title: Seek, Plan, Strive: How I Turned Sad into Glad and Plucked Magic from Tragic
author: James R. Storey
description: James R. (Jim) Storey lives in La Jolla, California with Elaine, his wife of 48 years. Jim moved to La Jolla in 2004 after a 38-year career in Washington, D.C. His work there on social policy and federal spending was accomplished in the employ of: the U.S. Congress (the Joint Economic and Senate Budget Committees and the Library of Congress); the Executive Branch (OMB, HEW, and NIH); and research institutes (Urban Institute, Institute of Medicine, Institute for Defense Analyses). He also was Vice President of Chambers Associates, a public policy consulting firm. Jim earned a B.S. in physics and mathematics from the University of Alabama and an M.B.A. from Carnegie-Mellon University. Jims career in Washington involved extensive writing for both political and academic audiences that resulted in numerous publications. In retirement, he has applied his writing skills and experience to his own life and that of his only child, Drew, who died tragically at age 28. Jim told that story in "Deadly Mix: An American Dreamer, Mental Illness, and Crisis in Cairo," published as a CreateSpace paperback and a Kindle e-book in 2014.
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  _The Striding Spire_
  
  
  (Modern Magick, 3)
  
  
  
  
  
  by
  
  
  
  
  
  Charlotte E. English
  
  
  
  
  
  Copyright © 2018 by Charlotte E. English
  
  
  
  
  
  All rights reserved.
  
  
  
  
  
  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be
  re-sold.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Preface
  
  
  
  
  
  _Modern Magick_ is an ongoing web serial. You can also read online at:
  [http://www.modernmagick.net](http://www.modernmagick.net/)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  1
  
  
  Let’s just say that my first date with Baron Alban did not go quite as I was
  hoping.
  
  
  Expectations: me in a _very_ good dress. High heels, great up-do, a bit of
  lipstick (or perhaps a lot). The Baron looking gorgeous as always in one of
  his many fine suits, escorting me upon one muscular arm to somewhere lovely.
  Somewhere with music, perhaps, and good cake.
  
  
  Reality: Somewhat different.
  
  
  It began with a phone call.
  
  
  ‘Morning, Ves,’ came the Baron’s deep voice when I picked up. ‘Do I disturb?’
  
  
  ‘Not at all!’ said I brightly, and not altogether tr