I have had the same couch for a long time. It has moved with me 7 or 8 times. It is torn underneath and sagging in the middle, and I can’t wait to replace it. I am honestly not at all sentimental about this piece of furniture, but I did spend a morning thinking over all the things that happened on this couch. And that became today’s draft.

Couch. Free for pickup.

Ethan Allen navy blue tonal stripe

Camel back, exposed legs

From home of many cats,

of Netflix and bowls of snacks,

of long winter afternoon naps.

May have trace DNA from one — or more —

single night mistakes.

Has seen better days.

Has seen worse days.

Has seen days of infinitesimal sorrows.

Was the site of the end of a marriage

Was the birthplace of hundreds of poems

Large rip underneath

where the cat find safe haven when fireworks go off.

Stained with coffee, tears, residue of hard conversations.

Has life in it still

The Evanston Conscious Movement Festival

I have been a massage therapist for almost 15 years. The most satisfying thing about this work has always been watching people slowly come back home to their bodies. I get the same satisfaction from facilitating DANCEmandala, and now I put together a whole weekend for people to explore and find their sacred home, their body.

This is happening. April 12-14, 2024, in Evanston, Illinois. I have gathered some of the best people I know to offer movement and connection. This will be a weekend to explore, to experience new ways of moving your body, and to bring together people in the community.

And — there’s a dance party! You are all invited.

(P.S. You can follow the festival on Instagram too!)