DISQUS

I would like to be more curious about the origins of words. I used to know so much about the etymology of the words I loved; as a child, I loved to read the dictionary. Maybe it's a consequence of using mostly online dictionaries, but I don't open that book and dip into it and wander around like I used to. Maybe I should pick up a new volume of words!

I was part of the Olsen twins with a friend and we had 'paparazzi' following us around a party! That was just a lot of FUN. But I think my favorite costume was Little Red Riding Hood. Dark innocence!

I thought about this all day, and I think I would say that I would like to leave behind the gifts of imagination and empathy: stories, words and images that spoke of things true and beautiful and helped others to "step in another's shoes," and the inspiration to others to look at their lives and experiences and see opportunities for art and imagination. I would like to help others cultivate and nurture their creativity, and leave behind the fruits of my own labors and hope people find something inspiring in them.

Oh, and I would also like to entertain people in some way or another!

I'm going to a party thrown by a theatre company -- I'll get to hang out with creative people, see some old friends and listen to some great music! Lovin' life...!

NOT feel compelled to answer every single email as it arrives in my inbox. I am trying to stick to my resolution of answering email only twice a day, despite the fact that my work requires me to be 'wired' in a serious way. I find answering emails all the time to be extremely stressful and a constant pressure, and a big drain on energy and genuine productivity.

I love white flowers: peonies, ranunculus, orchids, lilies, roses. Lately I love white gardenia flowers because just one can scent a room with such a lovely fragrance, but I love peonies because they remind me of my mother, and I love lotus flowers as well because they remind me of living in Asia. (And I love their symbolism.) It's so hard to pick just one favorite flower! Hmmm....gotta think and feel more on this one.

In all honesty, lately I have not really been coping well with stress. Usually some quality time with sleep, good food, laughs and real, genuine relaxation does the trick, but lately not so much! I think I need a 2-hour Thai massage these days!

A well-edited closet is the best "how to dress right" strategy I know of. If you have a closet in which you love and *wear* everything, you really can't go wrong. Approach your closet like a self-portrait; when you open it, it should make you happy with what you see. I spent one month last year cleaning out my closet (it was a long overdue project!) and it kind of changed my life.

Also, whoever said to "take one thing off" after getting dressed in the morning...I loved that! Too often appearances are over-cluttered; stripping things down just a little bit helps make elements shine, I think.

I'm fortunate in that my life centers around creativity, storytelling, images, words, sound, movement, music. I get to write, make films and share ideas, thoughts, feelings and stories -- and sometimes I get paid to do it! I have a lot of freedom to pursue the muse and the ability to fulfill my sense of adventure and curiosity. I also have a lot of love in my life, which makes homecomings sweet and happy.

Revenge!

Okay, not the truly evil kind, but the kind where you end up on the cover of a magazine for doing something beautiful, creative and world-loving and you know your ex is gnashing his teeth, telling himself, "God! She's everywhere! Why won't she go AWAY?!!!!!"

I would also like the ability to fly. I could travel a lot more, and it seems more carbon-neutral than flying on an airplane.