1. Scooter Skirts - I commute to my job via scooter. I don't know about you, but going 45 m.p.h. in the open air, through cold morning rain wearing a dress is not the best way to start the work day. Two winters ago, I did ride nearly every day to work, but I can't say I liked it. My dad, who is a construction worker, always stressed the importance of using the right tools to do any job. I thought of that last night after a very enjoyable ride to the U District in the pouring autumn rain. I was wearing my new super squall-proof raincoat, my helmet with face-shield, and The Best Thing Ever: a scooter skirt.

These geniuses invented a waterproof, insulated drape to be fastened around the waist with a simple clasp, over your clothes. It keeps you dry and warm while riding. It even has little velcro strips you can put on your cowls to totally seal out the weather. It was worth every single penny. In this sodden city, I will use it constantly. I was really surprised how warm it was, too. I felt all cozy and actually looked forward to riding this morning. My only regret is not ordering one in hot pink.

2. Hershey's Cherry Cordial Kisses - miniature, kiss-shaped, chocolate covered cherries. Need I say more?

3. FlexCar - there are a dozen new cars parked within a few blocks of my apartment to which I can walk up, wave my magic wand, unlock the doors and drive off. The gas is free. There is no insurance paperwork. Two clicks reserves me the car for $10 an hour. And the best part is I can choose a station wagon if I'm going to Home Depot, a Hybrid if I'm going to the airport, and a convertible if I'm going to the beach. Also, the FlexCar lot on Broadway & Denny has 3 motorcycle parking spaces right in front. So when the Superstella cannot bear the load (infrequently, but for example, moving a bookcase..), I can zip over, park & ride. I LOVE it.

My only gripe is not FlexCar's fault, but city of Seattle. They are encouraging us to use alternate forms of transport in order to cut down on traffic jams and emissions. Yet starting today, they are charging a "rental car" tax on FlexCar, in addition to sales tax. This means nearly 20% tax on FlexCar use. Personally, they should make it tax-free if the government is serious about encouraging alternative transportation. If you're like me and a little peeved at the whole concept, you can sign the online petition. And I think sales tax on SUVs should be 20%, and then we could use the extra revenue to plant trees.

But excuse me, I've got some chocolate to eat.

South Lake Union, where I work, and Capitol Hill, where I now live, are separated by the interstate and 578 stairs. On foot, the stairs are the only direct route I've found. The way down isn't so bad, but... let's just say I've been bumming rides home quite a bit.

"Hi, boss? I can't come in to work today. I've got kittens. "

"Yes... I think it's contagious."

"Oooh... wait... I almost got it..."

(Liberty pick taken at Gasworks Park on July 3rd.)

Either way, have a happy Fourth.

Looking at the half dozen or so life changing events or supersize epiphanies I've had, the majority have occurred on June 21st. I didn't notice the pattern until a few years ago. Then I also realized that the date was the summer solstice, which makes perfect sense. It's coincidentally the 21st that I arrived in Seattle three years ago. (Hey 'Needle -- it's our anniversary!)

During my research today, I discovered that our very own Solstice Parade has its own entry in Wikipedia.

Since this time of the year is cosmically loaded for me, I've begun to plan events to coincide with the date. If there's nothing big on the calendar, I use it to have a retreat.

A few weeks ago, the Seattle Public Library had its bi-annual book sale. It's basically a porn convention for booklovers; the library drags out five million used copies of its catalog and sells them for 50 cents a piece, a buck for hardcovers.

Nobody warned me to bring a wheelbarrow. You could tell the people who'd been there before. Backed by a sherpa and loaded up with refreshments, bungee cords, and collection lists, they elbowed their way professionally through the overwhelming crowd. I didn't even bring a bag. But I ended up buying about 45 books. Some of them were ones I had been in the market for and others were of the "oh this looks interesting" variety. It's easy to lose track when you've brought home so many new reads at once. I have the same problem with CDs if I buy more than 3 at a time. I'll forget about one and it resurfaces weeks or months later, often at opportune times.

Last week I was moving my books into a new bookcase in the Good Karma Room, and discovered one of the "oh this looks interesting" variety. Perfect timing, too. It's called The Woman's Retreat Book by Jennifer Louden. I'm going to use it to plan my solstice celebration.

It's enormously interesting, even if you're not planning a retreat. The opening chapters talk about retreats for women from a historical and anthropological point of view. Women have been "retreating", both formally and without ceremony, since we started walking upright. It's a desire I've always had, even on a weekly (and sometimes daily) basis. I used to fight the urge. It's especially difficult when living with someone else who does not feel the need to withdraw and be alone for great stretches of time. But lately I've begun to realize just how essential it is to my wellbeing. And I'm learning to ask for the quiet alone time.

For some reason, I feel guilty asking for alone time when there are other things to be done, like housework or shopping or social bonding. "Real" things to be done. As though sitting alone in a room, window open, music playing in the distance, daydreaming... as though that was not as valid as washing dishes. Yet I found that if I put off the downtime until the chores or other "needs" were taken care of, I never ever got it. You can always find something to clean when you're a woman operating on guilt.

I'm excited for my retreat, though it will be modified slightly for financial concerns. I was originally going to stay at a European style hotel downtown (the kind with tiny rooms and a common bathroom). But financially, it didn't work out. So I'm going to have a retreat in the Good Karma Room. While planning my retreat, I received the new catalog for Whole Life Yoga, my favorite studio in Seattle, with a workshop this Sunday called Yoga for Personal Change. Absolutely fabulous.

I've got more to share but I have an appointment to look at an art space a bunch of women and I are going to rent in order to create a creative haven full of shared art supplies, shared inspiration, and infused with unstoppable female energy. It's a good time of year to put some of my dreams into action. You should, too.