Welcome to Purr's latest issue. I really hope you like what we have this issue. I have written most of the welcome's in Purr since I joined the Purr team. I usually face the new issue with no perceived idea of what I am going to write. I come up with something either by what is submitted or by the general tone of what is submitted o r by the tone of what seems to be going on in my life or the life's of those around me. I may have prior ideas before I start reading the submissions but even then I find the submissions seem to go along with what I have in mind already. I have thought of several things for this issue and have several ideas on things I want to write as submission myself. I just have not had time to do much but get the basic ideas down. I need to yet expand upon them and put the thoughts into words that you will understand . They will therefore be for future issues.

That is why I am writing this in this manor. A lot has happened with Purr since it has started. Purr started with Christian and now it we have a team working on Purr. We have changed somewhat with each new issue. Not only with the issue itself but with our working together on it. We have been finding those little niches to fit into, working out the kinks in our working together and in what and how we want to present our issue to you. We have all also been going through changes not only in Purr but in ou r own lives. Several of our contributors have been going through changes also. So what I say also involves them.

Some have moved, some have found love, some have had near tragic experiences, some have misunderstandings, some have changed jobs and some have become good friends. This is not saying the changes are stopping. It is only making note of them. In sitting ba ck and looking at all that has been going on the only really thing that can be said is....We all in some way have grown and changed for the better even if you are readers have not noticed.

It can also be noted that even what at times have looked like one of those 'darkest' moments in life, there have been positive actions and growth. They say there are silver linings in dark clouds. Sometimes it takes hitting a ruff spot or tuff times to ge t us to stop and look at things going on around us. Sometimes the way we get so caught up in life we forget how our actions effect ourselves and those around us. We get so lost in just doing that we forget to stop and think about how we are doing it or w hat we said or did may not come out right. Others can only take our intentions the way we present them. If we present them wrong it is not their fault that they take them wrong.

Everyone seems to be so busy right now. It is that time of year where we finish up the stuff from last year, prepare for the coming year, and try to keep up with all that we have to do just to be current in our lives. It is almost spring. Even nature is preparing and going through changes.

Last year I talked about planting seeds of thought. This year my thoughts lead towards just taking stock and giving thanks. Thanks that people are who they are. They are understanding, intelligent and yet unafraid to stand up for themselves and unafraid to take the chances in life. Chances in writing, moving, trying something new and even for speaking up when they are unsure of how it will be perceived. For only when we communicate can we make not only Purr but life itself better. Communication is the k ey. It is the key not only in presenting Purr to you but in anything in life. Only through communication can we work things out.

As you tie up the loose ends left from last year, take a moment and look at the whole picture. Remember the good, and the bad. Look at the changes that you made. Learn from them. Now look at where you are at and where you want to go. Just make a mental note and know that even in that there will be changes. But as the changes enter into your life do not be afraid of them. Flow with them and see what happens. If you keep an open mind and wait before jumping to conclusions, you may find that the changes are leading you to where you want to go.

If you are afraid of change, it's OK. Just do not let the fear prevent you from maybe making changes that may end up being the best things you ever did in your Life!