How does one begin to post again on the triviality of the world so shortly after an unexpected death? That has been my dilemma over the past few days. I haven’t run out of trivial things to say, I just haven’t felt quite up to talking about things that don’t seem to matter. And yet, on this day when we join in spirit with those in New Jersey to celebrate Jenn See’s life I realize it is those little things that brought us together. The very idea of Following My Fish came from a line from the comic book character Delerium in Neil Gaiman’s Sandman, an interest that, before blogging, I shared with only two other people. We (and I mean all of us who blog together) have come together, at least at my site, over the most trivial things: music, movies, comics, books, and art. These things that give our lives flavor, the interests that we have that we long to share with others. So what on the surface can look really trivial is in fact quite meaningful in that our interests reflect our inner passions. They are physical manifestations of slices of our personality and quite frankly it is the literature and art of this world in all its many manifestations (movies, music, photography, etc.) that make living that much more entertaining, interesting, and exciting.

So in celebrating Jenn See today and the joy of Following My Fish I wanted to share a few of the good, fun things that Jenn See and Mysfit and Olben have brought to my life over the last year:

First and foremost is the whole Neil Gaiman connection. Although in my world Neil Gaiman is wildly famous and highly revered, the world of Gaimanites is comparitively small and it is always a real pleasure to discover another fan. The first time I clicked on the fish site and saw the picture of Delerium I knew that I had found kindred spirits. The works of Neil Gaiman bring the most diverse people together and gave me an instant bond to the Fish trio.

Star Wars. There is no doubt I am a big fan and that the influence of the creations of George Lucas have left an indelible mark on my soul. Jenn See was quick to point out early on though that there is no bigger Star Wars fan than Oldben and I am in awe of his knowledge and dedication. That kind of geek connection runs deep! In a recent Star Wars post of mine Jenn See wrote: “if it makes you feel any better, oldben is already planning the star wars series 30th birthday party next may. it’s a costume party. i’ll give you three guesses as to who we’re going to be” I’m putting out the call right now. May 25th, 2007 is not only Jeff’s birthday but it is the 30th anniversary of Star Wars. We need to have a party. Put it on your calendars now!

Anime and animation. Jenn See and Mysfit would occasionally mention different animated and anime programs that exposed me to some great stuff. Invader Zim was something that I had wanted to watch for some time and after seeing it mentioned on the Fish again awhile back I Netflixed the first disk. GREAT! Mary, Tori and I loved it. Hysterically warped and twisted space invader fun. I look forward to watching the rest. I also recently checked out Samurai Champloo and really enjoyed it. (Jenn See wrote about it here) There is alot of anime out there and not all of it is good but some of it is really great and I can always count on the Fish to point out some great stuff. I also look forward to checking out Serial Experiments Lain, Mysfit.

Movies, movies, movies. Living where they do the Fish often get to see films I am dying to see before I do. They saw Night Watch first, for example, and I was of course insanely jealous that they saw Mirrormask in the theatre and I had to wait until it came out on DVD.

and to end up what could easily be an endless post (we haven’t talked about Muppets, G.K. Chesterton [I look forward to future discussion Mysfit], poetry, photography, etc) I want to mention Pirates. The Fish have a love of all things piratical that thrills me. It will be with a bit of melancholy that I see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest in a few weeks because I know just how much Jenn See was looking forward to this. The Fish would periodically satisfy my quest for “Ar, matey” and all things piratey and I love them for it.

Today we celebrate the life of Jenn See. A life cut all too short but, if Following My Fish and Tourist of Everything are any indication, a life lived to the fullest. She is missed and forever will be but the interests and passions that she shared will keep her creative spirit alive and well. I recently posted about large sunglasses with a caveat in there that was meant for Jenn See and every other woman who actually can pull off the look. She in turn posted something for me and I share the link here. It is a testament to her sense of humor.

Love to Cynthia (Jenn See’s mom), Oldben, Mysfit and all of Jenn See’s family and friends on this day of remembrance.