Ann Nichols

The only thing I have always been, is a writer. I am an introvert at home and an extrovert at work. I read poetry and watch "Pretty Little Liars." I was born to a Jew and a lapsed-Catholic atheist, spent a little time as a Christian, and am now a practicing Buddhist with many stops along the way. I have been a musician and a lawyer, but now work as a cook in a Protestant church. I am a political lefty married to a conservative. I am a classically trained cellist who attends heavy metal concerts and loves both The Avett Brothers and Deva Premal.

I love children, animals, peonies, chai, "Supernatural," oysters, the ocean, Inspector Gamache mysteries, Phish, Pema Chodron, college basketball, Bill Murray, handwritten letters, cooking, old houses, Dr. Who, incense, peppermints, the moon, fresh laundry, India, sutumn and curry.

I do not love clowns (!), gum snapping, self-righteousness, country music, okra, Danish Modern, heat waves, American Cheese, cleaning things, conspiracy theories, romance novels, yoga-as-sport, foodie trends, slapstick humor and backwards ball caps.

I am a meditator, a novice yogini, a pray-er and a reader of theology. I cannot, however, live without huge dollops of humor. As my brother once said: "Annie not only thinks outside the box; she doesn't really know where the box is."

The most important thing is to be present, take it all in without judgement, and remember that it's just a ride.........