Newsflash! Read all about it!

I entered the "First Chapters" competition at Gather.com with my novel, Following Breadcrumbs. Being very democratic people, the first two rounds are chosen by the readers' votes and comments. I would love to tell you to go and give me a ten! (with a flick of my pom-poms) Tell me how wonderful the first chapter of my book is! But, alas, even more than winning, I want to become a better writer. (Dare I hope to someday be a great writer?) So I want honest feedback (gulp). If you have time, please register at Gather.com here (registration is free), and then read the first chapter to my novel here.
Thanks.
Signing out.