What I've done

From Caminante, among others.

1. Started my own blog
(obviously)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
(loosely—church retreat worship group, as a teen)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
(loosely—hiked up, climbed down Mt. Ellinor in the Olympics)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
(as a performance, no—but in the shower or walking down the street, all the time)
11. Bungee jumped
(oh, hell no)
12. Visited Paris
(I was 7)
3. Watched lightning at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
(well, sorta, when I re-learned to knit)
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
(I think slightly, once)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
(and given them away)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
(of course—what kid doesn’t?)
22. Hitchhiked
(once, at Glacier Park in Montana. Friend and I were lost; we got a ride back up to the parking lot with a very nice old couple in an RV.)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
(yes—but all my sick days now, are real.)
24. Built a snow fort
(once, when we had enough)
25. Held a lamb
(but I have a pic of an honorary nephew holding a chick. He was three. He’s in college now.)
26. Gone skinny dipping
(Girl Scout camp, mid-80s. It’s better in salt water, at night. Phosphorescent critters bounce off of you.)
27. Run a Marathon
(no desire to)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
(but I’ve seen lunar eclipses)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
(both, lots!)
31. Hit Kicked a home run
(third grade, kickball. The kid who most vehemently did not want me on his team, was extra mad.)
32. Been on a cruise
(no—but I’ve been canoe camping.)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
(but I got a “teach yourself Arabic” book and played around with the alphabet.)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
(I paid the bills, which was enough at the time. Money cannot ever make you happy.)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
(I’d love to someday)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
(I think so? I’ve been there, as a young teen.)
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
(but I was with a friend when she gave him a dollar and the rest of her sandwich.)
44. Visited Africa
(really want to)
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
(but I was back-boarded down a trail and into a motorboat, at camp)
47. Had my portrait painted
(Chalk drawing, actually—I think I was six.)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
(but a friend told me about eating ice cream in the snow. I want to try that!)
53. Played in the mud
(that’s what kids do.)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
(Twilight Zone, with my parents, in the rain)
55. Been in a movie
(but I have been in a news clip)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
(briefly, tai chi from a seminary classmate)
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
(I helped run one)
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
(2nd-8th grades. That’s the only reason I buy them.)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
(I’ve never been allowed to.)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
(but I’ve seen tattoos on survivor’s arms)
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
(in high school Russian)
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
(Orange Julius, age 18. After two weeks—when I’d made several messes, and burned my hand on the hot dog grill.)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
(right pinkie, left middle toe. Separate incidents.)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
(if a Young Authors conference in fourth or fifth grade counts. I bound it, and everything.)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
(just like John?)
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
(school district rag, fourth grade, for winning the district spelling bee and beating all the eighth graders)
85. Read the entire Bible
(not systematically, but I’m fairly sure I’ve read it all.)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
(but my doctors saved mine.)
90. Sat on a jury
(was called once, couldn’t serve.)
91. Met someone famous
(locally)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
(but I fell out of a kayak into Lake Michigan)
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
(got it when I moved to CA.)
99. Been stung by a bee
(really! Never.)
100. Ridden an elephant

What I did on Wednesday

I went to my first ever, real, not-a-church-fundraiser, drag show. In the Tenderloin. For school credit.

I love my field ed. :-)

Oh, and I should mention that I'm waitressing at my church's drag show tonight. It's a fundraiser for our after-school program.

I love this pic

I needed something else to post about. I'm on the left; my advisor's on the right. I'm hatless because I was four days past surgery, and couldn't (still can't) wear my Mardi Gras hat. (I was either holding it, or had lent it to someone else when this was taken.)

Yes, I am wearing a bathrobe over my clothes. My hair is a mess because I couldn't wash it, and dry shampoo only does so much. She's in her academic gown and that hilarious hat, because we were attending an "alternative commencement" for Lizzie, who had to fly back to England the next day.

(Bathrobes were Lizzie's idea. Hats were mine. I got credit for co-planning the event; I did next to nothing, to earn that.)

What were we laughing about? Probably, other people dressed like us. Or silly-walking. Or, simply, life.

Repainting

I was getting tired of the uber-dark background, and was told by one friend that it made her screen jump around (like the '60s). It's time for a change.

I don't like this yellowy beige all that much either, and some of the text needs darkening, but I don't have time to be too particular right now. You'll see gradual changes: a tweak here, a new banner there.

I have a better banner pic for this type of color scheme... somewhere.

