[oceanic]

I'm glad you're feeling alright now, Caprice. Besides the point, I know, but the way I was biting my nails near the mid-section of your account is a testament to your skills as a writer.
I dated a Mormon once and remember her telling me that every time she shared doubts about the religion with friends, they would pull away from her. She was the kind of person that was desperate to belong and find family, and I wouldn't doubt if her so-called friends knew full-well the strategies and manipulation games they were using on her. Where's the love? The most narrow, cold, power-hungry, insecure and distorted people I ever met in my life were also the ones who claimed to have all the answers. People like to have other people do what they do and believe what they believe in order to justify the way they're living and affirm the choices they've made.

Funny you should mention that conversation you had with your fellow art student. I'm reading a book right now where several of the characters are trying to find out what it means to be human and how to lead a meaningful life. So far the most illumination they've gained came from analyzing great works of art - visual and literary. ie. Proust, Shakespeare, Michaelangelo...

Anyways, glad you're ok. You're a courageous bastard, obviously.
Take care!
Mike