Today

So, today began the life of the Cork Tube (ah, don’t you just relish random first lines like that?). It all started with the blatant eyesore that literally tore through my room (okay, okay, my shelf). Let’s explain. So, because I have the pleasure of living on a storage shelf below the basement, there are all sorts of bonus features that other rooms don’t get. For example, I have a floor that slants and is covered by an unattached layer of carpet that moves at its pleasure. Peeking out from the top, I see the haphazardly strewn cement that, I’m sure, never thought it would be the floor of a human habitation (It reminds me of the foam at the crest of a wave…). Furthermore, I have the great thrill of living in a space that is the pathway of a certain large pipe on its way to the septic tank. In fact, even now I hear my roommate relieving himself over my head… It was already covered in insulation, wire, and duct tape, but I had to put it to better use. I had an idea, researched the price, saved up, and only now has my plan been realized. What once was a dusty reminder of what we all take great measures to avoid has now become an ever-present beacon of inspiration in my daily life. After finding an art supply store off the beaten road that sells cork in rolls, I made the effort to save and trek out and get it. I bought 30 inch x 48 inch square of pure cork and wrapped it around the pipe. So now, before me, I see a canvas upon which I hope to fill with my best moments. I feel it’s a mix between Steph’s Inspiration Board, and my own Magnet Pipe (you see, I already have plenty of metal pipes running in and out of my room, but they emit a sense of raw, artistic vintage that I thrive off of. I’ve already begun filling them with magnets that make me laugh). Perhaps the first pin I put on my Cork Tube embodies best what I hope to accomplish with it. It’s the yellow pin found in my Grandma’s basement that says only “Make Good Things Happen.” This, along with my other life theme of “Love This Moment” has helped me make the most of my time, look for the good and positive everywhere, and to incite others to do the same.



So, now, I want to fill the unique space with moments that remind me why I live: Rebecca’s Film Festival-themed birthday party where she rented a theater complete with a red carpet, had us all dress up, passed out Junior Mints and popcorn and had us watch each other’s films; Sitting at the Karaoke Bar on New Years Eve after singing “I Got You Babe” with an amazingly talented Cher; A coaster from the Salsa Club where Lisa and I went dancing (and convinced ourselves that we showed up all those people who knew what they were doing); My favorite photo of all of my siblings, the people who believe in me more than I ever will; A movie ticket from the show that made me laugh till I was crying, another from the show that made me want to be a better person; The plane ticket from when I sat next to Asha, the sweet Indian lady; The idea for my next art project.

I think everyone should have their own form of an Inspiration Board. It can be anything from anyone, whenever you want (playbills, photos, thank you notes, a shoelace with sentimental value), as long as it inspires. Inspire comes from the Old French ‘inspirare’ meaning, “breathe or blow into.” It can breathe life into you, or encouragement, hope, creativity, peace, or just a memory that warms you with joy. Surrounding yourself with this will help you be better and give you reason to seize each day and find the flavor and meaning in life’s little moments.