So I missed this presentation at TBC 2012, and it is a testament to my ADD-PI that I've been intending to watch it since then but haven't gotten around to it until today. I resonated so strongly with it. In case you don't watch it (yet), let me just give you this: a metamour is someone with whom you share a common connection. In other words, the friend of your friend or the lover of your lover.

For me, poly has been about developing metamour relationships probably as much as it has been about being open to simultaneous romantic relationships. And while I don't always seek the additional romance, I have ALWAYS valued and craved metamour relationships. For me, that is the essence of a tribe. If I care about you, I care about whoever is important to you. I want to know them. I want to be bonded with them to the extent that it is possible. And a lot of my important relationships were created as metamour connections: Adi (mutual lover), Heather (mutual lover), Camellia (mutual friend), Aurilion (mutual friend), Ashe (mutual friend), Kylei (mutual community), Hannah (mutual community), Meliae (mutual community), Laura (mutual friend). And the whole reason I began investing was for the sake of the person or community that brought us together -- it wasn't me seeking out that person in particular, it was me valuing the person/thing between us enough to want to invest the time to know the person for themselves. When I tell you I love you, it flows one step further to your people. Even if I feel I have nothing in common with the person you love, I want to build whatever small thing might be possible with them (and I hope for more). And I want your love for me to flow over to the people I love and for you to try to build with them. I feel that I cannot adequately understand you unless I understand your people at least on a basic level.

Not only do I value and seek out these relationships, but I feel a lack and a loss when they do not exist, ESPECIALLY when I feel that two people would really enjoy each other. I get very nervous about trying again when I have encouraged metamour relationships with someone and they have failed, but I never stop wanting to do it even if I stop being brave enough to try. I'm a friendship-matchmaker and I really do just want to smoosh everyone together (in a consensual way). It makes me feel sad and frustrated when people's expectations, assumptions, or situations get in the way but if they could just get over that initial hump they'd both have their lives enriched.

I feel conflicted when I don't know how to talk to a metamour; it just now occurred to me that the metamour of my metamour is my friend, heh, so I could just ask my friend how to connect with their friend. I've done this a little with Kei-Won-Tia because we both value this metamour-nurturing but it never occurred to me to try it in general until just now. Let me just say, if I have expressed love to you and there is a person you love whom I don't have an independent connection with, please do offer whatever you know to help us connect (if that is a thing you would like to happen, obv).

Starred people are ones I missed getting photos of or got too-dark or too-blurry photos. :-p



( monday night with kitty sunglasses, Ben, Ash, Viv, Anita, Brandon, Saleena, and Greta* )

( PAGE meeting & Applebees with Saleena, Brigit, Ben, Josh, Paul, Ash, & Davey* )

( Shel's pink party, Sara's solo show, Shel's birthday maize maze tromp, Chastain Arts Festival with Ash & Ben )

Starred people are ones I missed getting photos of or got too-dark or too-blurry photos. :-p



( monday night with kitty sunglasses, Ben, Ash, Viv, Anita, Brandon, Saleena, and Greta* )

( PAGE meeting & Applebees with Saleena, Brigit, Ben, Josh, Paul, Ash, & Davey* )

( Shel's pink party, Sara's solo show, Shel's birthday maize maze tromp, Chastain Arts Festival with Ash & Ben )

Last Saturday I had quite possibly the most amazing night of my life -- top five for sure. I experienced my first drum circle! I've never felt anything like it -- from the very beginning I was thrilled and it just kept getting better and better the whole time! There was such a sense of unity and openness. We were creating something together without anyone leading -- that is the essence of my faith. Being there was a transformative and deeply spiritual experience for me. I've never felt so alive and in love with life! I wanted to hug everyone, and I felt like I was hugging everyone. I CANNOT wait to have my own drum -- or even to bring a pot to bang my feet on!

I brought Ialu and I'm glad I did, but next time I intend to leave zir at home -- it's too dark to get any really good photos and my worries about zir (damage from the heat or vibrations, theft) kept me from fully entering in. Even so, it was SO INCREDIBLE. I thumped my feet on the ground and my hands on my legs, danced with hands and shoulders and waist (while sitting because I didn't want to leave my camera or jounce zir around). Oh... it was so amazing!

replete with rhythm
concerns thumped into the earth
glowing; connected



( photos (mostly fuzzy and dark but there you go!) )

Last Saturday I had quite possibly the most amazing night of my life -- top five for sure. I experienced my first drum circle! I've never felt anything like it -- from the very beginning I was thrilled and it just kept getting better and better the whole time! There was such a sense of unity and openness. We were creating something together without anyone leading -- that is the essence of my faith. Being there was a transformative and deeply spiritual experience for me. I've never felt so alive and in love with life! I wanted to hug everyone, and I felt like I was hugging everyone. I CANNOT wait to have my own drum -- or even to bring a pot to bang my feet on!