UPDATE: The paint job's growing on me, and I found the banner pic (obviously). This also comes from the Bishop's Ranch; I took it last October, somewhere between the trailside sanctuary and the peace pole.

"Why are you an Episcopalian?"

Jake's asking this question, over at his place. He got me thinking, and feeling, and appreciating. My responses serve as a quick-and-dirty faith story, and I want to share them here.

Most of my readers probably also read Jake; he's one of the hubs of our Episcopalian blog-web. If you share this same boat with me, please go answer him there. If you're of another tradition, or a different faith entirely (hey there, Orthodox Mimi) feel free to play, in the comments.

1. What initially drew you to the Episcopal Church?

I was raised here. One of the things my parents did right, was never making me go to church. I went when I wanted to—which meant that I was free to be drawn in. I was very involved in diocesan youth programs; I got my questions, and my authentic faith, nurtured there.

2. What brought you back to the Episcopal Church?

This is really the more salient question. I left the church after college (1992) because I was sick of patriarchal language. “Father,” alone, does not bring me closer to God. My peers got that—but my elders wouldn’t budge. (When I asked if we could use inclusive language, then just beginning to be known, I was told, “This is [small town near Olympia"]. That priest has long since moved elsewhere. I actually wish I'd been around for his replacement; I know her now, and she's great.)

I spent the next 11 years in an interfaith community, hanging out with mostly Buddhist ex-Christians, occasional Jews, and the odd Earth-centered pagan. I learned a lot from them, and they gave me what I needed for a time. Some members became as family to me, and we are still close. When I wasn’t there, I spent a lot of time with Quakers. I loved them for their peacefulness and their activism, and thought of sojourning there. But it got to where I was missing liturgy more and more. I was hungry for the Eucharist, though I didn't know how deeply. I had brief, intermittent times of worshipping as an Episcopalian—when I lived in Seattle, I felt safe at the cathedral—but I just wasn’t ready to go back to the church as I had known it.

Enter, August 2003. I found out about +Gene from friends on a message board. I didn’t have to think about it; my response was, “They did that? I’m going home.” I was so burstingly proud of the tradition I'd grown up in, for recognizing that all people are human. I drove an hour the next Sunday, to St. Mark’s, Seattle; I knew people there would be celebrating. I went to the healing rail after Communion. The poor woman asked what I needed prayer for—and I opened my mouth and burst out sobbing. I didn’t know why, but I knew I was home—and I knew God had work for me to do.

I was shaking for a long time after that; I still call it a God-quake. I went home, and got involved in my local parish. I found that the church had come to terms with some things, in my absence. I fell in love with it again, and committed myself to being here.

3. What are some of your current reasons for remaining in the Episcopal Church?

Ask God why I’m in seminary, LOL. I am called to serve the marginalized; I'm thinking of starting a chaplaincy for homeless people. I want to physically and sacramentally feed them.

The ethos this church has developed—namely, living the Baptismal Covenant—keeps me here. The sacraments mean more to me than I can tell you. The Incarnation means more to me than I can tell you. This is the church that still walks me through resurrection. This is the tradition I’m called to be faithful in.

My best friend’s in San Joaquin. Being close to her drew me into their struggle. How that turned out, feeds my faith in this church. My passion for mission was awakened, fed, and instructed by Episcopalians in New Orleans. This church is home.

4. When you recommend the Episcopal Church to others, what are some of the aspects of our common life that you mention?

Most of my circle are Episcopalians. I recommend my parish, because we are inclusive, creative, exuberantly welcoming. I don’t have to sell the tradition, but if I did, I would tailor it to the conversation. You want liturgy? We have it. Incarnational theology? Oh yes. Outreach and mission? Come.

Lighter news

I found my wallet today. I hadn't known it was lost. If I hadn't needed my Kaiser card, my wallet would still be there, where I'd left it, last Sunday, in the car.

Need I say that I park outside? In an urban, easily accessible parking lot?

File this under "Angels." Legions of them.

What's with all the memes and such?

I’ve been only peripherally blogging, for awhile. I don’t think I want to take a break, or announce one. I just want to say what’s up.

I’m behind in a couple of critical things at school, because I spend too much time wandering aimlessly online. I really need to get strict with myself about how I use my time, and I need to break my ‘net addiction. I really need to stop escaping into this.

