This week’s Writing Challenge wants to see a recipe for moi.

Chop finely and mix:

• 1 c introspection
• 1 c imagination (substitute: insight)
• 2 c empathy
• 2 c knee-jerk tendency to rebellion
• 2 c smart-ass remarks
• 1 c curiosity (substitute: nosiness)

Cover with thin alternating layers of :

• chutzpah
• emotionalism
• tenacity
• timidity
• enthusiasm

To lighten:

• Add friends and children.
• Fold in ocean air and vistas of sunrise or sunset.
• Surround with shelter animals.
• Add concerts, novels, walks, movies, art, or hikes.

Season as follows:

• Mix skepticism and irony to taste, then double those proportions.
• Infuse with 1970s punk, midcentury jazz, blues, alt bluegrass, alt rock.
• Steep in book learning, street smarts, and belated learning from experience.

Garnish with wildflowers.

Serve on a bed of uncertainty.

Holds flavor best outside.

Store separately.