Stories of my friends: Jodi

It’s because of Jodi Blackman that I own a pair of hiking shoes and have actually used them. It’s also because of Jodi that I know about the existence of Forks, Wash., and its claim to fame. (It’s where the Twilight stories take place, and is, apparently, quite lovely.)

Jodi is both grounded in reality and total weirdo. I like her.

We agree on Gilmore Girls, Lady Gaga and being honest. We disagree on snowshoeing, psychic powers and eating meat. She likes my dogs; her cat likes me. She has good taste in clothes, but she’s too short for me to steal anything. (Here’s the other part of that, though: I bet if I were obsessed with one of her shirts, she would give it to me. She likes her things, but she isn’t materialistic, and she is generous without being obvious about it.)

Jodi appreciates art and design. Plus, and this might sound odd, she always smells good.

Sometimes I wish she were the older sister I never had, because she consistently gives reliably good advice untainted by current pop psychology and tempered by no-nonsense insights. This is a rare thing indeed.

I don’t know yet what questions I’m going to ask Jodi. This could be interesting.

Hmm…

Me: Do you believe in magic?

Jodi: I do believe in magic. I love to spend time in the outdoors and there is evidence of magic around every corner. Also, you’ve met my kid. He’s all about magic!

Me: Yes. He IS magic, even. But, give me an example of the magic you see outdoors.

The magic of a red sunset, night snow skies, wildflowers peaking out of a green pasture, moss hanging from trees, the sound of a waterfall. It’s all magic to me and it’s literally around every corner.

Me: What one or two events have had the biggest impact on your life?

Jodi: One, having kids. The moment kids come into your life you lose all semblance of control over your life. It’s horrifying and invigorating all in one. They have impacted my life every day since they came into it.

Two, the dissolution of my marriage. My family was my life. Now I have a whole new life and I feel like I’m living a version of my true self. It’s not too bad and I’m actually happy for the opportunity.

Me: You seem like you are very much yourself. To me at least. What is your dream art exhibit?

Jodi: Monet at Giverny in spring. The beauty of that place, alongside the actual art created there, would be a sensory overload of the best kind.

Me: How do you feel about socks?

Jodi: I love socks. The crazier, the better. My feet are always cold too, so essential for me.

Me: do you have any regrets?

Jodi: I don’t believe in regrets. Everything can be a learning lesson.

Me: Say something nice about yourself.

Jodi: I’m not a weirdo. :)