Last Friday was one of my favorite days… Friday the 13th. It’s the 2nd of 3 this year, the last occurring in November, my birthday month. (Of course, a whole month, don’t you?)

As a child, I was told Friday the 13th was unlucky, so, contrarian that I am, I decided it would be “my lucky day.” All of my life it’s proved true. I awaken with the idea that something good is going to happen, and voilà, something good alway does.

First off, I’m writing again. I participated in Flash February – a month-long short-story workshop with an assignment each time. I’ve wanted to sharpen these skills for a long time and out-of-the-blue this class showed up. Lucky me.

The second good thing is that my dear friend Carole just called and we had an uplifting talk about the state (shambles) of the union. Fretted, vented, looked for the good… sisterhood. She told me that she is dealing with vertigo and she’s got a physical therapist treating her. We talked about the shifts that happen as we get older; most manageable, especially with exercise, a healthy diet and a great sense of humor. Now we’re both “dizzy broads.”

In my last post I mentioned “old age and treachery” and after looking around I found a vendor on Etsy who will custom-print that on a t-shirt (I’ll get one for you, Denise). And, icing on the cake, I’m having it printed in cursive as an inside joke.

Speaking of cake, I had a few of my neighbors over for chai and my whole-tangerine cake. It makes me so happy to invite people to share great food they’ve never tasted before. I did a blog post on this cake before called Tangerine Dream. I can’t find the link, but you can search for it and it should pop right up. Needless to say, everyone loved it. Gluten-free, dairy free, rich and delicious!

More good: my new medicine has finally been adjusted to a dose I can handle. It’s a targeted therapy – known as a JAK2 inhibitor which stops the signaling chain that causes abnormal gene expression. The only two side-effects I’m experiencing are mild dizziness (I feel ya, Carole) and I am hungry all the time because the drug blocks the fullness signal, causing weight gain and fluid retention, even if dieting. I’m feeling as voluptuous as a Botero painting. Not-so-good newsI’m one of the few people I know who hate clothes shopping.

I am grateful that my meds are shipped right to my door, and insurance continues to pay for them because they cost close to what Pete Hegseth is spending on lobster tails and crab legs each month!

I have seen some excellent movies and the best series -SHRINKING- on Apple TV. It stands out as one of the best series I’ve ever watched! A brilliant ensemble cast with Harrison Ford at his best.

The writing is current and witty as hell. Shrinking is a double-entendre. Costuming and sets are all amazing. You will not be disappointed! It’s on AppleTV, and if you don’t have it, it’d be worth getting it for a month to binge the series then cancel. It’s that good. Really. Really.

That’s all, loves. Next time some books for you, written by dear friends. And I’m thinking of coloring my hair. Don’t worry, I’m a professional.

XO Donna