You all may find this quite difficult to believe, because I am feeling it is all very surreal at present.

Out of a group of 36 applicants, I have been chosen as one of 15 finalists to potentially become part of the 7 people who will write a book for mental health here in the state of Viriginia.

The book will be a compilation of our own stories, personal experiences, and healing processes; which will be made available for others who may be searching for their voices as they live and manage their mental illnesses.

I am honored, and yes, thrilled to be selected as one of the 15 finalists for this project. I look forward to sharing this with my employers, and other friends who will want to know. I have a special friend who told me I should apply to do this thing. I look forward to talking with her when she comes home from a weekend trip on Monday.

Woo-hoo. I really can't believe it is so. I will be speaking by phone to the writing staff who have made their choices thus far, on March 10. If I am chosen as one of the final 7, I will receive a stipend for my part in the project; as well as other monies for travel and lodging to do speaking engagements.

Surreal.