I'm not a particularly religious person, but I do find comfort in believing that this is the best of all possible worlds, that somehow there is a reason for everything that happens and that the chaotic randomness of our universe is the result of a design that is far greater than we can ever begin to imagine.

I had been immensely peeved when I wasn't selected to teach at Costume College.  I had proposed some top-notch lectures (IMHO) and I am aching to add something more sophisticated to my costuming CV in anticipation of applying to grad school at the end of this year.  Further, after the burnout of Costume Con, and a thorough self-search about why I costume, I had concluded that a break from Costume College was necessary, and that I wouldn't return next year.

I suppose life happens when you're making plans.

Some of you know that my beloved kitty, Ma'am, suffers from kidney problems.  I give her fluids on a nightly basis and she is on a regulated kidney food diet.  Today I spoke with her vet about her latest test results.  Her disease has progressed to Stage IV renal failure.  Terminal.  It's a matter of weeks now, if that.  Tomorrow we have an appointment to discuss remaining options to make the rest of her life easier.

I'm afraid this means I have to scrap Costume College.  I regret not being able to see those of you who weren't able to come to Costume Con, and those of you whom I haven't seen in many years.  I want to spend as much time with my little friend before she isn't with me anymore.  She is, after all, the love of my life.