I am a creative person.. I can't really say that I'm an artist anymore, but I'm an orchestrator of the arts. I don't like to define myself by much else.. and I like to contradict myself often.
I'm interested in helping others with what I have to offer, which is empathy, creativity, advocacy, a gentle challenge to your perception, and silliness. I do this in work and in life. I still have some idealism left and I'm driven. When I'm not working or schooling myself... I let loose by dancing, seeing or experimenting with music (I'm not a musician, but I'm learning) or art, or hanging out by the fire or river. I grew up in rural NH, and I feel at home in the woods, but love living in the city. I prefer to hear other languages around me. I know the perils of 3rd world transportation well, and had traveled through several continents before 25. Now I explore the mind instead. I want to know and understand where you are coming from. I like learning and listening and sharing. I don't think linearly, I think in spirals and make connections.

Once upon a time I thought I would change the world by traveling to far away places and taking pictures. I saw a lot of messed up and beautiful ways of living and made some nice self-indulgent art. Then I discovered I'm much better at talking to crazy people, and that I could make a difference, just by being a silly artist with them. And then I learned that if you're too good at that (and you give a shit with some initiative), they want to put you in charge. So, now I direct an arts-based day program for adults with disabilities. I wear many hats in this, but I am most passionate about creating opportunities for artists of all abilities to collaborate and learn from each other. In my spare time (ha) I am working on a Master's at Lesley in Arts and Social Service. And when I'm not doing all of that and need to unwind.. I play in the dirt and try to grow things.. ideally, pretty things that bloom, I can eat, or that heal...best if it's all three.

multi-tasking...and wasting time.. manipulating wire, leather, fabric...improvisational cooking with whatever is left in the fridge (and I'm better at that when I'm camping) ... creatively redirecting challenging behavior ...figuring people out.. believing in the potential.. and sometimes making it happen.. making costumes...misplacing my keys... never getting enough sleep.. not giving up

no idea... but these are a few observations I've heard more than once..
- that they DIDN'T notice me at first and wonder why or that I'm mysteriously quiet (I tend to avoid attention in larger groups of people I don't know well, but am happy to talk to those who approach me)
- my voice is 'cute' or not what they expect..I don't really get it, so don't ask
-my accessories/style/colors/layers
-and when time and circumstance allow for creative attire- (usually Halloween) my outfit

Most of my reading is academic right now...when I had time to read- Jeanette Winterson, Isabelle Allende, bell hooks, Anais Nin.

Lately, I tend to fall asleep to movies, so I prefer HBO shows- Game of Thrones, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire. I did enjoy watching Samsara in the theater recently, which was pretty mind-expanding (if I ignored the part of me that questions what went on behind the camera) I prefer films that shift my perspective in some way.

Music...depends what I'm up to. And I have to admit, I haven't been paying too much attention to what's happening in the music world since I started grad school..so I lazily tune into ZBC or 88.1.. until about 10pm when it all goes to hell...I need beats , conscious lyrics, or something that pushes genres...For dancing: older soul, funk, world-beats, reggae, afrofunk.. but I also like old timey, swing, and good old classic rock, and get into metal and punk- depending on the band and my mood. I have a dark side, and I have a nostalgic love for the folk and blues records I grew up on ..And some favorites... Betty Davis (the bad-ass funk singer- not the actress), Bjork, Patti Smith.
Oh yes, and I love catching Moth Radio hour on NPR..

Food.. Fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden. Anise hyssop is my favorite herb these days. Vietnamese food, especially noodle soups... and most Asian food, Middle-Eastern food, Ethiopian food, and anything that is fresh, minimally processed, and/or has unexpected ingredients... like curry chocolate. I love chocolate, pure chocolate- no milky adulterants. And I'm fascinated with coconut as a healing remedy and consume it often in many forms.

Things I have tried to live without, and failed....
Chocolate
A place to create
Coffee (I've cut back a lot, but on those days....)
Alcohol (I'm not a big drinker, but, just being honest, I tried, I failed)
Hoodies
people to talk to

Right now.. my thesis-using art as a research tool... what's happening in the world and in our society- good and bad.. what/where to plant things in the back yard... stupid things I did... and, unfortunately, the mind-numbing, not-so-fun details of my job

mentally exhausted, but usually down to bang on some drums, see some mind-altering performance, chill with good peoples, or dance it out....and longing for the days when Friday was just another day of unbounded energy

you want to show me how to ferment things
you want to help me learn to play the drums, bass, guitar, or keys, (and have the patience to play along with someone who is just learning)
you choose to present more than your torso in your profile pics... or at least show some creativity in being anonymous
you have a question or are intrigued in some way and think we have something to talk about

and you should message me.. because I haven't been getting around to that much

Full disclosure: I am seeing someone, and he lives far away, so my heart is not fully available at this time, but I'm still interested in meeting new people and having some casual fun.