I brought Ialu and I'm glad I did, but next time I intend to leave zir at home -- it's too dark to get any really good photos and my worries about zir (damage from the heat or vibrations, theft) kept me from fully entering in. Even so, it was SO INCREDIBLE. I thumped my feet on the ground and my hands on my legs, danced with hands and shoulders and waist (while sitting because I didn't want to leave my camera or jounce zir around). Oh... it was so amazing!

replete with rhythm
concerns thumped into the earth
glowing; connected



( photos (mostly fuzzy and dark but there you go!) )

Last Saturday I had quite possibly the most amazing night of my life -- top five for sure. I experienced my first drum circle! I've never felt anything like it -- from the very beginning I was thrilled and it just kept getting better and better the whole time! There was such a sense of unity and openness. We were creating something together without anyone leading -- that is the essence of my faith. Being there was a transformative and deeply spiritual experience for me. I've never felt so alive and in love with life! I wanted to hug everyone, and I felt like I was hugging everyone. I CANNOT wait to have my own drum -- or even to bring a pot to bang my feet on!

I brought Ialu and I'm glad I did, but next time I intend to leave zir at home -- it's too dark to get any really good photos and my worries about zir (damage from the heat or vibrations, theft) kept me from fully entering in. Even so, it was SO INCREDIBLE. I thumped my feet on the ground and my hands on my legs, danced with hands and shoulders and waist (while sitting because I didn't want to leave my camera or jounce zir around). Oh... it was so amazing!

replete with rhythm
concerns thumped into the earth
glowing; connected



( photos (mostly fuzzy and dark but there you go!) )

In all the years I lived in that house we never roasted marshmallows over the fireplace -- WHY? (well, probably due in part to the OMG POSSIBLE MESS FACTOR but whatevs)

So yeah! Fun times with flame and sugar highs! :D :D :D This was taken before lil sis came, so you see Aurilion and hear me (mostly giggling) and Pat. Maybe more videos to come! I HAVE A NEW CAMERA Y'ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I've been a video fiend lately.

*dances crazily*

Oh yeah, and lest I forget, I made that utterly awesome marshmallow-roaster (tm) :D from two coathangers. I took pics of the three (mine's the coolest) and will share those when I get 'em edited!

In all the years I lived in that house we never roasted marshmallows over the fireplace -- WHY? (well, probably due in part to the OMG POSSIBLE MESS FACTOR but whatevs)

So yeah! Fun times with flame and sugar highs! :D :D :D This was taken before lil sis came, so you see Aurilion and hear me (mostly giggling) and Pat. Maybe more videos to come! I HAVE A NEW CAMERA Y'ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I've been a video fiend lately.

*dances crazily*

Oh yeah, and lest I forget, I made that utterly awesome marshmallow-roaster (tm) :D from two coathangers. I took pics of the three (mine's the coolest) and will share those when I get 'em edited!

In all the years I lived in that house we never roasted marshmallows over the fireplace -- WHY? (well, probably due in part to the OMG POSSIBLE MESS FACTOR but whatevs)

So yeah! Fun times with flame and sugar highs! :D :D :D This was taken before lil sis came, so you see Aurilion and hear me (mostly giggling) and Pat. Maybe more videos to come! I HAVE A NEW CAMERA Y'ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I've been a video fiend lately.

*dances crazily*

Oh yeah, and lest I forget, I made that utterly awesome marshmallow-roaster (tm) :D from two coathangers. I took pics of the three (mine's the coolest) and will share those when I get 'em edited!

The last full day of Aurilion's visit we woke up late and went to Longhorn's (as Aurilion was craving steak). That was a rather surreal experience, as I was wearing a scent which GLOWED to Aurilion (BPAL's 'Chimera' which should have been called 'Bastet' as it is golden honey lusciousness and reminds me so strongly of that deity) but we were separated by this giant table that we could hardly reach across. When we left, it was like the clink of two magnets finally released to join. We went home and I put makeup/magic on us! eeee I was absolutely enraptured with Aurilion in such colors, they expressed zir faeness so brilliantly! We had been planning to go to Red Top Mountain but it was getting too late so we went to the park again instead, and had the most beautiful time exploring and taking photos.



