The Girl Who Learned To Kneel

1. I’m looking at my hand as I type (left hand is catching my eye), and I am shocked at how old it looks; it looks like the hand of an ancient person. I am absolutely serious. My right hand, on the other hand (ha, ha), looks youthful and full of life, or as the thesaurus says, ‘in one’s salad days’. I challenge all of you to use ‘in one’s salad days’ in casual conversation this week and maintain absolute composure. If you can contain yourself, let me know, and I will gleefully send you some peanut butter and a box of Corn Flakes.

2. Today I rediscovered the joy of raspberry jam eaten off a knife right out of the jar. I learned this ‘knifing’ technique very young from my sister. Whereas I used a butter knife with my jam, Chevron would employ a very sharp paring knife. Needless to say my sister is exceedingly brave.

3. I have started a writing class in the Venice Beach area. It takes place in an independent bookstore – an excellent environment for getting in touch with my muse. We started our first class by placing things on an altar (in this case, an unceremonious round table that normally holds brochures). The teacher placed the 380 dollars of American cash I had given her as payment on the altar, something to be celebrated. Another girl placed her journal, a symbol of what she hopes to achieve. I put my empty wallet on the altar, a symbol of what I need help with. The teacher then lit a match. Fire is part of the ritual, but she couldn’t find the candle. Then we proceeded to our first activity: blowing bubbles and recording how that made us feel from the perspective of a character or from ourselves. It’s all a little weird, but in a good love yourself kind of way! I’ll definitely keep you posted.

4. I am considering my options: go to Borders and write, make yam soup or clean the bathroom. Even Reese Witherspoon has to make these choices. So what’s my point? I’m not sure. Something about how we’re all just living our lives. I’m pretty sure it’s profound. Sit with it for a second.