One of my dearest friends, Libby Bulloff, is embarking tomorrow on a new leg of life. She has always been leagues ahead of me in ability of written pontification, but I’ll do my best.
Libby rocks worlds. A woman who has spent the vast majority of her life in the Midwest, she has taken the few tools available to her and built more complex – and better functioning – mechanisms than any other person I have met. She sees what needs to be done, and does it. Often at a sacrifice to herself, but also with great pride in all that she does. Libby is invested – invested in her work, in those around her, in the world. And in every piece of work, in every interaction, you see that passion.
Libby has deeply impacted me. When we first met, I was quiet, mousy, and subdued in general. She helped me remember the shiny bits, the intellectual bits, the joy of doing something well just because you wanted to do it. And the fact that she wanted anything at all to do with me boosted my confidence more than I might be able to express. She taught me about the subculture I had already grown to love, that you can be serious and goofy and unconquerable and approachable all at the same time.
Libby, you are amazing. And I can’t wait to see what you choose to spend your time on. I hope some of it is with me. Being in the same city again will be phenomenal. Best of luck in your travels, and I hope you find excitement but also relaxation at every turn.