( portraits of Aurilion )

( photos of Aurilion and I together, plus a video )

( photos and a video of Aurilion weaving magic )

The last full day of Aurilion's visit we woke up late and went to Longhorn's (as Aurilion was craving steak). That was a rather surreal experience, as I was wearing a scent which GLOWED to Aurilion (BPAL's 'Chimera' which should have been called 'Bastet' as it is golden honey lusciousness and reminds me so strongly of that deity) but we were separated by this giant table that we could hardly reach across. When we left, it was like the clink of two magnets finally released to join. We went home and I put makeup/magic on us! eeee I was absolutely enraptured with Aurilion in such colors, they expressed zir faeness so brilliantly! We had been planning to go to Red Top Mountain but it was getting too late so we went to the park again instead, and had the most beautiful time exploring and taking photos.



( portraits of Aurilion )

( photos of Aurilion and I together, plus a video )

( photos and a video of Aurilion weaving magic )

The last full day of Aurilion's visit we woke up late and went to Longhorn's (as Aurilion was craving steak). That was a rather surreal experience, as I was wearing a scent which GLOWED to Aurilion (BPAL's 'Chimera' which should have been called 'Bastet' as it is golden honey lusciousness and reminds me so strongly of that deity) but we were separated by this giant table that we could hardly reach across. When we left, it was like the clink of two magnets finally released to join. We went home and I put makeup/magic on us! eeee I was absolutely enraptured with Aurilion in such colors, they expressed zir faeness so brilliantly! We had been planning to go to Red Top Mountain but it was getting too late so we went to the park again instead, and had the most beautiful time exploring and taking photos.



( portraits of Aurilion )

( photos of Aurilion and I together, plus a video )

( photos and a video of Aurilion weaving magic )

I just found the most amazing, beautiful, inspiring thing ever!

Laughter yoga! and I found a group that meets NEAR ME (in a place I've probably driven by thousands of times) and is free! it's on Wednesdays so I have to wait a whole week but WOW YAY EXCITEMENT!!! *dances, bounces excitedly* And I'm so eager to meet the sort of people who would go! :D ((find one near you!))

I laugh a lot. I don't know if that comes across in my LJ because I'm not speaking it, but if you have met me in person I think you would definitely see me as a very laughing, giggling person. I don't just laugh at things that are funny to me; I laugh out of joy, I laugh out of shock, I laugh when I make mistakes, and I laugh when something is just so bad it's ridiculous. I think I laugh probably as much as a child, if not more. Laughter is part of my language. I have a very loud laugh (sometimes it actually hurts my ears when I'm facing the computer and it gets bounced back to me) which I almost never restrain, even though it often earns me odd (and annoyed!) looks. I giggle more often than I laugh, though -- most of my conversations are sprinkled with giggles.

I see laughter as a spiritual thing -- to me, it's like the rippling echo of a person's spirit. I feel like a person's laugh expresses a lot, and when people laugh I often feel a deep surge of love for them. Smiles are nice, but laughter is glorious. When someone laughs I feel like they have sent off this wave of positive energy, and it absolutely lights me up. I often laugh in response, even if they're far away (like in a store). Because of all of this, I am profoundly curious about how this laughter yoga affects people. In another interview, the founder mentioned that he used to be very serious, and laughed as he said it -- you could see the effect it had on him! *beams*

And I love how a lot of the exercises are touching -- linking arms, laying in a heap, etc. It's like a cuddle party but even better! :D OMG CAN'T CONTAIN EXCITEMENT!!!


amused by life!

also, happy belated birthday fionavere and happy birthday thesaj and sylvanfae! Hope it was/is fantastic! I'm so glad you all exist. ;D

I just found the most amazing, beautiful, inspiring thing ever!

Laughter yoga! and I found a group that meets NEAR ME (in a place I've probably driven by thousands of times) and is free! it's on Wednesdays so I have to wait a whole week but WOW YAY EXCITEMENT!!! *dances, bounces excitedly* And I'm so eager to meet the sort of people who would go! :D ((find one near you!))

