*happysigh*

Today, was my niece's twenty-first birthday--that's where I've been all day and most of yesterday--trying to get things ready for her party.

She's so beautiful, my niece, such a wonderful, loving person, just the kind of kid you'd kill to have. I'm proud as hell to have had a hand in raising her, and grateful I was able to step into my Sis' shoes when she couldn't take care of her anymore.
We love the girl like she's our very own, and she loves us back, and that's the best part. Over the years, she's helped me out too, helped me to deal with the all the heartache about my Sis, encouraged me when I felt lousy, and backed me up when the rest of the little Fam made me feel horribly guilty about my 'hobby'. [they're much better about it now. :)]
She's my darling heart.

And speaking of my sis, she was with us today and she was pretty good too--her memory actually seems a little better--and she *wanted* to help get things ready today, so YaY!!! It wads great to have her here today. Too many times, it's god-awful painful, it hurts. But today was like a gift, and I was grateful.

On a fannish tip--thanks for the lovely feedback on DPJ. I'm so happy that I've finally got that moving again. And of course I have to drop the next bit of The Talented Miss Ripley. ;)
Gee. I love that title!!!