Ballsy FAQ

What’s this blog about?

Ballsy is about living audaciously. By that I mean having fun while making brave choices in daily life. I’m interested in realistic ways that regular people can counteract the corporate-dominated, environmentally unsustainable, often oppressive mainstream culture – without getting mired in guilt, feeling totally overwhelmed, or going broke.

I intend to write about my personal efforts to live healthy, green, and creative on a budget. I’m also using this blog to legitimize my reading and research. Some of the things I expect to provide here in the coming months include:

• Inspiration and resources for crafting with recycled materials
• Information about vegan cooking with a focus on seasonal veggies
• Helpful news about sustainable living and natural health
• Musings about being an idealist in a jaded world

You’ll probably also read occasional randomata about my life. I’ll try to keep it as interesting as possible, with help from my sweetie’s amazing pictures.

Why call it Ballsy?

I dig the idea of turning the concept of “ballsy” on its head. It just makes sense to me as 1) a feminist who spent eight years working full-time in the women’s anti-violence movement and 2) a student of reflexology, which seeks to restore balance to the body through the feet, as well as the hands and ears.

By focusing on the balls of the feet, I’m claiming ballsy as a term that applies equally to women and men. It means brave and audacious, but it’s also about “putting your foot down,” choosing the life you want to live, and getting grounded.

Plus, in reflexology the “reflexes” that relate to the heart and lungs are found in the balls of the feet. One could creatively interpret the balls of the feet as a focus for compassion (heart) and inspiration (breath). It’s a stretch, but I like the idea.

Who are you?

I’m a freelance copywriter and journalist. I’m also a student reflexologist (link coming soon). Follow those links to learn all about how I make my ever-tenuous living.

I’m not an expert on anything.

I live in Seattle but only since July 2005. I’m from Virginia, where it takes a bit more effort to live audaciously.

I’ve been vegan for 4 years, but I was vegetarian long before I stopped eating dairy and eggs.

I’ve been blogging since October 2002. My old blog was highly personal and poorly maintained. I may still blog there occasionally for friends and family who really want to know about the inner workings of my squirrelly little brain, but Ballsy is my new headquarters on the web.

I have more questions. How do I reach you?

joriel [@] ballsyblog [.] com