Oh, Blame Her!

Do not blame me for this post. It's a list of ten things about me. Blame Liz, The Fragrant Muse. You can leave her your comments. Because, I probably don't have anything of interest here; if you've been reading me for awhile, you'll know pretty much all the following ten things as there are no secrets between us. I've probably already blogged about anything fascinating. But, Liz...you asked and so here you go. By the way, there seems to be a rash of people on the blogs making lists these days. What the heck is up with that?!

Okay, first bit: I had my natal chart done by a professional astrologer. It was truly a fascinating experience. One that I'd recommend to anyone. You'll learn stuff you didn't even know you wanted to know. Very cool. I am born a Cancer but I'm all Leo. Explains the disconnect between how I often see myself and how the world sees me.

#2- This is Jimmy. My Dad. Probably one of the most influential people in my life. Nothing new here, as you hear me mention him a lot. What you may not know is that he was perfectly healthy and normal until he was 16 when he was hit by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and completely crippled through the process. Every morning of his life, this independent spirit had to have someone put his socks on for him. If you can do that for yourself today, no matter what else might annoy the piss out of you, realize you are free to have a good day and exercise your option to do so. I Love you, Dad. Miss you more, not less, with each passing year.

#3- The October day I stood with my Russian colleague on Red Square and did a 360 degree sweep of the vast grandeur of it, I cried. I stood there in the chilled air and my tears turned frosty on my cheeks. Sveta asked why I was crying, "If someone had ever told me, a girl who grew up in downtown Baltimore, that I would one day stand in the middle of Red Square in Russia, I would have laughed at you. Yet, here I am. Oh my god, here I am." I grew up during the cold war under threat of the Soviet Union coming over the ocean to take over the world. And, that's all changed thankfully. Remember that you'll never know what mysteries and unbelievable moments await. Walk through your day with expectation of amazing possibilities.

#3- I did not meet this man while I was in Moscow, but I should have. Elvis had left the building the day before I got there. I was an invited guest to the Duma. And, I met his staff among many others. I was toured through his office and through the capital building. I had lunch with one of the Ministers of Education. Now, you need to know, I've never been invited to The White House or even Annapolis or Harrisburg, but I was invited to the Duma, Russia's Capital. By the way, his office was very neat and orderly. The Queen approved.

#4- I have Omar Sharriff's autograph. I met him in Washington, D.C. at the re-release of the refurbed Lawrence of Arabia. He has the most beautiful eyes and voice. He was kind and pleasant. And, I melted like any fan would.

#5- I have been the proud owner of five Cairn Terriers- McKeever, Jaime, Fagan, Meggie, Jessie. I'd highly recommend them. Wonderful little dogs. And I've owned a wonderful mutt named, Yoki. Now Fiona & Rory own me; as it should be. My very braw Scotties.

#6- I have had pneumonia nine times. Luckily for me, it wasn't Cystic Fibrosis as the doctors feared. My childhood is defined by being critically ill quite frequently.

#7- I am a good cook. I cook mostly by feel and very rarely follow a recipe. That's because Nanny, The World's Meanest Woman couldn't read and she was the cook in the family. You watched her and you learned to do as she did. I do like to look at cookbooks to make sure I've correctly guessed at most of the ingredients before I attempt something new. After that, I do it my way. Cooking is an art form, so open to interpretation. However, baking is a science and the rules must be followed for optimum outcome. Always follow a baking recipe as it is written.

#8- I like to weed. Yeah, I know, I am twisted. But, I like it. It makes me feel in control.

#9- I never knew how deeply I could love another until I encountered Michael. So far as I can tell, I haven't even begun to test my true capacity to love, and because of him I may learn that like the known Universe, the boundaries keep expanding.

#10- I have a Bachelor's of Science and a Master's of Arts from Towson University. It was Towson State College when I started, upgraded to Towson State University the year before I graduated under-grad. And, morphed to Towson University when it started attracting international status. One of the highlights of my life was being invited to be a member of the adjunct faculty where I learned more from my students than I probably taught. I am still honored and thrilled when I hear from them; delighted to still provide mentorship and project support when asked. I loved every minute I was in the classroom.

I sincerely hope you have a chance to sit in the spot light and share snippets of yourself with those around you today. Your life and who you are deserve that moment to shine. Thanks Liz, for asking!

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka Queen of The Universe