2003-06-08 - 6:48 p.m.

Much to my surprise, I only got five hours of sleep last night. I had thought that being travel-weary, jet-lagged and slightly intoxicated, I would have passed out until at least noon today. Instead I woke up before 8 AM to a warm and bright day. I was tired as hell, but I didn�t want to go back to sleep. Instead I thought about going to Sunday Services over at the Unitarian Church. You know, just for shits and giggles. The Unitarians had piqued my curiosity no small bit when I read that they believe in �direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life.� Before committing any of my precious time, I decided to do a little more research on the internet. Much to my chagrin, I discovered that by �direct experience� these Uni�s weren�t referring to the ritualistic use of psilocybin mushrooms.

My religious fancies thus quelled for the morning, I decided instead to visit the Co-op with the intention of signing up for membership and becoming a member-worker. On arrival at the store, I met a cute girl that intrigued me with an anarcho-feminist symbol tattooed on her upper arm. I asked her what it meant and she replied that it had been quite symbolic when she got it but that she wasn�t sure what it meant to her now. We talked for a little while about anarchy and I recommended Voltairine de Cleyre (one of the greatest anarchist authors ever IMHO) to her. As I was checking out, she made her way over and helped me load my one paper bag of food while we chatted a bit more. I wrote down the recommendation for her since it�s a rather difficult name to remember, especially the way I probably butcher it. As I left the store I felt as if meeting Katie had been a foreshadowing of pleasures to come. I think I�m on the right track with my summer plans�

I had a fabulous time in Massachusetts. I played incessantly with my four year old nephew and his seven month old baby brother, both of whom are delightful kids. I went for countless walks, I ran, I hiked, I swam in the crisp Deerfield river, I read tons and of course I consumed a great deal of the local ale (one of my all-time favorites) and smoked a fair amount of the local herb. I�ve always enjoyed visiting Shelburne Falls and each time I go, I�m smitten by the luscious forests, the clean air, clear water, and the warm communal feeling that�s pervasive throughout the region. I often think that if I ever decide to settle down somewhere, I would love to do it there.

I�m going out for a run now, so until next time � shalom.