It's been an eventful season. Rafael (my cat) and I arrived in Santa Fe Sept 30. I got a storage unit and unloaded my car which held everything except Christmas stuff, a large picture and AV rack I left with a friend. I spent 3 nights at Motel 6 desperately seeking a place for Rafael to stay, but out of money and options, placed Rafael in protective custody at the animal shelter (they allowed until Oct 11), checked into St. Elizabeth's Shelter, and began job-hunting. The Sunday after the 11th I found a sweet older couple at a church I attended who agreed to care for him til I get my own place and can take him back. The first place I applied for full time work hired me, but took 2 weeks. Meanwhile I interviewed at Big Lots (turned out it was part time, which I rejected) and applied at TeamBuilders Counseling for a Behavioral Management Specialist job working with kids. I went through pre-employment training/evaluation, got fingerprint cards and criminal background check ($15), but eventually was turned down. I did get a small stipend for attending their training. I've been working as a cashier at Giant, a gas station/convenience store, since October 16. My deposit refund and first-2-days'-paycheck paid 2 past due car payments. I made an accounting error overdrew my bank account. I got gas from St. Vincent de Paul and am receiving foodstamps. I voted. I use the internet at the library still. I used up my 30 days and extension at St. E's and now am at the overflow shelter which doesn't provide adequate rest for someone with a job of my hours, so I'll stay at the motel again, until I get my next paycheck, except for the weekend.

I got in the news today for helping foil a robbery at work... [link]
Santa Fe is a smaller town, in terms of its crime rate, than I had realized, that such a simple matter could be front page news in its two major newspapers! Well, I've got to turn over this library computer, so have a blessed day!
I'm still exchanging postcards with anyone who wants to send one to: Debra Royall, 804 Alarid Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Thanks so much for all your nice comments and prayers!

Until I get my own place with internet and time to pick new features, here are some of my most favorite works of art, photography, and literature to enjoy and fave. God bless you, Love and hugs,
Debra