My lovely top chum, Miss Prosecco, quoted Seneca in an email to me last month: "They lose the day in expectation of the night -- and lose the night in fear of the dawn." It struck me that the fearful mentality is one that has chased me around as I've grown up, like some bloated predator. And indeed, it's remained a frequent visitor for too many years of my adulthood. Happily, I've made myself a promise recently and stuck to it: While I can't banish Mister Fear from my home entirely, He is no longer welcome at Chez Buffy. So there. 'HOT WINGS' Fear Is a virus That spreads thru the mind Causing anxiety & depression. But confidence Is a flame That spreads & ignites dynamism; It burns hot, bright & beautiful. Presently, I'm empowered. And, like the gorgeous phoenix I'm mightily thankful For the flame.