Goyrl Shmoyrl

Interesting Activity in the Dementia Unit

2010-04-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

The activity director of a dementia unit gave me this. I pretended it was medication and ate a bunch.

Spring From My Front Door

2010-04-25T23:57:00.000-07:00

Who Says Banks Are Greedy?

2010-03-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

Slipper Project

2010-03-16T23:06:00.000-07:00

Check out Mouse posing perfectly.

The last two pictures were taken with my new camera. Can you tell a difference?

Want some slippers? Email pbergeron09@yahoo.com with "slippers" in the subject line.

Thanks again Paula.

Playing With Photo Booth

2010-03-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

I'm a Celebrity

2010-03-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

On Feb. 5, 2010, the NY Times published an article, entitled "An Offensive Tackle Named Shlomo," by Samuel Freedman, about a Jewish player for the Green Bay Packers, named Alan Veingrad. After living most of his life as a non-observant Jew, he accepted an invitation to Rosh Hashana services during his first season with Green Bay.

" 'When I heard the Hebrew, I felt a pull.' ” The article then goes on:

"Maybe it was a presentiment, maybe it was the sort of destiny that Yiddish calls 'goyrl.' "

(please note the handy Yiddish-English Dictionary link under "Links I Like").

So if, like my mother, you ever wondered what the name of my blog meant, you can thank the NY Times.

Not a Swiss Clock

2010-01-21T12:11:00.000-08:00

My good friend Gunnel who lives in Sweden has some news on the funky clock in my kitchen. She says, "The wall clock had a Swedish name on the front. Bengt Ek is a Swedish designer now working in Switzerland. Website: bengtekdesign.com" Thanks Gunnel!

I'm Legal

2010-01-21T11:40:00.000-08:00

I'm Moving On Up

2010-01-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

On Jan. 6, 2010 I moved to a new place. It's in the Leschi neighborhood of Seattle, north of my former Beacon Hill neighborhood. It's the first time in my life I've lived by myself. On my own. On my own what? I'm 4 miles closer to work, although now I drive through city streets and traffic, as opposed to highway and traffic, so it takes about the same amount of time.

The new place is a cottage behind a bigger house. I'm subletting for 6 months from a man named George, who goes to Argentina each year for 6 months to teach acting. He rents the cottage from the man named Roger, who owns the big house and who spends part of his time in CA. The cottage is one block from Lake Washington and I no longer have to drive to have a beautiful walk.

The cottage is grand, and it even has a guest room downstairs. So, come visit before June 30. Maybe George will find true love in Argentina and not want to come back.

Below is my account of the move, pics of the cottage, my first dinner guest my new hood. I admit, it's really a pleasure coming home these days.

The Move

The actual move was uneventful. I borrowed a minivan from my friends Diane and Ed, who I originally met in Wichita 25 years ago. They lived in NC for many years until Diane decided to become a naturopath. She got accepted to Bastyr University and is now in her 2nd year. She'll be 61 this spring. I apartment-sat for her last June, and I've posted my climb to Mt. Pilchuck with Diane and Ed on the blog. Thanks, Diane and Ed for making this a one-trip move.

Before all cleaned out

All cleaned out (I always hated that rug)

A Magic Moment

As I was packing last minute kitchen stuff, I saw someone outside the back door. I recognized him as the dog walker, Kevin. I brightened as I realized that the last AND ONLY OTHER time I'd seen Kevin was the day I moved in! Understandably, he didn't feel the thrilling significance of this freaky fact I did, but then again, it doesn't take much for me. He was a good sport and posed for this picture. Then Anna proceeded to tear apart a doll.

My New Place

I made some modifications. But I like George's taste in art, so much of it was left as is.

The bedroom

Where I work

Downstairs

Place to watch movies and guest area

This is Mouse, the cat I take care of. I don't know if Mouse is a boy or a girl. But recently Mouse's favorite place is one of the tables. S/he scratches and licks and sheds all over it, so I've taken measures.

Mouse on my socks

Stacking stuff on the table to keep Mouse off

My First Dinner Guest

This is Dana, a friend of Sam's from Oberlin.

Funky kitchen faucet

Funky Kitchen Clock/Timer (Swiss?)

My New Library: Douglass-Truth Branch

Walking in My Neighborhood

This is the view from my alley

I walk under I-90.

Oh, nevermind

A Funny Thing About Asheville, NC

2009-12-18T17:59:00.001-08:00

They don't plow when it snows.

It snowed a foot today. It started early in the morning and went on through dark. The temp hovered in the low 30's but never below 32. I was out driving from noon to 5 and realized that no streets were plowed. Not I-40. Not I-240. Not US-25 or US-25A. The Blue Ridge Parkway was closed. Cars sat diagonally on major streets because they couldn't make it up gentle inclines. Even with the amount of show, the streets would have been quite manageable, if they were plowed. Finally, after hours of backtracking and wondering if I'd get stuck, the unplowed driveway to Mom's apartment complex was what got me. I had to park on the side, along with the other 10 vehicles, and trudge up the long hill. After living through New England and Kansas winters, I was astonished that this city of nearly 79,000, did not plow its streets.