Also, I’m just not in a mood to be self-reflective in public. I’m in a place now where I’m both very up and very down—excited about possibilities for fall, and extremely anxious about summer. I have no idea where I’ll be, what I’ll be doing, or how I’ll support myself. I feel like I’m getting too old for all these transitions. My best friend talked me out of a tree last night; I was terrified of being homeless. (Yes, I know I have skills. I also know how often I’ve chosen less than I am, out of sheer terror and depression. I don’t want to go to that dark place again.) She finally said, “Be logical—you have a home here.”

We say that all the time; I guess I didn’t know it actually applied. She threw another light on how she cares for me—which is a really cool thing. I know it’s an option, and I’ll go there if I need to. It takes the fear for my physical self, away. I also know how small her house is. The woman lives in a shoebox. I don’t want to be always in her space, and I don’t want to put her in a position of longish-term supporting me. (I would be working—temping at the very least. But still.) I don’t want to drive her, and myself, completely insane.

I don’t know what will open up. I’d come back to the Ranch in a minute; I don’t know yet whether that’s an option. Something planned for fall might open up early. I know that if I’m in the Valley, I’ll be having to work part-time for money anyway. (I’ll be giving all the time I can to outreach and church.) I really don’t mind grown-up lives when I have them. It’s getting them, that scares hell out of me.

I really don’t know, and I hate being this wound up about it. But that’s where I am, and it’s why I’m less chatty here.

What can all of you do? Pray. Thanks.

Emmaus Friday Five

From RevGalBlogPals.

With this Sunday's gospel reading in mind, that wonderful revelation of Christ to the companions on the Emmaus road. I wonder where you might have been surprised by God's revelation recently.

How has God revealed him/herself to you in a:

1. Book

This took some thought. There are lots of books I love, that I’ve learned from or found beauty in. I’m re-reading a book right now, for my advanced preaching class, that I love: The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness, by Joel ben Izzy. It’s about a storyteller who loses his voice… and that’s all I’m going to tell you. It speaks to me because, in many ways, I’m finding mine.

I read a book over ten years ago now, that gave me wisdom I keep going back to. It’s an older Pema Chodron; I think the title is The Wisdom of No Escape. I borrowed it from my then-minister, at a time when I was feeling very lost. (“Lost” isn’t the right word; I knew who and where I was. I needed to get my life together, and had no idea what even the first steps might be.) One chapter is about “taking refuge.” She doesn’t mean hiding—it’s about finding your own courage; taking refuge in your strength (and that of your God, if you have one). Centering yourself, and going out bravely into the world.

Anyone who has followed this blog even over the past six months, knows I still need to keep that jewel close.

2.Film

I so rarely watch movies. I really can’t answer this question.

3. Song

Always, this:

"World Falls," Indigo Girls. This was the only version I could find a video of. Enjoy.

4. Another person

Yes, many. My best friend, a growing number of my teachers, several prophetic and pastoral leaders I can think of, a few friends in my hometown, friends in California, online community, everyone I met in New Orleans… I could go on.

Do they all know that I see God in them? No, but some do. The light I see in them shines from their own calling—they know that they are rooted in God. They do the work that’s theirs, with tremendous joy and love. And they show me the light in me, that I never see unless I’m told to look there.

5. Creation

Yes, and ever yes—every day I’m awake. I’m at the Ranch right now, and it’s beautiful. Last weekend, after the San Joaquin diocesan convention, the Apostle (formerly) in Exile and I bought a bunch of flowers, and planted them all over her yard. I love spring.

Bonus answer: your choice. Share something encouraging/ amazing/ humbling that has happened to you recently!

I had some doors fly open during Holy Week, prompted by no more than a question from me. One really surprisingly grace-filled encounter with a teacher, a “yes” to a question I asked another, and an e-mail out of blue-sky nowhere. All I can say from here is that I know I’m on my path. And thrilled about it.

That's what Tiggers do best!

I'd have been surprised to be anything else. Snatched from Paul's place.

Your Score: Tigger

You scored 17 Ego, 8 Anxiety, and 14 Agency!

And as they went, Tigger told Roo (who wanted to know) all about the things that Tiggers could do.

"Can they fly?" asked Roo.

"Yes," said Tigger, "they're very good flyers, Tiggers are. Strornry good flyers."

"Oo!" said Roo. "Can they fly as well as Owl?"

"Yes," said Tigger. "Only they don't want to."

"Why don't they want to?" well, they just don't like it somehow."

Roo couldn't understand this, because he thought it would be lovely to be able to fly, but Tigger said it was difficult to explain to anybody who wasn't a Tigger himself.

You scored as Tigger!

