Fuel

February 12, 2015 {43/365} 2 CV

This morning as I drove to work, I heard an Exxon/Mobile commercial challenging people to "Tell us what fuels you."  The contest requires applicants to submit a photo and a 140-character (Tweet-like) answer to win $1000 worth of free gasoline. It got me thinking about what fuels me. 

I'm fueled by:

• creativity: I love art museums, music, and great books; yet, I'm even more inspired by opportunities to express my own creativity through photography and writing.
• the seasons: Although some seem longer than others, Wisconsin is blessed with four truly distinct seasons. Inspired by my dad's example, I relish the unique beauty and bounty that each new season offers. In springtime, I marvel at the renewal of the earth as rain washes away the salt and debris of winter commutes, and lovely flowers and pale green leaves begin to appear. Summer brings lush greenery, blue skis, cotton candy clouds, picnics, fair winds, and cool waters to sail upon. In autumn the brilliant landscape beckons me to wander. I crave apples and cashmere sweaters. And just as snow covers the bare ground, winter settles over me like a down comforter. I make the most of the stingy winter sunshine by searching for color and signs of life, yet I also enjoy the cozy silence of long nights by the fire. 
• water: I feel most like myself when I'm near, in, or on the water. Maybe it's because I'm a pisces or maybe it's because of how and where I grew up, but it's hard for me to imagine living (and even visiting) places without a large body of water nearby.
• travel:  Perhaps St. Augustine said it best: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Travel opens my eyes and my mind. It makes me appreciate diversity as well as my own culture.
• the word "Auntie": I've heard parents say that they never really knew what love was before they had children of their own.  Well, I don't know about that, but I do know that I'd do anything for "my boys."
• curiosity and innovation: I'm motivated by new ideas and challenges. What fuels you?