Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Nosy Interview: Joe Miota

Joe in Fox Fur, a Unicorn, and a Christmas Tree, © R Jay Gabany

Joe is Jenny's cousin and Katie's brother, and though we've met, he retains some of that mysterious older brother quality. I loved reading the blog he and his wife, Willow, kept of their bike journey across the U.S. this past summer, so I was so happy to learn that he's blogging again, this time at the Enthusiasmist. He can also meet your daily Unicorn Haiku needs.

What do you smell like?
When I first met Willow, who believe it or not is now my wife, I was not washing one of my (two) armpits. We were living at the Kripalu Center, an ashram-turned-yoga center in western Massachusetts that hosted live-in volunteers as a more contemporary version of the ashram disciples. When Willow and I and about 60 other volunteers lived there, there was no longer a guru, his having left in disgrace for abusing his power. Had he still been around, he probably would have decreed that not washing an armpit went against some important spiritual tenet, just to get me to wash it (unscrupulous as he was).  Because, to most folks, that armpit did not smell good.   

To me that armpit smelled like freedom. I’d long ago given up wearing deodorant, as had many of us neo-hippies (those who hadn’t were probably only rubbing that goofy crystal/rock thing under there). I had a (highly scientific) theory that washing away bacteria away only contributed to a vicious cycle wherein more, and more evil, bacteria would eventually flourish.  By washing daily, I hypothesized, I was accelerating the evolution of new strains of bacteria that were more and more soap and deodorant resistant. Thus falling prey to the big deodorant corporations as well as to unnecessary societal conventions, blah blah blah. My washed armpit was the control armpit. It was an experiment.

Probably the only reason that Willow tolerated that armpit’s smell was that it wasn’t quite as gnarly as you might imagine. At the time I was eating only vegetables, taking daily saunas, and doing yoga twice a day. I ingested no caffeine, no alcohol, very little sugar. My sweat was as pure as it had been since before I was a pre-teen and my dad (a physician, mind you) explained to me that it was time to start using deodorant because I was “starting to get glands.” When I ask Willow how I smelled in this pure, unwashed, undeodorized state, she says “like play-doh.”  Keep in mind that she loves me.

These days I’m washing almost daily and using an unscented, aluminum-free deodorant.  I smell either like compromise, or like adulthood, depending on my mood.

What do you like to smell?   
We just moved to San Francisco, which is studded liberally with eucalyptus trees. These have a fabulous scent, rich and tea-like, that always reminds me of my Aunt Helen. Sometimes I’ll be walking among the eucalyptus when someone in front of me lights up a cigarette, and I’ll find myself pulling that smell—something about when it’s first lit up—deep into my lungs. Cigarettes, come to think of it, also remind me of Aunt Helen.  Also on my list is my dog Iphy, especially her little feet. Aunt Helen had many dogs, each with four feet. This is getting weird.

Luckily Aunt Helen does not make me think at all of the morning-after-bonfire smell that makes itself known as I pull yesterday’s shirt on in my tent when I’m camping. If I were to Venn diagram my favorite smells, this smell’s circle would share a bit of itself with a circle labeled “Alaska,” which to me smells glacial and grand and unicorn-pure (yoga armpits notwithstanding). Circles that wouldn’t touch Alaska, Aunt Helen, or camping but would definitely be on there, would be big city smells, grease and exhaust, and somewhere nearby would be one of those big-bowled Riedel pinot-noir glasses I can stick my schnoz way into to take the vapors of a heady red wine directly into the reptile part of my brain. The restaurant would be fabulous and hoity-toity, and everyone would look on happily as I nod at the server to begin pouring. I love this act of smelling mostly for the ritual—so many facets of our polite society are geared towards ignoring or masking this, our most primal sense! Here’s to being nosy.

80 comments:

Anonymous said...

Armpit stories forever!

Preets said...

My gosh, I love this. Iphy is a great name for a dog, too. Is it pronounced to rhyme with iffy, as in, "an Iphy smell"?

Unknown said...

