A few weeks ago, my good friend was leaving town to attend a wedding in Tennessee and she wasn't looking forward to the expense of buying a new dress. Conveniently, I had recently bought a very pink dress for a cousin's wedding from a local boutique called Narcissist, and although my friend and I are built very differently I offered it to her -- at least to try on. Surprisingly, the dress fit well. Not surprisingly, she looked fantastic in it. Off she and it went to Memphis.

We found out this morning that there was a death in Mr. Crochet me's family, and we'll be leaving tomorrow for Oklahoma to attend the funeral and spend time with family. As you know, our October/November issue is due out tomorrow, and I am working as hard as I can to make sure it will be ready to launch before we catch our plane.

No time to worry about the sticky detail that I don't own a muted dress that fits. In a lovely turn of events, another good friend offered me her own black Narcissist dress. We're built very differently, but the dress fits great. I will wear it this weekend. I am moved by the power of friendship to support us in happy times and sad.

Please note: There's a chance the new issue will be delayed. Family is our priority, and unexpected errands may come up today. But I'm doing my best to get the issue up on time tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.