A name will define you for your entire life. 

At the moment of birth, you are stamped with your parents idea of what you should become. 

Three stamps. First, middle, and last. 

And you will spend your life being defined by what that name is or isn't. 

My name is common; I don't ever have to spell it to a Starbucks barista. But I do have to share it with the psychotic mother of the reverse mullet and eight half-asian children. 

   Kate is it to you, but what is it?

Two sharp consonants, one syllable. A shorter, modern version of Katherine.

Several possible origins, one being a Greek goddess (Hecate), one the Greek word for Pure, and one the word for torture.. 

Pure Goddess Torture? 

oh my.

What would I be like if my name were Anne, Emma, or Rose?

I don't really want an answer. I don't think there is a good one. 

This is just me thinking.

I am not competitive. 

I am not disciplined.

But I love, I am obsessed, with swimming.

I miss it. 

More than York Mint Patties.

On Clive Staples' Demons and Mugs for Golden-Locked Girlies

We read and discussed The Screwtape Letters. I remember the first time I picked it up as a thirteen year old, it scared me. Seven years later, and a bit desensitized to the idea of a demon on my shoulder, I devoured the book. My favorite line, 

"The best descent into Hell is a gradual one". 

Definitely one of those ouch moments. 

It says Goldilocks. Cheers.

And Lauren, you may be disappointed to find out that I haven't kicked the mug habit. 

There was a lovely woman, and she had lovely handmade ceramics, and it was a lovely day at a market...

All I can say in my own defense is that at least I didn't...borrow...this one.
Best descent into hell, eh?


fyi, I have every intention of undoing those wrongs. Goodness knows I'm digging myself a lovely hole. Time to be quiet.


Best wishes from the Vibrant Northern Marshland.

The Bravery Checklist

1. Swim the English Channel.
2. Open up my own small business. (probably a flower shop/art gallery/perfume boutique)
3. Become a missionary to women paralyzed by the rigid traditions of their culture
4. Get a dual citizenship, and live in a different country for most of my life.
5. Get a masters in art history
6. Become a nurse
7. Cut off all my hair
8. Join the Peace Corps
9. Grit my teeth and be a real life starving artist

Song of the Sparrow

This song was going through my head. It's a rainy, cold day.

Porcelain

everything i love
was made of porcelain,
ready to break.
but the bright, staggering light,
it anxiously waits inside.
like nesting dolls, the secret hides.
and like every birth,
it was a necessary pain
i know, i know
it's all worth the wait, worth the weight.

Are you wasting away in your skin

Are you missing the love of your kin

Drifting and floating and fading away

You have it all, the poise and the strength that we can't fake

But don't you ever tire of walking that wire

To know that we'll move on as you break