I just read this story again and was reminded of a particularly low point in my life. I had just left my first husband, been laid off from my job and moved in with my parents at the age of 37 because I was so shattered, I was afraid that if I lived alone, I would have a nervous breakdown.

The thing was, I LOVED living with my parents as a mature adult. We were able to reinvent our relationships and get to know each other as people. It was extremely healing. It was also very generous of them to allow me to disrupt their ordered lives and intimacy that comes from being married

I also found out that I loved having all my possessions in storage and basically discovering none of them mattered. I kept my drawing materials and guitar and that was all I needed.

And I felt FREE!

So when the 5 minute conversation came up, I just answered honestly and said I just left my marriage, I got laid off, I put everything in storage, I’m living with my parents and I’ve discovered none of the stuff I thought mattered matters. I feel like I’m on a little magic carpet with just me and the universe and I’m just flying around, right now and seeing where it takes me.

And people responded with ENVY!

When people ask you what you’re up to, may I suggest this unapologetic response? “I quit my job and now spend my time pursuing my passion of painting rabbits and I’m loving it.” I guarantee they will either react with confusion, affirmation, intrigue or outright jealousy.

And then you can write a story about their reactions which will no doubt be hilarious and extremely entertaining. And have your smart phone camera ready as you speak and do a photo essay on their facial expressions to your response. Actually combine the two with some of your paintings and you have an original and hilarious coffee table book just begging to be published.