It was pretty though. By the way, those round objects in the photos are not orbs. Just snow.

Magical Visit with Sam in Chicago

2009-12-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

I visited Sam in Chicago from Dec. 7-12. The weather was frigid. Sam and his sweetheart Lisa showed me a very good time. Sam has become quite a fine dancer and is in stellar shape. Lisa is a professional dancer and they perform well as partners. Just like when I'd visit Sam at Oberlin, I found myself inspired and hopeful for humanity.

Where Sam and Lisa Live

It's 4000 + square feet, the third and top floor of a building located at Ashland and Archer. It's the neighborhood where "The Jungle" was written. It has 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a nice kitchen. Heating is a problem. The building is for sale, $875,000. Sam lives with 6 other Oberliners, who want to buy the building and turn it into a performance space. Any investors?

Sam, Lisa and Teddy Impromptu Performance one Night

Sam and Lisa Dancing one morning

On Chicago's Fabulous Mass Transit System

Sam and Lisa took me out on the town, including a terrific vegetarian restaurant, run by followers of guru Master Sri Chinmoy. I was delighted to learn that followers also have a restaurant in Seattle called Silence Heart-Nest, in Fremont.

Downtown Chicago

Millenium Park, Faces Statue, "The Bean"

Impromptu Dinner Party

Mostly Oberlin Alumni, residing in Chicago

Flight from Chicago to Charlotte

In the first two photos you can see downtown Chicago. I think that's some of Indiana in the third one.

In Honor of My Father

2009-11-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

Five years ago today my father died. I've been all emotion for the past two days as I searched for a yahrzeit candle, looked up when sundown was on the day before, and found these pictures.

Here's a pictorial remembrance.

Dad, I miss you so much.

A Day in the City with Jeff

2009-11-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

Finally a photo of my 3rd housemate, Jeff. I have 4 days off (Fri-Mon), so I decided to get a watch. I haven't worn a watch in 6 years, I don't need it for timekeeping, nor do I want to wear a watch. All I need a second-hand for timing the pulse and respiration rates of my hospice clients. This should not be a big money outlay. Jeff suggested Target, since he's aware of my preference to avoid Wal-Mart. I said, "Take me," with the dual goal of getting to know the public transportation system for the first time, of which Jeff is well acquainted.

On Friday morning, we left at 10. Almost 3 hours later we arrived at Target. It's a 13 mile trip. The highlight of the public transit system is the Light Rail, which we rode in addition to the bus. The stations are modern and full of art, interesting lighting and clean. Also that day, I got a mighty dose of true Seattle weather. It poured, then was sunny, then hailed, then was sunny, then poured, then was sunny and on and on like that. I noticed how much my emotions were tied into the weather! When it poured, I felt down and when the sun came out I thought, "Who cares if a 13 mile trip takes 3 hours!"

Target was a bust. I just couldn't bring myself to buy a made-in-China watch for $20 OR their cheaper model for $14. Jeff suggested a Military Surplus store downtown. Ah downtown. We'd ridden through downtown several hours ago...or was it days? The sun was shining and blue painted the skies so I said, "Let's go!" We walked to the bus stop, waited a long time (again) for the bus, got on and 20 minutes later I was flabbergasted to see that we pulled up beside Target! The same one we left 45 minutes ago! Then we were on our way, to downtown. I could see the tall buildings far in the distance and since it was sunny at that moment, I thought, "how long could this take?" 30 minutes later the tall buildings looked like they hadn't moved. Jeff had no answer. It was pouring and I thought, "we're never going to get home."

Magically we got close enough to downtown and out of desperation, decided to walk to the Military Surplus store. There I saw an authentic military watch from Vietnam, for $400. The sales kid let me hold it. Powerful. The second hand was classy and sharp as a needle. I decided against the Vietnam and went with their cheapest watch for $14. The band bothers my skin, but I decided to ditch the band and hang the watch from my ID badge, which I wear around my neck.

Spending the day with Jeff made it for me. I very much enjoyed his company. We had many laughs and good conversation. Thanks, Jeff.

and Happy Birthday to Me (and Tom Petty)

2009-10-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Above is the homemade card I received today from my sister Valerie and her family, Larry (husband), Julia and Holden (their children).

Unbelievably, I got yesterday and today off of work. And today being my birthday, I am thankful for many things, but especially that I have the day off. Lynn sneakily left one of those helium balloons, along with birthday cards, on my stairs this morning.

That's the card Lynn got for me, along with some chocolate. Thanks, Lynn! In the picture above, I photoshopped the wrinkles out from under my eyes.

Seattle Autumn Throwdown: New England, You're Going to Fall!

2009-10-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

Seattle has steep hills, like San Francisco. All over there are stairs built right into the hill.