15.07.21fangyanting
michael kors
cheap ray bans
michael kors handbags
cheap soccer jerseys
hollister kids
gucci borse
burberry outlet online
michael kors outlet
gucci sito ufficiale
cheap oakleys
true religion outlet
pandora jewelry outlet
gucci belt
ralph lauren femme
mcm bags
longchamp pliage pas cher
ed hardy clothing outlet
cheap oakley sunglasses
air force pas cher
nike air max uk
replica watches rolex
louis vuitton sito ufficiale
michael kors outlet
ray ban outlet
coach factory outlet
football jerseys
pandora jewelry sale
polo outlet
michael kors uk
nike blazer pas cher
sac louis vuitton pas cher
ed hardy uk
louboutin
kate spade bags
oakley sunglasses outlet
pandora jewelry stores
tn pas cher
ray bans
oakley sunglasses cheap
true religion sale

Unknown said...

crx123
p90x workout ray-ban sunglasses za glasses online oakley sunglasses cheap nike free run 5.0 nike roshe ich ferragamo shoes asics thomas sabo uk swarovski tre?? tory burch sale air jordan 2015 nike free true religion jeans outlet odpowiedzialno?? polo ralph uggs michael kors bags cheap boots karn? baseball bats louis vuitton jordans for sale louboutin shoes lub nike store uggs tory burch sandals pandora jewellery australia cywiln?. jimmy choo shoes bottega veneta kate spade louis vuitton bags nike air max michael kors polo ralph michael kors purses moncler jackets sale oakley tommy hilfiger outlet stores nike outlet store eyeglasses frames designer bags juicy couture outlet longchamp handbags pandora ralph lauren uk gucci outlet mcm handbags burberry oakley

Unknown said...

nfl jerseys wholesale
north face jackets,north face,the north face,northface,north face outlet,north face jackets clearance,the north face
salomon speedcross 3
cleveland cavaliers
bottega veneta outlet online
prada outlet store
hollister clothing store
barbour clothing
ed hardy outlet
true religion jeans
ralph lauren polo shirts
new england patriots
nike outlet
mlb jerseys wholesale
philadelphia eagles
juicy couture sale
atlanta falcons
canada goose jackets
seattle seahawks
karen millen dresses
calvin klein,calvin klein outlet online,calvin klein wholesale,calvin klein shoes,calvin klein underwear,calvin klein coats,calvin klein handbags
qqq1028

Unknown said...

cheap ray bans
michael kors handbags
fitflops sale clearance
adidas nmd runner
nobis jackets
gucci outlet
ralph lauren outlet
christian louboutin shoes
toms shoes
coach outlet
20170121lck

Unknown said...

mont blanc
michael kors handbags
adidas shoes
chicago cubs jerseys
cheap jordans
kobe shoes
pandora jewelry
pandora jewelry
pandora charms
cheap jordans
20170316huazhen

Unknown said...

cheap jordans
led shoes for kids
adidas online shop
kobe bryant shoes
air max 2016
michael kors outlet
michael jordan shoes
ultra boost
yeezy shoes
yeezy boost

qqqqqqqqqqqq said...

oakley sunglasses
curry 4
nfl jerseys
nike air huarache
adidas outlet online
nike zoom
golden goose
tory burch shoes
authentic jordans
adidas superstar

khairy said...

https://readthedocs.org/projects/moving-furniture/
https://readthedocs.org/projects/riyah-moving/
https://readthedocs.org/projects/httptreeadsnet/
http://treeads.strikingly.com/
https://github.com/jumperads
https://trello.com/jumperads
http://jumperads.page.tl/
https://emc-mee.page.tl/

ahmed5987 said...

3 - control without the use of pesticides: It is the use of some means of control such as: steam cleaning, monitoring traps, or pressure washing, freezing and others, all these means effective for long periods and to get rid of insects and rodents.
شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بالاحساء
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالاحساء
شركة رش مبيدات بالاحساء
ارخص شركة مكافحة حشرات

hajar said...


شركة نقل عفش بخميس مشيط
شركة نقل عفش بالقصيم
شركة نقل عفش بتبوك
شركة نقل عفش بابها
شركة نقل عفش بنجران
شركة نقل عفش بحائل

TV Patrol said...

ang Probinsyano Today Full Episode Replay. Watch ofw pinoy tv shows replays online on Your favorite teleserye channel.

