Speaking of love monkey ... I do not endorse this link, but I think it's very funny!

The author of "Love Monkey" told me that I "had to" read his novel. I suspect all authors of books (and particularly those of books about to be rather successful) feel that way. Given the subject matter, I put this on my list of books to buy for cash at a real, live bookstore rather than through amazon.com. And I didn't get to it ... yet. Now that it's been adapted for tv, I suppose I'll have to read up to see what all the fuss is about.

OK. It was inevitable. I have written my first poem in years, my first love poem in recent memory. And, brace yourself, I'm going to inflict it on you: My heart is broken open wide.

Even as I type, I'm listening to a Web-based recording of the music from Queenship of Mary's lovely, prayerful Advent Evensong. It was a simple and dramatic evening of music and readings. I feel tremendously lucky (OK, blessed!) to be able to partake of fellowship with such talented and kind folks. If you're dying to hear what it was like, email me and I'll send you the file. It's not massive, but it'll take a minute or two to download.

I guess things weren't "flowing" as well as I was told by my now-former boss. My job search is officially on, and getting into full swing. Feel free to let me know if you know of someone who might benefit from having someone like me (link to follow) on their team.

The world is poorer for the loss of David L. Kurtz. I join his family, friends and admirers in grief at his passing. Mr. Kurtz was the father-in-law of a school chum of mine who is, herself, a beautiful soul. I was informed and educated more than a little bit by this obituary that appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer. In recent years, I've developed a keener feel for the fact that writing obituaries well is a beautiful art. It mitigates our sorrow and chronicles our times.

Did I mention that Atlantic Highlands has a new Councilman-elect? Or how very proud I am of him???