ABOUT TIGGER: Tigger is the newest addition to the Hundred Acre Wood, and he lives with Kanga and Roo, because Roo's strengthening medicine turned out to be the thing that Tiggers like best. Tigger is bouncy and confident -some of his friends think he is a little TOO bouncy and confident, but attempts to unbounce him tend to be fruitless.

WHAT THIS SAYS ABOUT YOU: You are a positive and confident person. You feel capable of dealing with anything and everything, and funnily enough, you usually ARE. You don't worry about much, and you love to go out and find new adventures.

Your friends and family might sometimes be a little exasperated by your boundless enthusiasm. You don't like to admit your mistakes, and when you find yourself in over you head, you tend to bluff your way out of things. You would be surprised, however, at how happy the people around you would be if you would actually admit to a mistake. It would make you seem more human, somehow.

Link: The Deep and Meaningful Winnie-The-Pooh Character Test

Middle Name Meme

Gosh, if I didn't do memes, I'd hardly ever be here. I haven't had the time or brain to post anything original lately. It's just as well; I have good friends who keep me in the neighborhood.

JohnieB tagged me for this meme. Here’s how to play:

1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don’t have a middle name, use your maiden name or your mother’s maiden name).
3. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person (or blogger of another species) for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they’ve been tagged.)

One of my middle names is Grace. Here goes:

G—Growly in the mornings. Generally good. Giggly, at times.
R—Rebellious. I really hate being told what to do. If you ask me, though, I’m usually willing.
A—Ancient of days. Well, not really—but I certainly felt like it, when I couldn’t kick the flu. Amiable.
C—Charitable. Called. Capricious—but not about what’s real. Committed, to God and to the gospel, and to the work I know is mine.
E—Exuberant, energetic. I noticed when I started feeling better, just last weekend, that I didn’t remember being this sparkly or playful. I’m also a lot less stressed than I have been—but I’ve done an inordinate amount of work, in three days. I’m much more motivated than I had been. That has to do in part with my teachers being kind to me, and giving me grace when I was sick. It does run deeper, though—and I’m both glad of that, and surprised by it. Still, it’s nice to have my natural self back.

It doesn’t fit my alphabet, but someone told me today that I have “an innocence that knows what’s real.” He was responding to a sermon I preached in class (that I’ll post over the weekend; it was the Palm Sunday text). It was a startlingly thoughtful comment, and I thought incredibly kind. I often experience myself as impossibly idealistic. I may be. But I have also seen what I have seen, and it has strengthened, rather than wounded me.

I’m too tired right now to tag five people. Play if you want to.

3 x 3: a quick meme for Thursday

JohnieB tagged me for this meme. The rules are easy:

1) List three reasons for your blogging.
2) List the rules.
3) Tag three others with the thread.

a) I blog because I’m a horrid correspondent. It’s true. I started this when I was about to make a major move out of my adopted hometown (of 17 years, counting college) to seminary in California. I wanted to give my friends a way to keep track of me.

b) I kept it up because I found community, both in the RevGalBlogPals and the OCICBW crew of reprobates. I’ve never met most of these people, but I e-mail with some of them, housesat for one, and count them as friends. We keep up with each other; we encourage each other, we pray with each other. If one is hurting, others are there. Good circles to be in.

c) I like writing; I like thinking out loud, and I’m more faithful about this than I ever was with a private journal. I can use this voice for justice, and I have. I’m also aware that someone coming across this blog might be encouraged in their own path, spiritual or other. Besides, the memes and silly things are fun.

Tag:

Paul
Orthodox Mimi
Juniper

All may, some should, none must.

I blame Paul

...though I certainly can't blame him for the results.



You're the time of day right around sunrise, when the sky is still a pale bluish gray. The streets are empty, and the grass and leaves are a little bit sparkly with dew. You are the sound of a few chirpy birds outside the window. You are quiet, peaceful, and contemplative. If you move slowly, it's not because you're lazy – it's because you know there's no reason to rush. You move like a relaxed cat, pausing for deep stretches that make your muscles feel alive. You are long sips of tea or coffee (out of a mug that's held with both hands) that slowly warm your insides just as the sun is brightening the sky.

The description's accurate; I am "quiet, peaceful, and contemplative" in my natural (non-student) state. The time? Ouch. I'm usually awake by then--but far from social, at that hour.

It's 12:30 now. Off to lunch!

