An idea has been stewing in my brain for a few weeks... I think I would like to do a series of portraits of mothers and daughters. No restrictions... any age, even mothers-in-law and second mothers would qualify. Anyone want to model for me? Or know anyone else who would like to?

I suppose it was inevitable...

5 years ago today, I had brain surgery to remove a pesky chordoma tumor. Today is Tumor Free Day + 5 years. Hooray!!! Life is good!

Rob and I are having a Seder this year on the first night of Passover. If you are free on April 8 and would like to join us, we have a few seats left at the table. Let me know.

Smartest guy in in the world? Needs a better password.

This evening, I had the pleasure of attending a book signing for Catherynne M. Valente's¹ newest novel, Palimpsest, at Between Books². It was so much more than a signing... Valente read passages from the book, and SJ Tucker³ performed songs she had written that were inspired by it. The show was haunting and magical, and I truly felt transported to another place.

Valente and Tucker's alternating passages and songs were a perfect call and answer. Valente's reading is melodic and soothing to listen to. It is obvious how much she cares for the words she's written in her attention to pacing and cadence. Her narrative paints a vivid picture of the world of Palimpsest where color, thought, and an underlying current of mystery play an enormous role. Tucker's voice is remarkable, ranging from deep, warm, rich lows to crystalline, full, bright heights. She seemed to relish in tasting each lyric with the tip of her tongue before releasing it to make sure it was perfect for her audience. Each song brought even more definition and life to the passages that Valente read.

After the performance, the two artists were more than willing to talk with fans and sign books and CDs. They were both exceedingly kind and seemed humbled by the support shown to them in the crowded, standing-room only book store. If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to attend one of their shows. If you can't do that, at least pick up a copy of the book and a few of Tucker's CDs. You will be glad that you did!


1. Catherynne M. Valente is also known as yuki_onna.

2. Between Books is an independent book store in Claymont, DE. It's owned and operated by the nicest guy you'll ever meet, Greg. After talking to you for five minutes, Greg can recommend a dozen books for you to read. You will love every one of them. He can do the same thing with games. Support your local independent book seller!

3. SJ Tucker is also known as s00j.

I took my initial situp test today, wherein you are supposed to do as many good situps (crunches, really) in a row as you can. I did 36, but I am not convinced the last few can really be considered good... So that puts me firmly in the Poor category for my age. No surprise there! :) In six weeks, though... Sit-Up Fiend!

Somewhat akin to being a dancing queen, I am going to become a Sit-up Fiend. Inspired by trishadiva, I am taking the 200 Situps Challenge. Who else will join us?

So I'm not sure why, but I decided I wanted to try meditating. I researched a little bit online about how to do it, and what you are supposed to do, and figured the best thing to do would be to just try it out. So tonight I did. I don't think I'm very good at it. I kept giggling, and once, Abby Cat jumped on me, which didn't help my focus at all. But every time I realized my mind was wandering, I tried to return my focus to my breathing. I guess I do feel a little more relaxed and calm. But I don't think I'll be having any transcendental experiences any time soon. I'll try again tomorrow night, I suppose.

As seen on shellefly:

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!

My choice.

For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

• I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!


• What I create will be just for you.


• It'll be done this calendar year.


• I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.


• You have no clue what it's going to be.

The catch: you have to put this in your journal as well. Spread the creativity around!

( The Exercise )

( The Mental State )

( The Exercise )

( The Mental State )

The Rules:

1. Leave me a comment saying you want to do the meme.


2. I'll respond by asking you five personal questions so I can get to know you better.


3. You should update your LJ with the answers to the questions.


4. You should include this explanation and offer to ask someone else in the post.


5. When others comment asking to be asked, you will ask them five questions.

I know I still owe some people questions, and I still owe answers to at least thealiwoman. Do I owe anyone else answers?

( The Questions )

( The Exercise )

( The Mental State )

( The Exercise )

( The Mental State )

The Rules:

1. Leave me a comment saying you want to do the meme.


2. I'll respond by asking you five personal questions so I can get to know you better.


3. You should update your LJ with the answers to the questions.


4. You should include this explanation and offer to ask someone else in the post.


5. When others comment asking to be asked, you will ask them five questions.

( The Questions )

( Weights & Measures )

( The Exercise )

( The Mental State )

( Weights & Measures )

( The Exercise )

( The Mental State )

( The Exercise )

( The Mental State )