I laugh a lot. I don't know if that comes across in my LJ because I'm not speaking it, but if you have met me in person I think you would definitely see me as a very laughing, giggling person. I don't just laugh at things that are funny to me; I laugh out of joy, I laugh out of shock, I laugh when I make mistakes, and I laugh when something is just so bad it's ridiculous. I think I laugh probably as much as a child, if not more. Laughter is part of my language. I have a very loud laugh (sometimes it actually hurts my ears when I'm facing the computer and it gets bounced back to me) which I almost never restrain, even though it often earns me odd (and annoyed!) looks. I giggle more often than I laugh, though -- most of my conversations are sprinkled with giggles.

I see laughter as a spiritual thing -- to me, it's like the rippling echo of a person's spirit. I feel like a person's laugh expresses a lot, and when people laugh I often feel a deep surge of love for them. Smiles are nice, but laughter is glorious. When someone laughs I feel like they have sent off this wave of positive energy, and it absolutely lights me up. I often laugh in response, even if they're far away (like in a store). Because of all of this, I am profoundly curious about how this laughter yoga affects people. In another interview, the founder mentioned that he used to be very serious, and laughed as he said it -- you could see the effect it had on him! *beams*

And I love how a lot of the exercises are touching -- linking arms, laying in a heap, etc. It's like a cuddle party but even better! :D OMG CAN'T CONTAIN EXCITEMENT!!!


amused by life!

also, happy belated birthday fionavere and happy birthday thesaj and sylvanfae! Hope it was/is fantastic! I'm so glad you all exist. ;D

I just found the most amazing, beautiful, inspiring thing ever!

Laughter yoga! and I found a group that meets NEAR ME (in a place I've probably driven by thousands of times) and is free! it's on Wednesdays so I have to wait a whole week but WOW YAY EXCITEMENT!!! *dances, bounces excitedly* And I'm so eager to meet the sort of people who would go! :D ((find one near you!))

I laugh a lot. I don't know if that comes across in my LJ because I'm not speaking it, but if you have met me in person I think you would definitely see me as a very laughing, giggling person. I don't just laugh at things that are funny to me; I laugh out of joy, I laugh out of shock, I laugh when I make mistakes, and I laugh when something is just so bad it's ridiculous. I think I laugh probably as much as a child, if not more. Laughter is part of my language. I have a very loud laugh (sometimes it actually hurts my ears when I'm facing the computer and it gets bounced back to me) which I almost never restrain, even though it often earns me odd (and annoyed!) looks. I giggle more often than I laugh, though -- most of my conversations are sprinkled with giggles.

I see laughter as a spiritual thing -- to me, it's like the rippling echo of a person's spirit. I feel like a person's laugh expresses a lot, and when people laugh I often feel a deep surge of love for them. Smiles are nice, but laughter is glorious. When someone laughs I feel like they have sent off this wave of positive energy, and it absolutely lights me up. I often laugh in response, even if they're far away (like in a store). Because of all of this, I am profoundly curious about how this laughter yoga affects people. In another interview, the founder mentioned that he used to be very serious, and laughed as he said it -- you could see the effect it had on him! *beams*

And I love how a lot of the exercises are touching -- linking arms, laying in a heap, etc. It's like a cuddle party but even better! :D OMG CAN'T CONTAIN EXCITEMENT!!!


amused by life!

also, happy belated birthday fionavere and happy birthday thesaj and sylvanfae! Hope it was/is fantastic! I'm so glad you all exist. ;D

something I've been meaning to share:

( under a cut because it plays on a loop )

I. Love. This. Woman. She's changed over the years but she has never lost that genuine wonder at the world and love of people. I can't wait for us both to die so I can finally meet her. *snorfles at own happy morbidity*

something I've been meaning to share:

( under a cut because it plays on a loop )

I. Love. This. Woman. She's changed over the years but she has never lost that genuine wonder at the world and love of people. I can't wait for us both to die so I can finally meet her. *snorfles at own happy morbidity*

something I've been meaning to share:

( under a cut because it plays on a loop )

I. Love. This. Woman. She's changed over the years but she has never lost that genuine wonder at the world and love of people. I can't wait for us both to die so I can finally meet her. *snorfles at own happy morbidity*

I've decided to start sharing the art that so inspires me! Every Friday I'll post art -- photography, painting, music, dance, poetry -- by people who inspire me. I'll start off doing themes for a while and after I've mostly caught up I'll switch to posting recent inspirations. This week (this counts as Friday for me because I haven't gone to bed yet!):

Bellydance!

