But, I bet each of you have busy lives to help while CLAYLAND is quiet!

Every day, I read the birthdays listed at the bottom of the Message Board. I love to see the great expanse in ages.

To those who are still teenagers you are living in strange and wonderful times. Perhaps you are busy with school and with all of the new inventions over the past decades, you are having the time of your life playing as you learn. And so much has happened that American History must be exciting.

Then you twenty-something perhaps have a new job (lucky you, if you do) or perhaps have met the person you wish to spend the rest of your life with. A NEW beginning with all kinds of wonderful things to come.

Those of you who have families are VERY BUSY, I am sure just trying to keep up. The increase cost of living is tough to handle to feed and cloth everyone. I am sure it isn't easy, but it definitely is NOT QUIET!

Then there are those who have become grandparents - now that is a whole new ballgame. Not being one who has any, I have had many friends who have and the excitement is enchanting. Everytime there is a new smile, tooth, or crawl -- it is advertised as the biggest news event of the day! How can anyone in this class of people can say their lives are TOO QUIET!

Getting closer to my age group, things are a little different. If you are stlll married or if you have more than one child (close or far) you still have much to keep yourself busy. The holidays are coming and I know you are all busy thinking of new ideas to enchant all you love.

A few of us (me included) have to find things to keep life exciting. I found my computer years ago, but since I worked 82 yours a week up to age 70, I had time to just take care of a bird and myself. My 9-room house too large to keep up even with a good salary, had to be sold, and still active I HAD to move. Maybe others have had the same experience. I know some of my friends moved near or with their children - what a joy that must be.

Me? I worked in my new environment and belonged to so many committees, the board and starting a Gift Shop, my mind was kept busy to avoid that QUIET PERIOD.

When fate stepped in, I had to rearrange my lifestyle to fit my new physical problems and this computer became my best friend and those who reside in it my BEST FRIENDS. It started when I joined the African Grey Club and for over 16 years, have still the greatest pals around.

BUT NOTHING compares to my introduction to the new exciting person who one day silently crept into my heart. I learned how to download. I read a book by this young man which helped me accept my life as it is and a group of wonderful giving people who make up something called "The Clack" helped me preserve unique appearances. Joining CLAYONLINE allowed me to read what so many thought about this fellow and after two years (not writing) and being urged to write my life story, my old talent for writing returned and my book evolved. All this because so many were curious.

So, my life may be QUIET by comparison, but by reliving my opera days via the wonderful CD my talented son created, brought back my memories BIG TIME and sharing it with so many has been a joy to both of us.

This economy has hit so many really hard, and even my son has to leave his wonderful rented home since so many of his clients had to shut down. He IS working, but learning about economics from me, decided he had to live AND work where his costs equal his income. So he HAS BEEN QUIET as well, as he packs to move.

So WE are quiet as well -- he does not need disturbance from ME! Right? So, MY quiet time has increased, and I wait with great anticipation for the GALA VIDEOS and Mr.Wonderful's next personal appearances. I am sure as busy as all of you are, you also are eager for Clay's next move, and the acceptance of N.I.P. throughout the nation is certainly NOT QUIET!

In the meantime, I'll think of things to say - and write. It sure helps with QUIET DAYS.

Enjoy the fall days, and holidays to come. Until I write again, I say a heartfelt THANKS for being my friend.

Marian