What we do for Fun

I've found that one of the most important questions I can ask people is "what do you do for fun." It's important to me, because it widens my understanding of what fun is all about and my vocabulary of fun things that I can do. It's important to the respondents because it brings many disparate, often unconsciously chosen experiences together, giving them a corrected, and often more empowering view of their lives. And it's important to the rest of us, because it helps us know ourselves.

Kerry is one of the first people who is reflective enough, verbal enough, and to have taken this question seriously enough to illustrate, in living color, the power of this question and its answer. She writes:

I think my number one joy is conversation, lively banter, serious discussion, heartfelt discourse or playful joking. I don't have as much of it my life as I would like. One of the reasons is that my husband of 25 years decided to take up life with another women two years ago and left me suddenly and unexpectedly. That happened just as I was starting to adjust to not having my daughter, our only child, at home any longer. So, although I live with other folks on a piece of land , we have our own homes and don't do all that much together. For six months of last year, I lived in a Camphill village in Minnesota. Are you familiar with the Camphill Movement? They are intentional communities which provide permanent foster homes for adults with special needs. I will be returning there in a few weeks for at least a year. I feel valued there and since it is a community of about 50 people, lots of conversation happens, not to mention wonderful meals, etc., etc. Music is another source of joy for me. A couple of years ago a student size cello, was left in a shed here in disrepair so I got it repaired . I haven't taken any lessons yet but can play happy birthday on it and just enjoy hearing the rich sounds I can coax out of it. In the past, I have been part of a group that does Appalachian clogging. My former husband is an old time fiddler and dance caller, so dancing was a big part of our life. I would love to do more ballroom dancing. Most of my peers seem to prefer freeform, individual dancing but I love the challenge of matching my rhythm with someone else's. It is often awkward at first but so rewarding once we are in sync. I had a wonderful dream a few months ago about being whirled around while doing the polka. I like to swim, especially in not too cold lakes or ponds. We have a very cold spring fed pond here on our land. I like to walk, especially with others but alone is good too. I like gardening, cross country skiing and group sing a longs. I like pizza and beer. I like things that I can only enjoy for a few weeks each year like sweet corn, strawberries and pumpkin pie blizzards. I love surprises. I treasure watching my daughter, Kelsey grow into a beautiful young centered woman even if she doesn't share my love for conversation. I am grateful that I am healing from the pain of Tim leaving me and very grateful that we have stayed in touch and are in frequent dialogue. Although, I still don't understand the choice he made, I am well on my way towards forgiving him and moving on with my life. I like decadent desserts like chocolate cheesecake.. I like taking care of people. I do home health care. On Friday, I will go spend a week in Chicago with my mother who is recovering from knee replacement surgery. She is a very lively 82 and I look forward to cooking for her , helping her with exercises, talking about books, family,etc. I think that's enough for now. See what you started.