My two favorite bellydancers:
Roya & Shiva

(don't ask me why lj put them in a scrollbox but I guess you can only watch one at a time anyway)
if you can't get the embedded vids to work, here are the direct links:

Roya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89PQqSXawJA
Shiva: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR1ZATJt38o

Every time I hit play on either of these I get sucked in and have to watch all the way through! (or most of the way through Shiva's -- dayum, he's got some stamina!) With Roya, WOW. Belly dancing is so second-nature to her that she plays with it! If you've never tried it you've no idea what an accomplishment that is. And she always smiles! all the way through! She takes so much joy in what she does. I love her veil-work and I love how she makes use of the whole space in her choreography and really moves around, yet still manages all those isolations. A lot of bellydance videos I watch involve the dancer staying in the same 4-foot circle, hardly using the legs at all -- not so with Roya! I love all the freedom that comes in her dance-running around. She doesn't really seem to perform so much as just play around and cheerfully share with whomever wants to watch. I could easily see her dancing around a fire.

Shiva -- WOW. I'm so impressed that he dances so fluidly! I think the male and/or slender body is not as easily suited to some of the movements in bellydance -- shimmies for instance -- but he does it all, seemingly without effort! Those belly rolls! DAYUM! I love the creativity of his costume -- no self-consciousness, not trying to be 'feminine' or 'masculine' but just being decorative. The headscarf is a really great touch, and I love the makeup. And he also makes use of the whole space! and OMG that backbend while shimmying?? I can't even freaking IMAGINE! oooh, and I love how he grins and waves on the cheers when balancing the length of the cane on his hip!

Also, Roya & Shiva are quite possibly the two sexiest beings in the universe. They're just so in-tune and ALIVE and sensual and free! It is a lifetime goal of mine to see them both perform live -- which means going to San Francisco and Sydney, Australia. Yay!

And I have to add a bellydance artist who doesn't bellydance: the photographer Michael Baxter. His photographs are beyond stunning! Under the cut are 6 he took of Roya, followed by 11 of other artists.



( gorgeous photographs by Michael Baxter )

I've decided to start sharing the art that so inspires me! Every Friday I'll post art -- photography, painting, music, dance, poetry -- by people who inspire me. I'll start off doing themes for a while and after I've mostly caught up I'll switch to posting recent inspirations. This week (this counts as Friday for me because I haven't gone to bed yet!):

Bellydance!

My two favorite bellydancers:
Roya & Shiva

(don't ask me why lj put them in a scrollbox but I guess you can only watch one at a time anyway)
if you can't get the embedded vids to work, here are the direct links:

Roya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89PQqSXawJA
Shiva: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR1ZATJt38o

Every time I hit play on either of these I get sucked in and have to watch all the way through! (or most of the way through Shiva's -- dayum, he's got some stamina!) With Roya, WOW. Belly dancing is so second-nature to her that she plays with it! If you've never tried it you've no idea what an accomplishment that is. And she always smiles! all the way through! She takes so much joy in what she does. I love her veil-work and I love how she makes use of the whole space in her choreography and really moves around, yet still manages all those isolations. A lot of bellydance videos I watch involve the dancer staying in the same 4-foot circle, hardly using the legs at all -- not so with Roya! I love all the freedom that comes in her dance-running around. She doesn't really seem to perform so much as just play around and cheerfully share with whomever wants to watch. I could easily see her dancing around a fire.

Shiva -- WOW. I'm so impressed that he dances so fluidly! I think the male and/or slender body is not as easily suited to some of the movements in bellydance -- shimmies for instance -- but he does it all, seemingly without effort! Those belly rolls! DAYUM! I love the creativity of his costume -- no self-consciousness, not trying to be 'feminine' or 'masculine' but just being decorative. The headscarf is a really great touch, and I love the makeup. And he also makes use of the whole space! and OMG that backbend while shimmying?? I can't even freaking IMAGINE! oooh, and I love how he grins and waves on the cheers when balancing the length of the cane on his hip!

Also, Roya & Shiva are quite possibly the two sexiest beings in the universe. They're just so in-tune and ALIVE and sensual and free! It is a lifetime goal of mine to see them both perform live -- which means going to San Francisco and Sydney, Australia. Yay!

And I have to add a bellydance artist who doesn't bellydance: the photographer Michael Baxter. His photographs are beyond stunning! Under the cut are 6 he took of Roya, followed by 11 of other artists.



( gorgeous photographs by Michael Baxter )

I've decided to start sharing the art that so inspires me! Every Friday I'll post art -- photography, painting, music, dance, poetry -- by people who inspire me. I'll start off doing themes for a while and after I've mostly caught up I'll switch to posting recent inspirations. This week (this counts as Friday for me because I haven't gone to bed yet!):

Bellydance!

