I didn’t even know this space existed six and a half years ago. I was looking for something like it, but headed in the wrong direction to find it. Looking up and to the right, when the treasure was right in front of me. All I needed to do was dig.

But how would you know anything  lies underneath when the surface is so still? Its true shape revealed only with time & patience, and a willingness to listen for colors and look for music not evident to the hasty mind.

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My first acting gig was as a clown and a seal, in the kindergarten circus.

Carla and I made up a gag in which we grabbed a big lollipop out of the other’s hand. The teacher liked it enough that she bought us a giant lollipop to use in the show in the MP room.

My seal balanced a ball on her nose — a red balloon taped to a seal-shaped mask I painted brown. I rolled on the linoleum floor, keeping the tip of the mask pointed up the best I could.

It bothered me that the balloon wasn’t completely round. More of a teardrop.

But no doubt the parents all loved it.

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Did you know if you clench a pencil between your teeth it will elevate your mood?

And that cats don’t smile because, being loners by nature, they don’t need to?

While dogs, being pack animals, evolved with wonderfully expressive faces.

It’s a social lubricant, that little movement of the mouth.

I’m told a cat’s slow blink while gazing in your direction is the equivalent of a kiss.

And of course, a purr is the sound of a smile.

That and the thump of a wagging tail.

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Do you remember the Game of Life?

Spin the dial & move your piece forward on the path,

go to college, get a job, have a baby.

Or the cereal?

The one that Mikey liked, and he hates everything.

Little faux basketweave squares, with subtle sparkles of sugar.

Both relegated to distant memory as real life moved on.

Rarely in ways I could have anticipated.

Usually while I was making other plans.

It’s almost enough to keep one from planning at all.

But we do.

Making necessary course adjustments as we go.

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What lies beneath the surface?

It may be glassy on top,

but underneath broiling with freakish creatures

with very large teeth.

Or gentle beauties

in brilliant colors.

You won’t know until you dive in,

and it’s that very unknown

that makes you afraid.

Remember, even shark divers can be safe

when they use the proper equipment.

An air tank and regulator.

A steel cage.

Training.

A support team.

Gather what you need, then take the plunge.

Or not.

The choice is up to you.

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