“You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make even the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation.” Marian Wright Edelman
I’m a dreamer. Still, even at mid-life. My thoughts are random and interconnected, creative and charged with passion. Allowing my mind to wander, as a child and now as an adult, feels as indulgent as a warm, bubble bath. Some habits are best held on to, no matter what age. My mind is my playground. 
I’m dreaming up a new life for myself, one in which I engage my creativity to make a living. How many of us choose to tap into our inner flow at midlife? Studies indicate that this is not a choice limited to women. Gene Cohen, M.D., PH.D. writes about the psychological development of this stage of life in The Myth of the Midlife Crisis. Linda Edelstein, in her book The Art of Midlife: Courage and Creative Living for Women, explains the phases of midlife as women design their own life path. The shock of turning 50 last September kicked me into overdrive as I burn rubber toward my dreams. (Sorry if I spun dirt up into your face.)
I laugh. What do I do differently now? Well, I’m no longer raising my three sons. Now that the responsibility of my constant care and admonishment is lifted, I’m free to learn how to simply enjoy them. And enjoy them I do! This over-the-top generation teaches me to laugh at everything, challenge conventional thinking, learn things I’d never heard of a decade ago, and accept constant change. This past weekend, my sons returned to my empty nest for a spontaneous get-together. Conversation focuses on new music, politics, sports, and hysterical stories. I shamelessly howl while watching Dirty Jobs with a room full of my men. Too funny!
I write, which is a major personal break through–story to come in a future blog posting. 
I write in a journal, which I carry with me on walks and travels. I dream of writing children’s books about lichen and salamanders; how my son, Daniel, conquered his fear of the dark; smashing rocks just to see the colors inside; stories that spark an interest for science in young girls; and, of course, fantasies. I’ll write a cookbook for young guys, because they don’t need women to take care of them.
I HOPE. Yep, I support Barack Obama and hope for a better world. 
And I’m a feminist… it’s okay to be a woman supporting Barack. I don’t feel excluded from this man’s vision for our country. As one flea against injustice (see my quote on the top of this page), I am doing my part to open the doors of access to systems structuring our society.
I use my creative skills as a Page-layout Specialist. If you’re interested in working with me on a newsletter, flyer, or brochure, contact me through this blog. I listen well, and can carry your ideas from inception to print. View my most recent work in pdf format, the Fall 2007 newsletter designed for the Dartmouth Institute for Writing and Rhetoric.
I find my joy in the ordinary. “Hol,” I remember my father’s lesson, “there’s a miracle in our lives every day. Watch for it.” Here’s to taking notice of the simple, daily joys, miracles, connections, and beauty just waiting for us to notice!
