I am happy to report on my submission efforts.  I have received a rejection letter from O Magazine.  I didn't expect to be published with them, but I thought why not dream big, you never know.  I also submitted to Country Woman and they have acknowledged the submission.  Creative Nonfiction in Pittsburgh, PA I thought was my best bet for the story I sent.  They did respond , and explained that the reading period for them could take up to six months.  So, out of 4 submissions, I have a "we got it" a "we will read it someday" and a "we don't published unsolicited manuscripts".  Not bad, and I have a rejection from the Oprah Magazine to add to my collection.  I'm thrilled.  Now that I am receiving rejection letters, I am a real writer.  Exciting!