RanaBoss said...

pinoy channel watch our favourite telesrye shows like pinoy tambayan tv replays and get in touch to watch your pinoy tambayan

RanaBoss said...

Watch Pinoy Lambingan Orihinal na may Pinoy Tv Replay, Pinoy Tambayan, Pinoy Teleserye Replay, Pinoy Channel, Pinoy Ako, Pinoy TV Shows Online.pinoy Channel

Rizwan said...

Welcome to Pinoy Tambayan Teleserye Replay Watch your favorite Pinoy Teleserye Shows, Pinoy Lambingan, Pinoy TV, Pinoy Channel Online.
Pinoy Tv
Pinoy Channel

yanmaneee said...

lebron james shoes
kobe byrant shoes
yeezy
bape hoodie
supreme clothing
golden goose
supreme clothing
hermes birkin
cheap jordans
golden goose sneakers

VIBE Design Group said...

Usually I have not been commenting on blogs but your information is so competent that I never stop myself saying something about it. Really, you’re doing a great job, Keep it up.
https://www.albanyconcretecontractors.com

Manassas said...

This page is really interesting Manassas Tow Truck

Bobby Mughal said...

Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2 is a upcoming Hindi Indian soap opera that will
premiere on 30 August 2021 at 8:00 P.M. in Sony Entertainment Television.


Imlie

Shahid khan said...

Pinoy Channele bringing you best videos from all over Filipino entertainment, sports,
news, politics, technology, music, covering all Latest Tv Replay Show of Pinoy Teleserye.

The Penthouse Season 2

Unknown said...


Mehndi Hai Rachne Wali is Star Plus & Hotstar started newly launched Drama Serial
Raghav puts necklace on Kirti, Kirti thanks Pallavi, Pallavi says thank Raghav

Kundali Bhagya

malay tv said...

DramaCool is korean tv show website which provides latest
kshows and kissasian with eng sub online free in hd quality

DramaCool

Barrister Babu said...

From MX Player original hindi shows to Hindi dubbed shows you can make your
weekend full of entertainment with these top 10 hindi web series streaming

BhagyaLakshami.live said...

Vidroh Star Plus serial Wiki: Vidrohi Serial Wikipedia Vidroh (Vidrohi) serial
is the latest Star Plus upcoming show and will bring fresh new content for the viewers ...
Pandya Store

Bobby Mughal said...

Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana (Star Plus) Cast and Crew, Roles, Release Date, Trailer.
Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana is a Star-Plus tv show. This tv show was produced by.

Pandya Store

Towing Service said...

Well done on this post Ellicott City Towing Service

Glen Burnie said...

Well written content. Thank you for sharing. Glen Burnie Towing Service

Middle River said...

I went through this website and found it very impressive. Middle River Tow Truck

Rosedale said...

Interesting piece, thanks for sharing! Rosedale Tow Truck

Towson said...

This is an interesting article. Towson Tow Truck

Orlando said...

Information on your content is excellent Orlando Towing & Recovery

DramaCoolk said...

This blog is very impotant for user, I like it very Much and i also
want to creat a bolg like same as your blog name MXplayer TV.

Udaariyaan

Bobby Mughal said...

Vivian D'Sena, who was last seen on the show Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki,
is making a comeback to television with romantic drama Sirf Tum Hindi Serial.


Sirf Tum

Orlando said...

This is an impressive and informative site. Keep it up Orlando Tow Truck

Virginia Beach said...

Keep sharing great post, I like them. Virginia Beach Tow Truck

Waynesboro said...

I personally like your post Waynesboro Tow Truck

Winchester said...

I’m really impressed with your article Winchester Tow Truck

Harrisonburg said...

It is nice seeing this page, informative one! Harrisonburg Tow Truck

Lynchburg said...

Informative! This is great! Lynchburg Tow Truck

Newport News said...

Well written post! Newport News Tow Truck

Petersburg said...