In search of time-management tips

These are all things I need to do; some today, and some as soon as possible:

• Read for my online church history class
• Post on Blackboard for same
• E-mail the sacristy and see if I can snag a preaching time*
• Look up when I’m preaching for class, and read those passages
• Finish my CDO profile (who am I kidding; all I’ve done is register)
• Send a couple of e-mails, that both take emotional energy and thought
• Pay a bill I’ve been forgetting—involving about a 30-minute round-trip walk
• Get my brakes fixed
• Organize my homework for the weekend

I also need to make an appointment with my advisor, and go to the bank. (Trying to add items to a bulleted list, in Blogger, only makes a mess.)

I’m going to the Ranch tonight, and will be there through Saturday. (I have to serve in church, before God gets up Sunday morning.) I’m capable of studying there, but will also be hosting, hiking at least a little, and catching up with my friends. So today is the best time I have for school. (I’m only staying through chapel tonight because one of my favorite people is preaching.)

When I had an adult life, I got the things done that I needed to. I kept commitments and I felt responsible. I’ve not been good at that, as a student. This is my last academic semester, and it’s still early. I’m trying to head off a mid-term breakdown, and just learn some basic skills. How do you organize your time, when there are lots of little things you need to do, and some that take more effort, focus, and energy?

*I actually did that, while I was writing this, and it took all of three seconds. So there’s one less thing.

Book meme

Tagged by JohnieB. Here are the rules:

Pick up the closest book of 123 pages or more.

Go to p. 123.

Read the first five sentences.

Post the next three sentences.
***

The closest book to me that is mine is How to Preach a Parable, by Eugene L. Lowry. (Nashville: Abingdon, 1989.) Here is my offering:

"....Why, those last folks hardly had time to work up a sweat, yet you
make them equal to those of us who have borne the burden of the day and the
scorching noontime heat."

But the moment of injustice happens as we knew it would. The text
provides a marvelous understatement: "They grumbled."

I expect so.

Note, I said the closest book that is mine. I'm housesitting for one of my favorite people, an ever-more-fraudulently retired CDSP faculty member. I'm sitting on the floor in his office, right now.

He taught me Anglican Ethics and a reading course on Stringfellow, last year; so it's not surprising that the closest book to me at the moment is Work in the Spirit, by Miroslav Volf (New York: Oxford, 1991).

From the chapter entitled "Work, Human Beings, and Nature":

In the remainder of the book I will attempt to answer these
questions.

A comprehensive theology of work would need to discuss these issues much
more exhaustively than I am able to do here. If I were to attempt to
develop a full-blown theology of work, I would far exceed the limits of this
book. What I intend to do here is only to sketch some basic aspects of
work's relation to human beings--to their nature, their needs, and their other
significant activities--and to their natural environment.

There you go. As for tagging others to play: all may, some should, none must. Have at it, if you've not been tagged already.

Well, this is kind of cool.

I stole it from Paul, who stole it from PJ. None of us buy into this stuff, but silly quizzes are always fun.

You are the World

Completion, Good Reward.

The World is the final card of the Major Arcana, and as such represents saturnian energies, time, and completion.

The World card pictures a dancer in a Yoni (sometimes made of laurel leaves). The Yoni symbolizes the great Mother, the cervix through which everything is born, and also the doorway to the next life after death. It is indicative of a complete circle. Everything is finally coming together, successfully and at last. You will get that Ph.D. you've been working for years to complete, graduate at long last, marry after a long engagement, or finish that huge project. This card is not for little ends, but for big ones, important ones, ones that come with well earned cheers and acknowledgements. Your hard work, knowledge, wisdom, patience, etc, will absolutely pay-off; you've done everything right.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

This result is so wrong that it's laughable; I'm in at least one proverbial doghouse that I know of, and am so far from completing anything, all I can do is roll my eyes. It's the beginning of the semester; I haven't even had all my classes yet. I'm also feeling overwhelmed with everything I have to do this spring. (Then why am I blogging, you ask? I'm lying on a heating pad, because my shoulder still hurts. This is the easiest thing to do in this position.)

Truthfully, I'm blogging to ask for your prayers, and suggestions, and anything else to keep the paralysis of overwhelm at bay. There are things I need to do, and things I want to do, and I've got to get them done. Prayers and suggestions for focus, efficiency (ha!) and time management are very much appreciated.

The next thing I'm going to do, is sit up and call the physical therapist. Then I have forms to fill out, for school. One of them requires math skills; the other, prayer and thought. I'd like to finish both, before chapel. Then I have lunch, and after that, an advanced preaching class that I'm really looking forward to.

