Dear LB~
I think reading Jane Hawk's exploits is one thing, Bella's disappearance is another and a bit too real. I too find at times the words leap off the page, conjurers of incidents that should have been put to rest decades ago, G.F.Newman's work being one good example
I stick to the happy fantasy worlds for the most part.
Now you are trying to convince me the the intricacies of producing something fattening and every-day is a high art, with successes to dream of and failures that are consigned to utilitarian household objects.
Seriously if you do it well and gain satisfaction, a great thing, important.
My Nain (Welsh Grandmother) made barra brith, a sort of loaf which could not decide if it was a cake or not, and I remember it fondly.
Training for volunteers, I found that came incidental to the job I was doing. That's not to say I did not look for the pitfalls, however my latest venture was peer work, which you can do at TAFE, though you might find alternative cheaper routs.
Lifeline does a lot of training in all sots of mental health fields , some nationally accredited, perhaps a talk with their training department might be of use.
Yes I'm using a laptop ATM as it allows me to be in front of the wood fire. Sadly my spelling, and all the rest takes a nosedive doing things this way -sigh
There is a difference between empathy and suspicion/lack of trust. The first you are born with , the second, inspired by PTSD and related matters is imposed over it, but does fade. I felt for my partner when I was being beastly -go figure.
I guess you are finding, when dealing with your friend, the effects of illness are wearing thin in places, encouraging -at least it was for me.
Cats do not go for walks, they acquire freehold title to bed and sofa, and that's the end of the matter. Actually Sumo follows my wife around in the garden out of pure curiosity, quite dog-like in a way.
I too am missing the exercise I need and temper and medication levels rise.
Yes the world is better off. Your injuries, mental and physical, are a price we all pay to live in comparative security from rampant dishonesty and violence. Your wounds buy a livable country. That price is extracted from some more that others - unfair. You know this. But you made the world fairer as I said.
Croix (who if he sees a house surrounded by door-stops will have his suspicions over the identity of the occupant)