Sparkle Hunting Begins Tomorrow

My purpose in beginning this blog is to explore - WHAT - exactly brings joy and Sparkle into my own life.

My age is 62. Four years ago (age 57) I made the fateful decision to learn to Rollerblade. All was well as I love speed and learning new things, and was progressing nicely. I have always craved adventure and figured this might add a new dimension to it.

This Skating adventure was not as I had planned, but rather a major diversion off my "perceived" life-plan. On May 3, 2006 I fell on my beloved Rollerblades, and bounced across cement, my helmet managed to stay on my head, my wrist guards left a black trail across the driveway and up over the bottom of the wall where I believe my head hit. Brain Lash. A whipping back and forth of the brain against the cranium walls. And in my case, Doctors believe there was a twisting and/or shearing within my brain.

Five days later I went to the doctor with major problems, was diagnosed with a small brain hemorrhage, a mild TBI (although one PHD I am working with in NeuroFeedback -monitoring brain waves- believes it was not mild.) I am told by some in the medical field that my brain is not cross-talking in areas where it should. I have difficulty still.....4 years later with sensory input. Translated that means, any rhythmic or chaotic sounds that continue for a short period will create a "fight or flight" response in me. The same with flashing lights, or the motion of a ceiling fan.......etc. It is also difficult for me to separate sounds from one another, such as have a conversation with background music.

I consider myself fortunate to walk and talk and drive a car...........and still I see minor improvements over time, but my ability to function in the world which is rife with audio stimulation (think turn signals and back up beeps, loud rhythmic music), motion and blinking lights (again, turn signals) is a major challenge.

Anywhere I go I am armed with ear plugs and GOD BLESS MY IPOD. YES!!

Oddly - I did journey last year to Egypt with two girlfriends. Egypt did not bother me much (except for the lack of bathrooms).............Bless them, their trucks do not have back up beeps......WHAT A RELIEF. I actually thought of moving to Egypt after returning home to the USA. I still think about it.

Sparkle and Adventure. That is what I intend to fill my life up with. Adventure can be a small or large affair, but it is a love-affair for me under all circumstances. What fills my soul? What brings me the greatest joy consistently over my life-time-lived?

Travel, NEWNESS, Learning, Photography, Painting (art) and my precious Son and loyal girlfriends.

What brings me pain? Back up Beeps and my family (Son not included.)

Enough with the pain.................I Intend on following the Joy, the Bliss and the New.

Instead of sitting in my nest, I shall venture forth.............and explore this world. I shall do something new and/or different each day..........and contribute to this beautiful world in some way. AND, of course, I will have with me at all times my limitless supply of earplugs and Ipod. Props.

I am holding myself accountable, and if ANY one else desires to share in this journey...........welcome to the path ............the path of healing, of love, of a joyful sharing. I might be a bit frayed, but I will NOT give up my thirst for the Sparkle I know is just waiting to fill me up!

God Speed us all...........on our way to loving ourselves, and in doing so, loving our Planet and all life she supports.