drummer
for as long as i can remember, whenever I've listened to music I've listened for the drum. now the goal is to not just listen, but to become the drum. beyond that, there is still a great goal - to become one with the dance, the dancer and the music in the moment.
my formal training started when i was 19, living with my step-family, which included 2 guitar-playing step-brothers anxiously awaiting the drummer that i was longing to be. i bought a kit, sat down, and started playing.
to date, except for a few months of lessons with a master tabla player, I have had no formal musical training.
so, in honour of those who travel the longer path, I need to continue practicing my chops . . .

vegan
for over 8 years I've dedicated my life to living non-violently with my human, animal and vegetative friends (and heck, a few cool minerals, too).
through this i have found immeasurable peace, joy and power to pursue what I want to do with the days of my life. and every step of the way, Nila is there to enjoy it with.

half of a whole
Steve + Nila = the Allats!
I can't imagine my life without my alter ego, my balance, my feminine reinforcer, and one of the greatest belly dancer's and teachers of our time.

philosopher?
in this life, I have found that one can do worse than to attempt to live by the following credos:
'as it harms none, do as you will'
'accept what you cannot change, change what you cannot accept'
and 'love who you are, who you're with, and what you're doing' the best you can in each moment.
for more of my nonsensical musings, go here

music reviewer
so I like to listen to music. A LOT of music.
and, in order to give a little back, I am now pleased to be a very busy reviewer for a tremendous online songwriter's music resource, the Muses Muse.

designer
i like to design things. I love figuring out how something should go together, for myself and others.
i sometimes believe that designing it at the essence of everything I do - be it designing a good life, healthy relationships, a natural garden, a functional web site, a song or piece of music.
much of my formal training has led me to design some of these things: gardens & landscapes being foremost in providing a livelihood for over 15 years.
but it's the others, those which I do simply because i love to, that have taken over my life and have led me more quickly to where I am and want to be - here & now.

the green man
no, i don't believe I'm from Mars (hmmmm, well maybe . . .)
but I do believe that all we need while we enjoy our vacation here on this round bubble is that which nature provides. i use plants for food, energy, clothing, healing and whatever else I can. the green man and mother nature provide and I have no doubt.