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Journal (The Ember Update)

Thursday, May 26

Playazon. Brilliant.
And then there's Thank You India.

Spring Hikes

1. Kevin upgraded the fire pit behind the Happy Cabin. Actually, he's overhauled it again since this photo, so the slate is no longer there.
2. Sometimes we walk along the gravel and dirt road for exercise. We met this puppy on the way to discovering this perch.
3. A dead centipede on a stump. We saw lots of live ones too.
4. Thick moss.
5. White spiky shelf mushrooms in the woods.

Lots of spring wildflowers blooming. Unfortunately I don't have an Alison handy to tell me what's what. Or Kevin's parent's, for that matter, who made their first Happy Cabin visit last weekend. They're much more aware of names for flora and fauna (like my folks too). We had a great time going to the Front Royal Wine and Craft Festival, Mountain Mystic, driving in the surrounding country, hiking in the woods out back, watching The Incredibles, and generally relaxing.

We've seen our first two snakes at the cabin. Kevin was working in the yard, heard a rustling in the trees, and discovered a more than 6-foot long snake (longer than his armspan), brown or gray with no discernable markings, making its way up the hill into the large pile of wood we've got stacked in part of the driveway. Not sure what kind it was.

Then Kevin's mom was startled by a small King Snake on the steps joining the two yard levels. We want it to grow big and strong; they eat rodents and even rattlesnakes when they're mature enough.

Pain in the Neck

I was rear-ended by a Hummer on Mother's Day, May 8th. I always wondered what would happen if I my Beetle got hit by a one of those monstrosities, and I can tell you that at 5-10 MPH: not a whole lot except a scratched and cracked bumper and popped license plate lights. The only damage the Hummer sustained: it's front license plate fell off.

Kevin was fine. I received a minor shock to my upper back and neck that dissipated a few hours later. No apparent whiplash or side effects…

…until two days ago, sitting at my computer, gently massaging my neck muscles, I experienced sudden painful tightening around my neck and upper back. Hard to say what's related and what isn't; the minor accident is part of my history now.

A visit to the doctor today revealed that I've strained my trapezius muscle (spanning neck and upper back), requiring an anti-inflamatory and muscle relaxer — neither of which I've ever taken — a neck brace when I can, and three weeks or possibly longer of recovery. I really dislike medication, especially when it can cause stomach bleeding, stroke, and other unpleasant side effects. But Kristin, Alison and Luisa argued that the trade off of avoiding longer-lasting or chronic pain is worth the apparently rare chances of unpleasant drug reactions.

Wednesday, May 18

Activism

I've finally started to tackle the Activism section of my web site. In that spirit…

Keeper

Also, I can finally announce that I am A Friend! In other words, I have my very own official Keeper card that people can add to their Stoner Fluxx deck! Looney Labs made a whole bunch for me on a promo card print run last fall, and it's taken me this long to get my activism page up so that I can start giving them out. If you want one, follow these SASE instructions, or ask me for one in person.

The card's main text says:

When you play this card, place it face up on the table in front of you. Also, please visit my web site to learn more about the important issues I care most about.

A URL in the green bar points to Wunderland's activist page, which in turn points here (or should, tomorrow).

Hedonism

We attended another out-there party this past weekend, Scantily Clad V: Hedonism. [Gee whiz, part of me really wonders what you, my dear readers, are thinking about me and my life these days.] From the invitation:

Hedonism will include prizes for Best Undressed and were bringing back the infamous Anything for $$$ game. Anything for $$$ works like this: each guest is given a certain amount of Party Cash upon entrance. The person who has earned the most Party Cash at the end of the night will receive a *fabulous* prize from our grab bag (lots of fun videos and toys!) Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "shake your moneymaker." Shake it, turn it, strip it…you can do ANYTHING (consensual) it takes to earn your Party Cash.

While it wasn't as racy as you might imagine (or at least as I thought possible, having heard about other parties), stuff went on like whip play, amateur pole dancing, and spankings. There was a little stage at the edge of the dance room, just big enough for 6 people to groove on, very close together. It was fun to watch T.Dizzl with his lady friends, and Stevaughn was HOT in his silver pants, shades and feather boa. Freak out! (I just love having the inspiration to say that! Freak Out! Can I say it again?)

I neither spent nor earned any additional $$$ (though I did change outfits and got more cash from the doorman as a result), and had a lot at the end of the party, but missed any prize-giving if it happened.

Kevin was shirtless and sexy in tight black patent pleather pants. Lots of girls commented on (and felt compelled to touch) his waxed moustache … an easy conversation piece; guys reportedly questioned him too. We met up with Luisa (who looked very cute in her pasties) and two of her friends there, making it home after dawn. Got to know some interesting folks, like burner Doug (?) who had a tattoo of delicate vines climbing his arm, done by 5 different talented artists, with hidden symbols representing significant people and events over the course of time. He planned for it to keep growing as his life unfolded. Inspirational.

I love watching people embrace their freak side. I want the word to be wild, and I want to be wild in it!

Thursday, May 12

Jot

Quite thought provoking: The Art of Nothing. (Need a UN/PW? Try bugmenot.)

Been intensely busy, rather burning the candle at both ends and having a great time. It turns out we have decided to miss Burning Man this year to attend numerous regional festivals with friends. Still, there is a great longing to return. Submitted my Burn Travelogue to their site's Journal and Essays page yesterday and was complimented by the approval email:

I don't normally (well ... ever, really) do this, but I wanted to let you know I really enjoyed your account. It's really really really hard to capture Burning Man, and I felt you did a great job. Thanks for submitting it to us.

(That said, after reviewing April's entries my journal writing could be greatly improved.)

There's lots more to write and some photos, but belly dance class calls. Check back soon for more (hopefully).

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