My two favorite bellydancers:
Roya & Shiva

(don't ask me why lj put them in a scrollbox but I guess you can only watch one at a time anyway)
if you can't get the embedded vids to work, here are the direct links:

Roya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89PQqSXawJA
Shiva: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR1ZATJt38o

Every time I hit play on either of these I get sucked in and have to watch all the way through! (or most of the way through Shiva's -- dayum, he's got some stamina!) With Roya, WOW. Belly dancing is so second-nature to her that she plays with it! If you've never tried it you've no idea what an accomplishment that is. And she always smiles! all the way through! She takes so much joy in what she does. I love her veil-work and I love how she makes use of the whole space in her choreography and really moves around, yet still manages all those isolations. A lot of bellydance videos I watch involve the dancer staying in the same 4-foot circle, hardly using the legs at all -- not so with Roya! I love all the freedom that comes in her dance-running around. She doesn't really seem to perform so much as just play around and cheerfully share with whomever wants to watch. I could easily see her dancing around a fire.

Shiva -- WOW. I'm so impressed that he dances so fluidly! I think the male and/or slender body is not as easily suited to some of the movements in bellydance -- shimmies for instance -- but he does it all, seemingly without effort! Those belly rolls! DAYUM! I love the creativity of his costume -- no self-consciousness, not trying to be 'feminine' or 'masculine' but just being decorative. The headscarf is a really great touch, and I love the makeup. And he also makes use of the whole space! and OMG that backbend while shimmying?? I can't even freaking IMAGINE! oooh, and I love how he grins and waves on the cheers when balancing the length of the cane on his hip!

Also, Roya & Shiva are quite possibly the two sexiest beings in the universe. They're just so in-tune and ALIVE and sensual and free! It is a lifetime goal of mine to see them both perform live -- which means going to San Francisco and Sydney, Australia. Yay!

And I have to add a bellydance artist who doesn't bellydance: the photographer Michael Baxter. His photographs are beyond stunning! Under the cut are 6 he took of Roya, followed by 11 of other artists.



( gorgeous photographs by Michael Baxter )

I've been friends with quite a few cats over my life -- Kanika is in a class all to herself. She's definitely the least affectionate cat I've ever met. Every single time you go to pet her, she has to sniff out your intentions first. Those few occasions when she doesn't immediately run off, she only tolerates one or two strokes before she threatens to bite you -- and you BETTER pay attention. She only rubs against you when she wants something, and if you make the mistake of thinking she's being cuddly, she looks at you as if you are unbearably stupid and resists your advances. Very rarely she will be in a lovey mood and come sit with me (in between the keyboard and me, of course) and THEN if I try to put her down she will bite me! crazy cat. She does seem to react with concern and cuddles when I'm really upset, but it only lasts about a minute, heh.

BUT she's also the most clever animal I've ever known. We lock her in the bathroom when she's being annoying, so she figured out how to unlatch the door and get out! Nowadays we have to put a brick in front of it if we want to keep her in more than a minute (she can still get out but it takes longer). She knows it is okay to use claws with Ben, so she does, but she never, ever uses them on me. If her litter box is dirty, she will get my attention by tearing around maniacally, and then darting for the box as soon as I look at her. (I'm always impressed that she's so good at communicating with me, so it always works) She plays tag (which I've never known any other animal to play, and she even taps you!) and fetch (much better than any dog I've known, since she will FIND it if it disappears from her line of sight), and with Ben she 'plays' attack. She also plays her own version of soccer by herself which is SO cute -- she bats the ball from paw to paw, tosses it in the air, and dumps it in the 'goal' (which is usually Ben's shoes).

Her favorite toy EVER is this fluffy sparkly pink puffball, which I find hilariously ironic because her personality is such a hardass. She doesn't seem to see the irony though, heh. She loves to play fetch with it and often drops it on the desk when I'm on the computer -- if I don't throw it she will toss it right on the keyboard or bump it against my mouse hand. So I fling it over my shoulder to get it out of the way and she goes tearing after it with this adorably excited chirrup.



