Heavy Heart

I'm a little sad and hurt today. I'm not sure how to describe the situation that has my heart heavy; there are many aspects to it. The very short story is that a person I have known for a few years, and have liked very much, is threatening to sue my fiance for trademark infringement and is accusing me of conspiring with him.

Reading that sentence, I realize how woefully inadequate it is to describe the situation. But I don't really think I should say more about it here.

The thing that has me sad is that this person never called me or him to discuss this situation. She went straight to a lawyer, who sent one of those threatening legal letters. So, without any warning, we find ourselves in a nasty situation.

I guess the takeaway right now is the whole issue of communication, and our human tendency to avoid confrontation. She felt wronged and decided she knew what was behind our actions, but didn't talk to us to learn the real story, which is so far from her idea of it. I suppose she felt like the confrontation of that conversation would be too hard and stressful. So she took the "easy" way out (at least for her), and involved a lawyer. In the end, that's not easier for anyone, and she's still going to have the confrontation to deal with.

So...lesson learned. The conversation you need to have may be hard, and you may not want to do it. But maybe it offers a chance to clear up a miscommunication and you can resolve the situation before it gets out of hand.

I'm hoping we can still salvage this situation. It's not too late, at least as far as we're concerned. I know that I at least will use this as a reminder to do the hard, but right, thing when a difficult situation faces me.

My Friend Just Got Published!

About a year and half ago I met fellow writer Kristen at a writer's conference she hosted. We became fast friends, and set about reviewing and critiquing each others' work. The other day I got an e-mail from her announcing that she has published her first short story, "Moonlighting." I'm so excited for her. I purchased it the other day, and it's really a fun read. And for only $3.99, a total bargain! You can check it out here.

Now if you follow that link, you will soon realize this is a short story of the erotic variety. So not only did my friend get published, she went WAY outside her comfort zone to write this story (at least, that's what she told me ;)). And it's great, thus proving that living outside the comfort zone is always a good thing.

Congratulations Kris Eton. I know there will be many more stories and books to follow.