this dark road?" -- Veronica Rolfo-Wylde