Introduction ...

Hi... and Welcome to Oz.

I'm Glinda... or that's what one of the list members nicknamed me some time ago....and, no....I don't wear a pink dress and I really don't talk like Billy Burke.

My real name is Elyce and I'm the "virtual therapist" in LandOfOz and AboutOz. Those are two support groups that we have established on the internet to provide support, education and suggestions to those who have a significant other, relative, friend, co-worker, or even a neighbor with Borderline Personality Disorder or BP traits.

I'd like to invite you to join the group(s). Land of Oz is where we do the "work". People talk about the issues that they're facing or have had to face in the past. Some folks are with their significant other and some are not. We answer questions...look for solutions...just talk...and sometimes we cry. It's a lovely place...fresh paint...there's always hot teas (iced in the warmer months), coffee, juices and goodies in the kitchen. There's a fireplace in the living room...and a lovely backyard. One list member keeps his dog, Yoda there when he comes to visit. If you don't see your favorite chair in Land Of Oz ...just close your eyes, visualize it, and it will appear!

About Oz is a group that we use to discuss problems that may occur with someone else on the list. It's also where we talk about changes that we'd like to see...of things we'd like to have added over in Land Of Oz. It's a safe place to complain...or whine...or to make suggestions as to any changes you'd like to see on Land Of Oz. It's like a den or workroom.

You don't have to join both groups. Land Of Oz is where we do the day to day "living". So, if you'd like to join us there, please consider this as your personal invitation.

We also have a yearly get-together. It's called "YBRT"...hum...can't figure that one out? It's the "Yellow Brick Road Tour". So far, we've had five YBRT’s. The first year, one of the members graciously opened his parent's home to about a dozen of the members. (Yes, he did have his parent's permission to do this.) We had a wonderful time. It was the first opportunity that we had to really meet each other "in real time" rather than just in cyberspace.

The 2nd year, we went to Wisconsin. Many more "Ozzies" came and it was great to see the faces of those people that we'd only been able to talk with via email. The third year, we met in Colorado. The fourth year it was Florida, fifth year's Tour went to Virginia, sixth was held in Georgia and last years was held in Washington ... not D.C..

We are still collecting suggestions about this year and it will be announced ahead of time with an invitation to everybody. I hope that you'll be able to come.

We plan to continue the annual YBRTs and have set up a non-profit corporation to facilitate this. This way, Ozzies will always have the opportunity to meet, share and be supported by each other each and every year. We'll also be working on some ideas for fund raising to help those that have little or no money so that they can come too. We're always looking for volunteers to help in some fun ways...but know that you do NOT have to volunteer for anything. There are lots of companies and organizations out in the world that will probably like to help us. If you know of or work for one, please let us know.

I bet by now you're thinking "Boy, that woman can talk...and talk...and talk." So I'll close by again inviting you to join us...or just to listen to what others have to say on Land Of Oz.

To join, simply click here: Join LandOfOz Yep...it's that easy. (if that link gives you any trouble, just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LandOfOz and click on the "Join this Group!" near the top of the page)

I look forward to seeing you there.

Take good care of yourself and have a beverage and a goodie and make yourself at home.

Elyce.....aka Glinda, the Good Witch : )