My wish list, short version

!. Agent

OK. I have had enough. Enough of working too little, enough of being paid less than I agreed to, enough of calling back and calling back and calling back someone who called me in the first place. Enough of being told that doing this will lead to that. Enough of working so very hard to not "take it personally". And bloody well enough of being patient.

If you love me, pray for me: Laurel needs a good agent, and make it snappy. If you are a good agent, call me. Email me. Send a pigeon, send angels, send Lassie with a note. There's nothing I can't do, but I can't do it alone any more.

2. New place to live

We all know that my neighbors are noisy. That's no longer my concern. What I did not fully know until my return Monday from six days in Ojai, CA, is that my apartment is hurting my voice. I was sounding husky when I left, but in high desert southern California, my voice was as clear as the most sonorous bell. I was out there to sing an a capella Feather and Bone concert, and the singing was effortless. I came back to my little Bronx nest to find a thin layer of soot on every surface - even though I cleaned before I left, and the windows had been shut tight all week. That's what I have been breathing for the past year! Two days back, and I am hoarse again. I am deeply distressed. So please, prayers for a move to new apartment because I can't now see a way to do it (for explanation see item 1 above).

I said short list, didn't I? Then, I'll leave off the pony, and these two will do. THank you for tolerating the cri de cœur. Later in the week I will tell you all about the wonderful California trip, and about the oranges, and all that is good.