[stylist] Publishing News and comments

[Amy Krout-Horn]

Hi Listers:
Since I've been quite busy, I'm just now catching up with the last two weeks of your posts, so here goes!
First, (because I just can't resist) to all my conservative friends,
As one who went door-to-door in October, using all the skills I'd aquired at Blind Inc. (graduating class1992), and as one who gathered with a group of over 200 people on November 4, people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religious backgrounds, and physical abilities, to cheer and weep and celebrate the evolution of our country's collective mentality, I have but one thing to say:
Obama 2012!!!
Second, as above mentioned, I attended Blind Inc. Every life skill I learned was instructed by a blind person, minus the home management section. As a newly blind person, the thought of traveling the Minneapolis streets with a blind cane instructor, at first, scared the hell out of me, but that lasted about a week, and I realized I had to relinquish prejudices if I were to succeed in accepting my own situation. Having lost my sight at age 21, I had many years of ignorance to shed; my experiences with the blind had been very limited and unfortunately, somewhat negative. Without the NFB and Blind Inc, I'm not sure where I'd be or If I'd "be" right now. 
I have fully accepted my blindness and when asked, as I have been many times, I can say with no hesitation that, if given the chance, I have no interest in regaining my sight. What I'd really like to be free of, is the cause of my blindness; type 1 diabetes, but that, too, I have managed to find a certain level of comfort with, despite how much more it frustrates me than the blindness ever has.
John:
I loved the years I lived in Minneapolis and St. Paul. You are so right about public transit and blind services. Love brought me to Florida and a city where sidewalks and buses are very limited, and many a day, I wish for the good old days of waiting for a cross-town 94 in 20 below weather. Sounds crazy, I suppose, but if I could convince the Floridian I love to move, we might very well end up as your neighbors, which I think would be fabulous, as I truly enjoy your intellect and insight here on the list.
Finally, one of my novels, co-authored with Gabriel Horn, has been picked up by a publisher, All Things That Matter Press, and will be available later this year. This is my first book-length publication, so, despite the pesky diabetes, a little champagne has been consumed in celebration. Congratulations to Lori and Judith on your recent publications.
Please excuse the length of this message; just making up for lost time.
Amy Krout-Horn