Dear Friends and Family,

Well, haven't been home long and it's back into the air again. I leave today (Thursday) for Washington, DC where I will be attending the Lavender Languages Conference this weekend. I am not only attending, I am presenting two papers. The first is co-authored with Cathy Marston, called "Passing or Passed By: Disabilities and Queer Community." And the conference organizer chose us as one of the opening night presentations. I also organized a panel on sexual practices and identities which I am presenting a paper, "Languages of Desire: Sexual Practices and Identity." Should be quite a weekend. (Especially when you consider it is 1 AM and I am staying up all night trying to finish these papers before getting on the plane in the afternoon.)

Career wise, things are going really well. Maybe too well. I certainly have more work than I can handle. _Looking Queer_ is in production and will be out next summer. Meanwhile I am editing four other collections. Special editions of the _Journal of Lesbian Studies_ and _Journal of Homosexuality_ on the practices/identity topic. Then Cathy and I have been asked to co-edit the _Journal of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity_ on "Queer & Disabled." And then there is the essay book that Lon and I are co-editing, _Trans/Formations_.

Meanwhile, I have too sections and 50 students in my Human Origins class. Forgot how difficult intro level courses can be to teach. But it is fun too. I am also taking a class on "Anthropology and the Body." My other two "courses" are independent studies to write grants for my dissertation research. I have a deadline at the first of each month through Jan.

Things at home are going well. I think the summer away from my family increased their appreciation for me and mine for them. Also, Tina has gone back on her medications and is feeling better (though there are still problems). Troy began a new medication for his epilepsy and it seems to be working. He didn't have any seizures all summer. Not to be left out, Lon is on a new medication too. They have given him medication to help with his Attention Deficit Disorder. He takes the medication whenever he needs to concentrate for long periods -- like on his new job. He has a full time job with benefits at the university library.

Rowan is still a beautiful, outgoing, smiling child. I adore him and treasure every moment with him. He began a new daycare program and has already charmed his new teachers. Sometimes he is almost too outgoing though. They say he is quite a handful.

Troy's paternal grandmother died last week. It was sad but not unexpected. His family wanted him home for the funeral and were able to pay his way and help pay Tina's way, so that he could bring Rowan with him last weekend. It meant a lot for Troy to see his family, to be with them when they needed him and to have them meet his son. They had not yet met Rowan. They adored him, of course.

It is so nice to be back with friends too. Our coven is now over a year old. We met to celebrate full moon and fall equinox this week. We enjoyed a beautiful ritual out by the lake, under the moon with a bonfire. The weather and the love was perfect.

Please touch base with me and let me know how things are going with you. I so enjoy your letters.

Dawn