I promised long ago I would come back and put more effort into this profile, and I still haven't done it. For now it's enough for you to know that I'm just your average good girl, single mom, left wing radical (ok maybe not quite), artsy but totally untalented, bookworm, half mainstream half hippie girl next door who likes hiking/camping, photography, festivals (Whole Earth, Hoes Down, Earth Day, art fairs, etc.), discovering new/interesting restaurants, good conversation, and just hanging out at home.

Good question. I'll let you know when I figure it out. The most important task I have right now is raising my son. I've also dedicated most of my working life to working in non profit and education so I try to give back in that way. On a personal level I'm focused on living in a way that is true to my values and my heart, respecting myself, the world and those around me, doing as little harm as possible, and living based on love instead of fear.

Learning, writing (except this profile which I'm not happy with yet), parenting, being patient, teaching. . .

My smile, freckles, and wild curly hair.

I have a hard time choosing favorites, which is why it has taken me so long to get around to answering this particular question, and why my answers will likley be vague, but here goes:

Books: I just finished In Defense of Food. Prior to that was Reading Lolita in Tehran which I loved, as well as Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves, and a host of other parenting books. I enjoyed Stand Up to the Madness by Amy/David Goodman. Other books I love - Love in the Time of Cholera, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Like Water For Chocolate, Into the Wild, Beloved, Shadows of Tender Fury, Great Gatsby, Unconditional Parenting, and in general anything along the lines of Chomsky, Zinn, hooks, etc.

Movies - I rarely watch movies and find that most people are irritated by my lack of knowledge in that area. Not that I don't enjoy a good movie once in a while, but it just doesn't occupy a lot of space in my head. I tend to enjoy documentaries (think Michael Moore), some chic flics, anything well done, and of course the kid movies (Shrek, etc.).

Music - Again people tend to get frustrated by my knowledge here. I love music and can appreciate a variety of styles, but my cd collection is embarrassingly small but includes Bob Marley, Sheryl Crow, Michael Franti, Fiji, Jackie Greene, and Jack Johnson. Just think of it as an opportunity to enlighten me to whatever it is that you love most. I'm pretty open minded, mostly.

Food - Anything good. I prefer local places over chains, but specific style isn't as important. I love a good burrito although I'm still searching for one here in Sac, anything spicy or full of garlic and onions is good. . .restaurants that have impressed me so far include Ernestos, Maloufs, and Tower Cafe.

Aside from the obvious there isn't too much I couldn't do without, at least for a period of time. My son is one exception. And some kind of connection with nature. Human contact, affection, or at least a good book.

How I can use my life to it's full potential.

How I can raise my son to be the best person he can be.

What do I want to be when I grow up?

Spending time with my son, then enjoying some peace and quiet, maybe reading a book or writing. Thursday nights on the other hand are my night off as far as mommy duty goes, so that's when you might find me listening to poetry at Lunas or otherwise enjoying an evening out.

I'm pretty open to talking about just about anything, but not so much in public forums, so you'll just have to ask me yourself.

I'm open to talking to all kinds of people, so don't be afraid to say hi. But we're most likely to get along if you're:

- Intelligent and aware.

- Excited about life and passionate about something.

- Value kindness and intelligence over material things.

- Enjoy interesting conversation or spirited debate.