( a video of Kanika playing fetch! and several photos )

also, go link me to your wishlist if you haven't already! I mean it! I'll throw 'Nika on you if you don't! (if you don't have one at least tell me a few things that would be on it if you did)

I've been friends with quite a few cats over my life -- Kanika is in a class all to herself. She's definitely the least affectionate cat I've ever met. Every single time you go to pet her, she has to sniff out your intentions first. Those few occasions when she doesn't immediately run off, she only tolerates one or two strokes before she threatens to bite you -- and you BETTER pay attention. She only rubs against you when she wants something, and if you make the mistake of thinking she's being cuddly, she looks at you as if you are unbearably stupid and resists your advances. Very rarely she will be in a lovey mood and come sit with me (in between the keyboard and me, of course) and THEN if I try to put her down she will bite me! crazy cat. She does seem to react with concern and cuddles when I'm really upset, but it only lasts about a minute, heh.

BUT she's also the most clever animal I've ever known. We lock her in the bathroom when she's being annoying, so she figured out how to unlatch the door and get out! Nowadays we have to put a brick in front of it if we want to keep her in more than a minute (she can still get out but it takes longer). She knows it is okay to use claws with Ben, so she does, but she never, ever uses them on me. If her litter box is dirty, she will get my attention by tearing around maniacally, and then darting for the box as soon as I look at her. (I'm always impressed that she's so good at communicating with me, so it always works) She plays tag (which I've never known any other animal to play, and she even taps you!) and fetch (much better than any dog I've known, since she will FIND it if it disappears from her line of sight), and with Ben she 'plays' attack. She also plays her own version of soccer by herself which is SO cute -- she bats the ball from paw to paw, tosses it in the air, and dumps it in the 'goal' (which is usually Ben's shoes).

Her favorite toy EVER is this fluffy sparkly pink puffball, which I find hilariously ironic because her personality is such a hardass. She doesn't seem to see the irony though, heh. She loves to play fetch with it and often drops it on the desk when I'm on the computer -- if I don't throw it she will toss it right on the keyboard or bump it against my mouse hand. So I fling it over my shoulder to get it out of the way and she goes tearing after it with this adorably excited chirrup.



( a video of Kanika playing fetch! and several photos )

also, go link me to your wishlist if you haven't already! I mean it! I'll throw 'Nika on you if you don't! (if you don't have one at least tell me a few things that would be on it if you did)

I've been friends with quite a few cats over my life -- Kanika is in a class all to herself. She's definitely the least affectionate cat I've ever met. Every single time you go to pet her, she has to sniff out your intentions first. Those few occasions when she doesn't immediately run off, she only tolerates one or two strokes before she threatens to bite you -- and you BETTER pay attention. She only rubs against you when she wants something, and if you make the mistake of thinking she's being cuddly, she looks at you as if you are unbearably stupid and resists your advances. Very rarely she will be in a lovey mood and come sit with me (in between the keyboard and me, of course) and THEN if I try to put her down she will bite me! crazy cat. She does seem to react with concern and cuddles when I'm really upset, but it only lasts about a minute, heh.

BUT she's also the most clever animal I've ever known. We lock her in the bathroom when she's being annoying, so she figured out how to unlatch the door and get out! Nowadays we have to put a brick in front of it if we want to keep her in more than a minute (she can still get out but it takes longer). She knows it is okay to use claws with Ben, so she does, but she never, ever uses them on me. If her litter box is dirty, she will get my attention by tearing around maniacally, and then darting for the box as soon as I look at her. (I'm always impressed that she's so good at communicating with me, so it always works) She plays tag (which I've never known any other animal to play, and she even taps you!) and fetch (much better than any dog I've known, since she will FIND it if it disappears from her line of sight), and with Ben she 'plays' attack. She also plays her own version of soccer by herself which is SO cute -- she bats the ball from paw to paw, tosses it in the air, and dumps it in the 'goal' (which is usually Ben's shoes).

Her favorite toy EVER is this fluffy sparkly pink puffball, which I find hilariously ironic because her personality is such a hardass. She doesn't seem to see the irony though, heh. She loves to play fetch with it and often drops it on the desk when I'm on the computer -- if I don't throw it she will toss it right on the keyboard or bump it against my mouse hand. So I fling it over my shoulder to get it out of the way and she goes tearing after it with this adorably excited chirrup.



( a video of Kanika playing fetch! and several photos )

also, go link me to your wishlist if you haven't already! I mean it! I'll throw 'Nika on you if you don't! (if you don't have one at least tell me a few things that would be on it if you did)

( vid of me blathering! )

also YAY and very cool and many kisses to you who did your own! :D thiswaste & shalotus & aliyna & acid_burns! :D you women so ROCK!

