10 Things You Should Know About Me revisited

The original version of this appeared on my old blog, which I am switching simply because WordPress is more user friendly. In the interest of continuity, I’m moving old posts over here, so nothing “important” is lost. I’ve revised this list because . . . well, it seemed appropriate. No one will probably ever read this, but . . . well, I’m a bit neurotic. I’m tired of moving blogs and using everything. Moving sucks!

1. I’m not calling my blog Greenwoman because I still have green paint on my hands from painting my kitchen–that was in April, after all. Nor should you imagine I’ve begun to mold, although this IS Oregon and it seems like everything else is. My old blog was called Greenfingers, but someone on WordPress already has that (even though she only made one post and never made another . . .) The green theme, though, is still a sort of summation of many aspects of my life. “Green” in contemporary culture often refers to ecologically minded practices; think “green energy” as a euphemism for wind or other eco-friendly power. But “green” is also a color that is associated, in many mythologies, with faeries or other nature spirits. And then of course there’s “green thumb”, for one who has a way with plants. I don’t know that I qualify for that last, but I aspire to. So “greenwoman”, in my fevered brain, expresses the somewhat mystical, earth-centered, creative arc of my life, without being too airy-fairy-fluffy-bunny-won’t-you-please-call-me-Lady-Ariel. Not that I don’t have those tendencies in me somewhere; I just try not to let them get the best of me. Still reading? Wow you’re really a glutton for punishment . . .

2. I read fantasy novels. Not the kind featuring Conan wannabes on the front; I lean more towards urban fantasy, retellings of fairy tales, and novels incorporating mythic themes. And let’s not forget young adult fiction. Even though I was an English major and college, there’s very little “literature” in my life these days. I refuse to feel guilty about my low brow tastes.

3. I’m a writer. Not a very successful writer, but a writer nonetheless. Yes I am working on a novel, and no I won’t bore you with the details. I mention it only because I might sometimes complain about having no time to write. And so you know that the neurotic writer stereotype probably holds true in my case.

4. I’m married with stepchildren. I love my stepkids but I don’t think the sun rises and sets in their snot. I don’t gush about my precious lambs. When I talk about “The Drama Princess”, I’m referring to my stepdaughter. When I talk about “The Mad Scientist”, I’m referring to my stepson. When I talk about Jeff, I’m talking about my partner, who I will never refer to as my “dear husband”, “dh”, or “hubby”. I don’t obey my husband, I don’t teach my children about Jesus, and I don’t keep a spotless house. I am, in other words, very likely destined for the hottest reaches of the fiery pit, along with Hilary Clinton and Gloria Steinem.

5. My spirituality is earth based. I do not, however, call myself Mooncrystal Ravenwillow when I’m in the pagan community, nor do I own an athame, a cloak, or a skull shaped candle holder. I have never danced naked around a fire under the full moon, but I’m not opposed to the idea (provided I’m guaranteed slug-free footing). I don’t make love in the garden on Beltane because this is Oregon and it’s usually raining in May.

6. I’m interested in homesteading. My partner and I are hoping to buy land in a few years (hopefully with my bestest friend and her daughters, and possibly some other like-minded individuals), grow things, generate our own power, and be as self-sufficient as possible. Towards this end, we currently keep chickens, grow vegetables, try to preserve food, and do as much as we can with our land in what little time we have.

7. I don’t own a television. Well, that’s not entirely true; there IS a circa 1975 television moldering in my basement, probably housing a thriving spider colony.

8. I didn’t vote for Bush.

9. I’m addicted to crafts. My crafts are eating the living room. Fortunately my partner loves me anyway.

10. I’m a feminist. By feminist I mean “one who believes in the equality of all people, regardless of gender or any other factor.” I don’t mean “one who thinks all men should grovel and lick my boots.” That, in my opinion, is not a feminist, but something entirely different. And you care about my opinion, don’t you? Yes, of course you do.