à la carte spirit by ilona fried
Fear
Common Denominator: The Vagina Monologues and Feldenkrais
In Eve Ensler’s play, The Vagina Monologues, a character asks, “If your vagina could talk, what would it say? Two words.” “Slow down!” bellowed the cast when I performed in it last February. The audience burst out laughing. It seems that many people recognize that quickies might not be the most pleasurable form of intimacy. … Continue reading
Commitment: to Process or Outcome?
A few days ago I attended a women’s group focused on the theme of commitment. The word itself elicited various reactions, from excitement to a sense of burden or duty. One woman even referred to it as a curse. I smiled and nodded. Despite having written about this subject, hearing the word can still create … Continue reading
Introvert Birthday? Solo Road Trip
I recently celebrated my 47th birthday. By myself. As I wrote last year, my birthday falls during a time when I’m prone to seasonal affective disorder which even the Colorado sunshine doesn’t fully eliminate. It’s difficult for me to cheerfully celebrate when I’d rather crankily hibernate. Planning and conveying excitement to anyone who’d join me … Continue reading
Reclaiming B.I.T.C.H.
I wonder if American culture will ever embrace, let alone celebrate, introverts, especially introverted women. I sketched this post at the end of 2013 after comparing notes on life and blogging via Skype with the author of http://www.space2live.net, which focuses on introversion. A few months ago I wrote Yes, I am a S.N.O.B. I’m proud … Continue reading
New Diagnosis: Post Traumatic Stuff Disorder
Post Traumatic Stuff Disorder: When Cluttered Environments Trigger Anxiety and Dread Each night along the Camino de Santiago, I sorted and organized the contents of my backpack, leaving behind what I no longer needed. Sometimes all I threw away were cheese rinds and Band-Aid wrappers, essentially weightless, taking up little space. Other times I left … Continue reading
à la carte spirit by ilona fried 
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