Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all the kind responses.
LouisaMay, how's it going with "Little Women"?
I'm keeping in mind that all this is indeed a process, and not something to take or be taken lightly. I've wanted sisterhood since I was in college, but feel much more confident about pursuing it now that I'm older and, I hope, wiser.
I'll let you know how it goes, and I'll ask LOTS of questions.
PS: Jill, glad to see another Beta on this thread!