( vid of me blathering! )

also YAY and very cool and many kisses to you who did your own! :D thiswaste & shalotus & aliyna & acid_burns! :D you women so ROCK!

also YAY and very cool and many kisses to you who did your own! :D thiswaste & shalotus & aliyna & acid_burns! :D you women so ROCK!

I've been reading a book that references the cynicism of adulthood in comparison to the open-mindedness of childhood, and it got me thinking...

Children know the right way to live -- with wide-open eyes, taking everything seriously, believing unreservedly, following what their hearts tell them. We as adults train ourselves out of that because we are afraid of being vulnerable. We were not taught that we were of infinite value, or that we deserve love -- we were wounded in our delicate, open youth and so we have learned that to be open is to be hurt. But that is the only way to truly live, to experience the depth of joy in life. There's a part of the Bible that tells of how these little children wanted to be near Jesus, and the disciples tried to send them away because "We're having grown-up talk right now, very important, and we have no time for you." Jesus scolded them and told them that unless they become as vulnerable and open as a child they would never be able to truly connect with divinity. Then he joyfully blessed the children. ( the non-paraphrased version )

Our world is fucked up and if we are open, we WILL be hurt. But also, being open and willing to give and receive without reservation is the only way we will ever heal our world. So we have to accept the pain and decide that it is worth it... only then will we be able to truly connect with each other and with God/dess (whatever we perceive her/him to be). Also, we need to recognize that children have the same worth as adults, and we need open minds and hearts to learn from them. We are all on the same journey, regardless of age.

- - - b e a u t y - - -
please watch the whole thing, it is so worth it
That video made me cry and cry with sheer joy that there are people who live so lovingly.
When Hannah comes to visit this time, she and I and lil sis are going to visit ♥

I've been reading a book that references the cynicism of adulthood in comparison to the open-mindedness of childhood, and it got me thinking...

Children know the right way to live -- with wide-open eyes, taking everything seriously, believing unreservedly, following what their hearts tell them. We as adults train ourselves out of that because we are afraid of being vulnerable. We were not taught that we were of infinite value, or that we deserve love -- we were wounded in our delicate, open youth and so we have learned that to be open is to be hurt. But that is the only way to truly live, to experience the depth of joy in life. There's a part of the Bible that tells of how these little children wanted to be near Jesus, and the disciples tried to send them away because "We're having grown-up talk right now, very important, and we have no time for you." Jesus scolded them and told them that unless they become as vulnerable and open as a child they would never be able to truly connect with divinity. Then he joyfully blessed the children. ( the non-paraphrased version )

Our world is fucked up and if we are open, we WILL be hurt. But also, being open and willing to give and receive without reservation is the only way we will ever heal our world. So we have to accept the pain and decide that it is worth it... only then will we be able to truly connect with each other and with God/dess (whatever we perceive her/him to be). Also, we need to recognize that children have the same worth as adults, and we need open minds and hearts to learn from them. We are all on the same journey, regardless of age.

- - - b e a u t y - - -
please watch the whole thing, it is so worth it
That video made me cry and cry with sheer joy that there are people who live so lovingly.
When Hannah comes to visit this time, she and I and lil sis are going to visit ♥

I've been reading a book that references the cynicism of adulthood in comparison to the open-mindedness of childhood, and it got me thinking...

Children know the right way to live -- with wide-open eyes, taking everything seriously, believing unreservedly, following what their hearts tell them. We as adults train ourselves out of that because we are afraid of being vulnerable. We were not taught that we were of infinite value, or that we deserve love -- we were wounded in our delicate, open youth and so we have learned that to be open is to be hurt. But that is the only way to truly live, to experience the depth of joy in life. There's a part of the Bible that tells of how these little children wanted to be near Jesus, and the disciples tried to send them away because "We're having grown-up talk right now, very important, and we have no time for you." Jesus scolded them and told them that unless they become as vulnerable and open as a child they would never be able to truly connect with divinity. Then he joyfully blessed the children. ( the non-paraphrased version )

Our world is fucked up and if we are open, we WILL be hurt. But also, being open and willing to give and receive without reservation is the only way we will ever heal our world. So we have to accept the pain and decide that it is worth it... only then will we be able to truly connect with each other and with God/dess (whatever we perceive her/him to be). Also, we need to recognize that children have the same worth as adults, and we need open minds and hearts to learn from them. We are all on the same journey, regardless of age.

- - - b e a u t y - - -
please watch the whole thing, it is so worth it
That video made me cry and cry with sheer joy that there are people who live so lovingly.
When Hannah comes to visit this time, she and I and lil sis are going to visit ♥