Sky High

I caught a blurb on the news yesterday about a 92 year old woman who went skydiving to celebrate her birthday. She shrugged it off as just being something she'd always wanted to do. I relayed the story to Steve who said, "Everyone should do something they've always wanted to do on their birthday." I love that statement. I love it so much that I'm adding it to my Gypsy Paradigm.

In fact, last year I did do something on my birthday that I'd always wanted to do (Stones From the River). So, with my birthday coming up in about a month and a half, I'm contemplating what thing I've never done that I want to do. Sure, skydiving is on my bucket list, but it's not financially feasible at this point. Besides, when I finally do get to go skydiving, it will be with Timothy. My leaning, should the day arrive and be calm and cloudless, is to go somewhere with Steve where there's no ambient light and watch the night sky. I've been so drawn to the stars since I met him, and I've always wanted to go out to the middle of nowhere and stargaze. Knowing him has made me want that more than ever (we're both big on watching the sky).

I want to do something on my birthday (or at least in honor of it) that challenges myself too. (Last year's above-mentioned "celebration" worked along both lines.) But what? Art is where my mind is and where I most desire to challenge myself. Hoo boy. Glad I've got 48 days to plan. Well, "plan" is a ridiculous way to think it. More like... glad I've got 48 days to seek enlightenment, to wait for The Universe to reveal this year's birthday present.

Today is my big sister's birthday. It's a special day. I only have one sister. While we haven't always seen eye to eye, there is huge love there. She's a beautiful soul with a great big giving heart. I love you Nanc... Happy YOU Day! It's your day to say "fuck it" to the grind and do something you've always wanted to do.

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
~John Muir