I sent out some hand made writing journals, covered with images from glossy magazines in my New Year Mystery Muse parcels to friends and was overwhelmed by the reaction. One friend was slow to let me know that her parcel had arrived, writing that *sheepish grin* Ummm...I *did* receive your package, but I am dodging the challenge as yet. I was overwhelmed by the graciousness of the gift...truly. That book is the first book anyone has ever given me to fill up with my own words. I recognize it as an act of faith in me and my ability, and I tend to quail slightly in the face of faith. Forgive me. I wanted to give myself a few days to work up the courage to go into the journal with heart turned on and fear turned off. *sigh* But I suppose it's like starting a diet on Monday. Success happens *today*, not next week. Everyone felt the impact of a personal gift.

This reveals a lot about why people hesitate to write. It should be a natural process but we have been turned to stone by a society that values blatent commercialism and encourages us to buy the sorts of things they used to buy Australia with in the early days - beads and bright baubles. I think it is time for some soul searching.