Hi sister friends. I know I haven't been around lately. Life seems to have a way of taking place, and priorities for me have shifted. I have needed some space from here, and from a lot of places, really. I have decided I really can't be here anymore, although some of you I will still keep in contact with. I think I realized that after I wanted to post an email about life that I sent to Erin yesterday, but knew I couldn't post it here because of the nature of the message, and also the language I used. It makes me sad that I feel I can't be truly open and let it all out here, because some of the topics on my mind lately, and some of my way of letting that out would offend some here. I know I need to be respectful of that.

Sometimes in writing about life, there is just not a delicate way to put it. So much of my life has been softening things, or being quiet so I won't offend, or not being who I truly am because the people I am around may or may not get offended. I can't do that anymore, because it's not true to who I am.

I can't swear here. I know that swearing isn't graceful, but sometimes it's just the best way to describe something. I can't talk openly about sex, sexual orientation, or other areas related to that topic. Not that I want to talk about that a lot, but some things have been on my mind lately that may be better for other forums. I don't feel I can openly talk about my feelings about the church - whether positive or negative. I have been the darts fly when topics about that get going, if someone doesn't agree.

I just have to be who I am. I have to be in places where I am free to be me, and I do not feel that is here. I know this will offend people, because some people here feel like they are liberal enough to be accepting. But I have seen the unaccepting nature of some when opinions are expressed which are opposite or not with the mainstream way of thinking here. I wish that wasn't true, but it is.

I have many great friends here. I consider a handful to be my best friends. I will continue to associate with them through other means.

I need to let go. Thank you to those who have been accepting. Thank you for the support and love. I am happy this board was created, and still exisits after all these years. I am thankful for the reasons it evolved, and I am still friends with the person who co-created this with me. It is amazing how a network of friends can build across the world without ever meeting face to face. It is also amazing how some of those friendships have endured.

God bless,

Sassy