she lived an abstract life, one painted, but lacking elements of realism existence was too harsh whereas the color-washed reality was delightful and delicate, full of impulse open to possibility children live an abstract life she had chosen to join them Existing in thought or idea, but nothing concrete and tangible - abstract. Paintings, feelings, the wind, these are intangibles. I often feel like I live in and relate more to things, people, places that are abstract. There's a certain mystery, something to uncover. Abstract is experienced, felt. It's not quantitative. It can't be defined or put in a box with a pretty little bow. I often wonder why we want to define everything. Think about it. Your job has a description, an ailment is named or given an acronym and heaven ...