At the time that I’m writing this, it’s the eve of my 40th birthday and I’m comfortably installed on the colourfully embroidered couch at the La Tica Lodge in Costa Rica - Rum Poppe in one hand, computer on my lap. In this peaceful moment, I can look back on my life so far with a sense of wonder at the medley of strife, triumphs, grief, joy, traumas and blessings that have led me here. I am eternally indebted to my teachers and mentors, in particular Lisa Lajoie and Nicholas