A mother.

A friend of 15 years.

A romantic partner of 14 years.

A wife of 10 years.

In love, still.

A birth trauma, PTSD & post-partum depression survivor.

Yes, just one.

A good mama.

A lazy mama sometimes.

A mama who occasionally yells, but always repairs.

Pays attention.  Sometimes too much.

Generalized anxiety disorder.  A label.  An ailment.

The moments when I’m shaking leave me shuddering for days.

In love with my friends.

Four quarters over one hundred pennies.

Unsteady on my feet at times.

Manicured (on the outside) almost always.

Manicured (on the inside) totally unnecessary.

Embracing emotional messiness.

Such is life.

A friend of therapy.

Five years of psychoanalysis in my past.

Grateful.  Grieving.

Spiritual trekking.

More aware, more open, even (especially) in dreams.

Pining for France.

Terrified of France.

The allure of travel, oui?

Kidney stone maker.

Quilt maker.

Cake maker.

No longer a gluten-eater.

Now a coffee drinker.

A lovely trade.

Alone time seeker/needer.

Healed by rain and baths.

Creeks bring peace.

Photography brings deep, resonant joy.

And paychecks.

For ten years.

No longer a wedding photographer.

Surreal.

Perplexed by my child.

My puzzle.

My challenger and my pal.

My life’s truest work.

Lover of nice things.

But not a snob.

Gobsmacked by this life I lead.

Lucky doesn’t even begin.

Blessed is closer.

Still striving.  Always.  Never ending.

Nostalgic and sentimental.

Sensitive to all things.

To a fault.

The one to cry.

Surrounded by non-criers.

An excellent napper.

The only sport I’ve ever excelled at.

A non college graduate.

But still.

Puppy mom.

Didn’t even want the dog.

Adore him now.

The pickiest eater?

Maybe.  Ask my friends.

I’m their dinner party challenge.

Audiobooks only.

Sorry Mo.

I’ll read your book in hardback.

Frequent flier.

My people are all spread out.

San Francisco.

Arizona.

Everyone come home.

Or at least to my home.

I’ll cook for you.

And ask Ben – I almost never do that anymore.

Take-out queen.