ceelove

Words that jadia gave me to explicate. Tell me if you want some from me.

serendipity - The closest I have to a word for "god." The force of the universe that guides me, sometimes kicking and screaming, towards what's right for me, what's going to uncover my own best self. I was brought up Southern Baptist in Alabama (though that's oversimplifying it), then realized that I wasn't S.B., Christian, or even religious - but that I believed in something, and I'd have to figure out the specifics for myself. In 2001, six weeks before I headed off with Molly to bike across the continent, I got the word tattooed on my left shoulder, as an ongoing reminder to myself that what happened was supposed to happen. I still sometimes need it, but mostly, these days, I spend a lot less energy questioning that there's value and rightness to what I'm going through, and get on with the learning.

music - One of the huge shaping forces of my life. If you don't know that I followed Moxy Fruvous around for many years, you don't know much about me. (Sixty-four times, baby! three different countries, thirteen states!) I don't get nearly as much live music as I want, these days, but for the first four years I lived in Boston, I attended 90 concerts a year. I do know at least one person with a larger collection than mine, but mine's pretty hefty, possibly a couple thousand albums. (And no iPod in sight!) Strangely, I don't think of myself as a musician, having played flute for five years, sung in choirs and bands for over a dozen, and written a musical that's taking the stage in three months. I think I perceive musicians as understanding more of the technical aspects of music than I do. Still, I love it and consider it quintessential to how I go through my days.

grow - This simultaneously evokes my own work on myself and grubbing about in the backyard. Both are hugely important to me. (Damn woodchuck! haven't caught him yet.) I've surrounded myself with people who see and push me towards my potential. When I grow up, I want to be wise. :P And to have an endless supply of my own tomatoes to eat.

bike - Sadly neglected after the 2001 trip, but I'm happy to be getting back into it, with the new town bike. Or at least, I would be, if the weather were enticing for it. I really admire people who are more dedicated to urban biking than I am. Me, I'd just hope to toodle around Europe sometime...

Travel - See above. :P I've never traveled extensively, and I'm not wildly adventurous (especially about non-English-speaking countries, I admit to my shame), but I do like me some trotting about, seeing things. I've hit India, Ghana, Switzerland, Mexico, England/Scotland/Ireland, Amsterdam, six Canadian provinces and 37 of the United States. I don't foresee much happening, beyond little jaunts in New England and trips to see family, for a good while yet. Unless I sell a screenplay. Then all bets are off.