I have been in a major funk because of Michael’s recent lack of communication with me. I know he’s been swamped with work and incredibly busy now that he’s dealing with four jobs, but none of that is a comfort when I rush to my mailbox each day to see if he’s sent so much as a one word email.

Nothing.

Last week he wrote a review for the Prestigious New York Paper and had told me that it was being printed (that was at least one –mail, however impersonal). So as usually I flew around to find it.

For some reason this one really spoke to me, because he was able to express so much joy regarding the performance he was writing about. I had written him a very lengthy e-mail expressing my envy that he got paid to do something that gave him such happiness. Now this was a risk, because we’ve had some serious misunderstandings in the past when I’ve expressed envy at his life style.

This time I got quite the opposite reaction and some words that have buoyed my spirits enormously.:

"I was very touched by this message…..So what are we going to do about you? Seems like you're on a treadmill. So busy you don't have time to find something better. Plus other obstacles, of course. But I just can't believe that this is all life holds for you. You're far too smart and funny and insightful and valuable for that. I'd say you're also far too good a writer for this, but I know too much about how writers torture themselves, so I'll give you a pass there.

Life simply has to hold more for you. That's an article of faith with me. I've come to like and admire you so much, and I see your talent (for lots of things!) written plainly in every e-mail you send me. Is there any way to make things better? The friendly and inquiring mind wants to know."

I’ve been floating since I got this. He called me a good writer (again! He did last year at one point as well)! You have to understand in that he has been an editor for four major magazines at some point or other, and that his CAREER is all about writing, so this, to me is the ultimate compliment.

Damn I wish he lived close by!

I’ll be floating for days over that one!

I’m a little pissed at Cathy’s reaction to it though. I had copied and pasted it to her (she knows how much he means to me) and her reply?

"Nice words from Michael, but that IS his talent."

The hell with her. She wants me to go out with her this weekend to go shopping, but she can suck an egg. I want someone to share my happiness not try to trash it.

Dee and I went out to a new restaurant for dinner tonight. It’s called "Super Buffet" and they aren’t kidding! There was more food than I have ever seen at a buffet, mostly Chinese, some Italian, even Sushi. I tried it. Didn’t like it.

The sad thing is that you really could feed a small starving nation at this place. Good food, but I think the excess of it bothers me a bit.