Dear Agate/Mary
You wrote:
It's much easier for me to write than it is for me to talk, at least until I've been around someone for a long time

...I understand exactly. Just how I feel. No wonder I like email so much! I need time to thaw out with people and know what I can say to them. I've been trying to "outgrow" this for 43 years but am still working on it! :-) Actually I think it is just innate - have you read a book by Elaine Aaron or seen her website http://www.hsperson.com/ ? The things she says about personality types resonnated with me.

Interesting that we both love music...I am missing that part of my life at the moment, haven't had time for it for a while.

By the way, I need some help with some writing research.... being a city dweller, I need some help in describing the sounds and smells of horses (Seriously!)...any help much appreciated.