It is nice to be reminded, even by a Tarot card, that things will come together, though.

My week

...as seen at Episcopollyanna's.

Work = Very little
Home = Shifting
Head = Muddled, thanks to muscle relaxants
Mood = Anxious, optimistic, hopeful, sad (yes, you can be all of these at once)
Friends = Fantastic, loving, playful, and insightful
Family = See above
Prayer = Action
Reading = On paper, not since the flight
Bible study = Would be a good idea
Awareness = Moderate
Sleep = Heavy, drugged, and often
Fun = Intermittent
Love = God, my friends, this world, New Orleans

I need to gear up for school; classes start Monday. I have a long list of chores that I need to do this weekend, and processes that will continue well into spring. I'm lying on a heating pad right now, having more-or-less awakened from a Flexeril-induced nap. I want my mind and body back.

So, logically, I took a silly quiz.

I'm safely back in California

Wide-eyed and wide awake, though my body thinks it's after midnight.

There's so much I need and want to do—for school, self, and ODR. I'm not even going to share my to-do list; it's frightfully long. I have to hit the ground running tomorrow.

Thank you all for your prayers for me. Please keep them up, for New Orleans. Pray for all forsaken and forgotten people. Pray for resurrection, wherever it be found.

And thank you to all the people of New Orleans—people who became my friends, and strangers on the streetcar—who told your stories, answered my (sometimes achingly naive) questions, took care of me, and shared your love of your city with me. Thank you for your generosity, and for your sacred trust. Thank you for everything you do, to bring justice, peace, and reconciliation to your home. Your work will always inspire me.

Peace be with all of you, and healing, with your city. I will do the best I can, to help you.

Hmmm.

My Fortune Cookie told me: Your wounds are strangely shaped. Get a cookie from Miss Fortune

Well, I may have wounded my back--but it's shaped like nothing other than a surprised scapula. I'll find out more tomorrow; Mimi has prayers for me. (We really did have a great time, other than the roller coaster ride in the intersection. She and Grandpere are great company, and lots of fun.)

I didn't realize I hadn't blogged in a week. I'm having so many incredible experiences--I've been too busy, and too involved, to write about them. When I have down time, I'm exhausted. But I will catch up, some way or another.

Pray for New Orleans. Pray for me. Pray for Mimi and Grandpere.

h/t Eileen for the fortune cookie.

Love to all.

Meme-O-Matic

- Link to the person that tagged you. (done)
- Post the rules on your blog. (done)
- Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. (done)
- Tag six people and at the end of your post, link to their blogs. (not done)
- Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. (see above, beg excuses)

Mimi and David both tagged me. Yay, I’m one of the popular kids! Guess I better play, huh?

Six non-important things…

1) I can walk on my knees in the lotus position. I learned in my early 20’s; I was working at a DV shelter in Olympia, and one of the women taught me. It’s easy; sit in the lotus position, and push yourself up on your hands until you’re balanced only on your knees. Lurch back and forth until you move a few feet. Fall over.

2) This is related to the first. My most natural sitting position is cross-legged, folded over, resting my elbows on the floor and my chin in my hands. Lots of people can’t do it. I can’t bend backwards worth anything.

3) I learned to read when I was three, and I don’t remember before I could. I answered a meme this morning saying I think in pictures, but that’s only when the words don’t come first. I think in print, at least as often.

4) It took me an entire year to understand long division. Sometime in the middle of fifth grade, that clicked. Before that, I couldn’t follow the steps to save my neck. After, I didn’t have to.

4b) This did not save me from being hopeless at algebra, when I took it and since.

5) I like mochas, but drink them only rarely (and never in the afternoon). I wake up wired, if unsociable, and need herbal tea to calm down.

6) When I had access to unlimited yogurt containers (yay Oly Food Co-op!), an ice-pick, organic seeds, potting soil, and time, I used to start dozens of basil plants in the spring and give them all away. I miss being able to do that.

Borrowing a line here—most of my usual suspects either have been tagged, or are certainly about to be. Play if you like. All may, some should, none must.

Once you get going, there’s no end to the ephemera. Enjoy!

I'm supposed to have a recipe file, now?

Heh. I like this one. (Note: I took it with first and last names, which lots of you know, but which are not all over this blog. When I just used "Kirstin," the results were ridiculous.)

The Recipe For Kirstin

3 parts Nonconformity 2 parts Courage 1 part Friendship Splash of Delight Shake vigorously

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?