Some names you will see frequently in my postings — I didn’t want them to be strangers to you.

Rafe — Golden-hearted friend of many iterations. We worked together for years before she moved on to culinary endeavors and massage. And were roomates the wild wooly year after the flood that I rented the big old backwoods house (which worked out well — she’s terrified of snakes and I’m not, and I’m scared of spiders and she’s not). I have fond memories of pancake mornings and enchilada evenings there thanks to her magic in the kitchen. Rafe will be contributing some of her excellent recipes here — cooking is her art. I’ve learned more about being a partner by working through and laughing about things(she has a great twisted sense of humor) with Rafe than I have in my romantic relationships — where it’s always been harder for me. I could not have gotten this site launched on time without her help and friendship. And most importantly, she’s Biggy’s girlfriend

Kathleen — Friend in creativity, hi-jinks, and catastrophe. Kathleen has been a vibrant inspiration in my life — when we create together, there is an incredible synergy. I lost much of our work in my old home — but we have been busy in the new, with one of my favorite endeavors being a fabulously gold-leafed windowbox, hung with blown-glass balls. Kathleen is the one who called 911 to get me out of my house the night of the flood and walked through chest-high waters the next day with me. We are currently having great good fun dreaming to life our Tarot cards for this site.

Haley — She has described herself as my comrade in arms, and we certainly have supported each other through many trials and battles(some between ourselves:)), but she is also a comrade of my soul — someone who can go deep with me and grapple with the thorniest of issues. She is a wonderful mother, not as in pat- you- on- the- head- and- tell- you- fairy tales, but rather as a momma lion — fierce, playful, and wise to the ways of the jungle.

Sally — The greatest neighbor ever, as far as I am concerned. She likes her solitude as I do, so we don’t bug each other, but she is right there when I need her (and I think she feels the same). Solid, standup woman with a great heart, fellow animal-lover (we call each other with hummingbird and hawk sightings)and has a gun and is not afraid to use it:)

Phyllis — My sister and friend. We have not always been close, as sadly is often true of sisters in chaotic families. But the last year or so, as each of us has become more herself and less her personae, we are creating a complex friendship that I deeply appreciate. I hope you will be seeing her exquisite poetry or some form of art from her in my guest artist spot — she sees with eyes open to the mystical and magical.

John–Friend of several years, though with a period of separation. One of my fondest memories is the day we rescued a snapping turtle that somehow ended up walking down our street. We managed to get her in a box and in the back of someone’s truck and then down to the swamp and in it, though we almost ended up in it too, when we left the truck in gear as we got out:) We were neighbors when I lived on the bay, I in my sweet little white house and he in his Carribean cabin of purples and turquoises and bright sunny yellows. Both were destroyed by the flood, but John had moved on to the Caribbean for real at that point. Which started a many-year period of roaming and self-exploration for him, across the United States (more than once), to Hawaii, Switzerland, England, and other parts of Europe, and places I am no doubt forgetting. We lost touch for awhile though were still in each other’s hearts. He now has settled in Malta and Sicily, taking on new engagements, in many forms. And I am so glad we have reconnected. I would not say John and I are alike, but somehow we know each other in a way perhaps others do not.

Mr. Poopyhead— Inner critic, tormentor and scarifier. Much less present, loud, or in control than in years past. It is my fond hope that he will as Joseph Campbell suggests, morph from demon to bright god some day, but for now he revs the negative energy high whenever he can.

Susan — Longtime dear friend and neighbor from my bayside days. We don’t see much of each other nowadays, but stay connected. Suze bakes like a goddess (if goddesses baked) and decorates for Halloween like every child’s fantasy. I remember the birthday that she, Kathleen, and I made huge bubbles out of a bucket in the street in front of my house — stopping traffic and walkers, and mesmerizing the neighborhood kids. She took me and cats in to her home for weeks after the flood, for which I am forever grateful.

Tania — Another friend I don’t see lots of but where the connection remains solid because I value her so. She has bolstered me up with her strong heart many a time when my own was heavy. She has the two cutest little girls, and makes me welcome to share in the joy of them. It is so nice to have that magic in my life.

Ricky — Dearest old friend (if you’re reading this, sweetie, I mean long term, not age). Ricky IS the sharpest tack in the box. No one makes me laugh as hard. But the special thing about him is that, though his wit is rapier sharp, it does not cut to hurt and does not cut the heart. He uses it to strip away whatever clouds of delusion you may have your head in— faster than Big can eat a tuna treat. The size of his wit is only matched by the size of his heart.

Mick–Friend of my heart and soul who has, thank the gods, resurfaced, after many years of distance. Mick nudged me (not always gently) towards art. “You can do it. Just try, play a little!!”. In our student years we grilled ribs on summer nights, played on slip and slides, often drank Greek wine in a restaurant near a cornfield and spent lazy afternoons reading fairy tales to each other–the rule was even if the readee fell asleep you had to keep reading. We flew a kite one day till sunset and it got caught in a tree, then came back next morning to find it still flying. A c0-conspirator in magic, I love him much.

Big — My guardian cat — brave, noble, true. Other titles — El Jeffe, Commander, Chief, Piggy, Fig (the last as misperceived by a vet-tech "why did you name him Fig?) Has the greatest, loudest purr in the universe His motto is "Let’s stay home and eat". Is in his happiest zone when amongst women who are chatting and laughing, and has even been observed purring while wearing a necklace at a jewelry party. Primary job is to supervise me in all my activities.

Tiger — A magic sprite who years ago pried open the oyster shell of my heart before I even knew what was happening. I would describe him as Buddha like, but he is much too delightfully wicked. His tail is a living sentient being — dancing and undulating in almost-constant pleasure. He is my best teacher and my greatest joy (and Big’s greatest annoyance).

Blog — My gargoyle and patron saint of this site. I saw him when looking for a boulder one day, and knew the forest fairies would want me to bring him home.