I really like all the points you made. Petersburg Tow Truck

Udaariyaan Watch said...

Udaariyaan Serial is 2021 latest tv show of colors is the story of two sisters Jasmine and Tejo from a small pind in Punjab, and the dashing village boy Fateh.
Anupama

list provide said...

WhatsApp Apk is a most popular application. If you want to download WhatsApp mod Apk you can download it form this site.GBWhatsApp APK Download (Anti-Ban) Latest Version , Mod Apk Download

Raleigh said...

This is obviously a one great post. tow truck

Charleston said...

This is very well written tow truck

Columbia said...

I am appreciating it very much! tow truck

Dayton said...

Awesome site to check in. tow truck

Charlotte said...

Thanks for this great post you shared tow truck

Fayetteville said...

Thanks for sharing this great stuff here tow truck

Greensboro said...

Love this thread, thank you for sharing tow truck

list provide said...

Get all Tamil Newspapers or read about All Newspapers

Blue Springs said...

How nice, great post! tow truck

Kansas said...

I am glad to read the information you shared tow truck

Kansas City said...

Thanks for sharing this one tow truck

Raytown said...

Good read! An article like this is worth reading tow truck

fullmetal said...

Hey friend, it is very well written article, thank you for the valuable and useful information you provide in this post. Keep up the good work! FYI, german shepherd growth chart , How do chips make credit cards more secure, why i am an atheist,Short Paragraph on A Book Fair

KissAsian said...

KissAsian is the best website to Korean dramas and movies online free with
English Subtitles and Dubbed. This website Chris Gayle, movies of genres ...

Unknown said...

Just the website I was looking for. It's really awesome. I'll follow your footsteps
and if you want to watch Malay dramas online free episods daily then visit the link below.

Kepala Bergetar Watch Online

Drama Melayu Watch Online

wesmileforhealth said...

Just the website I was looking for. It's really awesome. I'll follow your footsteps
and if you want to watch Indian dramas online free episodes daily then visit the link below.

Bigg Boss 16 Watch Online

Dianne Yu said...

Here in Towing Service Hialeah FL, we have been proud to service Hialeah, FL and the surrounding area for years.

garage door repair said...

great post as always kansas City Tile Installer

michael angelo said...

The team at Towing Service Independence MO are proud to serve a large service area.

freddie tree said...

The team at Tree Service Fredericksburg VA are true experts of their craft.

Vienna Avienn said...

parking enforcement Vienna VA provides the best management services in Vienna and no competition has been able to match.

Abingdon Gae said...

Towing Service Abingdon MD have taken this negative connotation of our business and flipped it on its head.

Jacob Smith said...

Tow Truck Fredericksburg VA is a full service towing, rescue, and recovery business serving the city of Fredericksburg and all of the surrounding areas of Virginia.

bella airtow said...

Here at Towing Service Bel Air MD, we strive to provide a great towing experience, and we do not settle for less.

odette johnson said...

equipment transport Manassas VA is a local service that you can trust to get your large valuable assets to where they need to be.

Muskurane Ki Wajah Tum Ho said...

Waqas khitran said...

Risik Pada Hati

amazing post

Anonymous said...

Amazing post thank you for sharing arieshemp

CocoDivine said...


Coconut Creek Tow Truck is the answer to all your towing and roadside emergencies. Emergencies are never planned for, and they can end your day prematurely.

Tree Trimming Charlottesville said...

Great post full of useful tips! My site is fairly new and I am also having a hard time getting my readers to leave comments.

Anonymous said...

chiropractor in charlottesville
great post!

Angel17 said...

Nice interview. I enjoy reading it. Keep sharing! truckpartsuperstore.ca/collections/arb

Jim Park said...

I do think that you ought to write more about this topic, it might not be described as a taboo subject but usually individuals are too few to chat on such topic.

Get more info at www.stampedconcretecolumbia.com.

Julio Culligan said...

Wow! This can be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Magnificent. I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your hard work.

Learn more about the A1 Stump Removal Spokane.

wood said...

This blog is very effective and valuable.
padded bra set

custompaper said...

custom print paper bags

Post a Comment