Matrix Categories to Get You Started This list contains some areas of obser- vation that you might find useful in building your own matrix. This is just a beginning: There are as many possible categories as there are facets to your life. In other words, they are endless. The important thing is to create cate- gories for your matrix that encourage you to focus in on slender, but precious, aspects of your experience. Each matrix you make will be different. Through each one, by committing to a few choic- es out of the myriad of possibilities, you intensify your powers of observation. Not only is this true of making a matrix, but it is true of life itself. Art imitates life, once again! Travel People and Family Senses Sights Scents Sounds Tastes Touch/textures Nature Flora and fauna Feathers and beaks Land and sea Waves and clouds Sun and rain Sticks and stones Light and shadow Natural wonders Getting ready Getting there Being there Going home Local color Vistas and views Bathrooms everywhere Cafés of note Joys and woes New friendships Hotels rooms Cameos and brief encounters Cultural differences Les faux pas Architectural details and decorative motifs Trains, planes, automobiles and boats: the details On the go and slowing down Shopping memories Crossing boundaries Street signs and lamp posts Packing tips Local cuisine and personal picnics My own maps In the market today What I miss about home Books I took and books I read Friends, yesterday and today Making connections Building bridges Hurdles and agonies Quotable quotes Truth and lies Love and admiration Still growing New best friends Just About Me Simple pleasures and little luxuries Choices and challenges Foolish fun and folly Life's little lessons Awakenings and inspiration Rest and recreation Random thoughts Dreams and imagination Moments of grace or virtue Fun and laughter If I could do it all over again... Advice taken and not taken Being alone Highlights of the day Memorable moments Books to read Moments of celebration Emotions Everyday magic Spontaneity Reactions Passions Clarity or confusion Surprises and questions Worries and scary moments 47