More Sights of Seattle

2009-10-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

This is the view from the top of the hill just up from where I live. My car is the very last one on the right. If I was Marc Rutter, I'd have an arrow pointing to it.

This is a beautifully tiled bus stop.

Seattle has many artistic sculptures around town. You never know when you'll run into one. This one is near a curvy, concrete walkover.

SEATTLE-d ! (And Happy Birthday Jackson Browne)

2009-10-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hi folks. I've been in Seattle for four weeks! In that time I've moved into my new place, started a new job, and learned how to get around the city (basically).

As I indicated in a previous post, the job and the living space fell into place with astonishing swiftness. Whoosh indeed. I applied online and one hour later, Jill the HR person called asking if I was still interested. Less than two weeks later she offered me the job. She dazzled me with her excellent follow-up, great communication and "let's get moving" attitude. I was excited to learn that she worked in the very building where I did my computer training, in Renton. I couldn't wait to meet her! She was as nice as could be, but in the presence of this HR Rock Star, I felt like a babbling fool.

Two days after I got my job, I found the perfect place to live. Just like that. My mind continued to be blown when Lynn, the homeowner, agreed to defer rent payment until I got my first paycheck (!). I would have stopped there on the gratitude spectrum, but each day continues to reveal another layer of good fortune. How much gratitude can a person can feel? Will I burst open and rain confetti upon Seattle?

Below is a pictorial view of my life in Seattle so far, categorized and titled thusly so. And because I'm so grateful, like Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, I'll keep my acceptance speech short. Deep thanks to my family and friends who accepted me and "got" what I was doing on my 10 month journey, even though it flew in the face of everything "rational." Even fewer got it during the entire four years. For that I thank Mom, Sam, Val, Mike, Drea, Mag, Annie, Zee, and Joyce.

And yes, I will be keeping up with the blog. Let the next chapter begin!

Seattle-d My New Place and Roomies

2009-10-08T23:04:00.001-07:00

Here's Lucia and Tommy and a new doll I picked up in Sacramento. Also, this is a card that Andrea Bekemeyer made for me a few years ago. I've been lugging it around for inspiration.

Here are two of my 3 housemates, Larry and Lynn (with her dog Anna). With Jeff, the third, it's hard to schedule a photo shoot.

Seattle-d Where I Walk

2009-10-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

This is Seward Park, a few miles from where I live. It's a peninsula surrounded by the waters of Lake Washington. This is where I walk nearly every day, on a beautiful path along the lake.Can you see Mt. Ranier behind me?

Seattle-d My New Hood

2009-10-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

Here's my neighborhood branch library. Thanks to Larry Browning, Sue Zieman, Randy Bartel, Rob Phair, Annie Brunelle, Ron and Claire Silverstein and Kris Lea for sending USPS mail to me at my new address. Mission Accomplished. Library card successfully issued. Check out that crazy ship sculpture that spins in the wind.

Below the library pics, is McPherson's, the local produce market. Amazing prices on organics, plus some other interesting places in the neighborhood.

Seattle-d Sights of Seattle

2009-10-08T21:42:00.001-07:00

I'm rusty on captions, so here's what you're seeing:

I-5 from down under, near the U of Washington. Look to the right, see the space needle in both shots.

Lenin statue in a neighborhood called Fremont

"Center of the Universe" sign, also in Fremont.

All the rest are from Gasworks Park. In the first one, look to the right, you can see the Space Needle across the water. That balancing girl was amazing.

Seattle-d My New Job

2009-10-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

My new job is with Providence Hospice of Seattle as a per diem admissions nurse. Providence Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system in five states: Alaska, Washington, Montana, Oregon and California. From their website: "Providence continues the legacy of the Sisters of Providence and the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary in the West spanning more than 150 years. Providence Health & Services includes 26 hospitals, more than 35 non-acute facilities, physician clinics, a health plan, a liberal arts university, a high school, approximately 45,000 employees and numerous other health, housing and educational services. The system office is located in Seattle, Washington."

There's a statue of Emilie Gamelin, the foundress of the Sisters of Providence in 1843, at the administrative offices in Renton, where I took my computer class.

Here's me with my new ID badge and standing in front of the Providence sign at the entrance door of my office in downtown Seattle on Pontius Ave.

McKesson!! This is the computer documentation program that Providence uses. After 24 hours of class time, observing clinicians "in the field" using the program, and trying it myself, I can say with confidence: the best thing about McKesson is Melissa the instructor, as seen in the first photo. Below is my classroom area, and that's me in my classroom area, with the "Alison" sign that Melissa made. Thanks to Melissa's fun approach to a daunting subject, our trial test was disguised in a "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" format, including the signature musical jingles, as we climbed toward a million. And guess what....we won! Thanks Melissa!

This is the Admissions area, where admissions nurses (like me) work. Each admission is so involved that only 2 are assigned per day.....that's a ten-hour day.

This is my computer and phone. I'll be getting a GPS, mouse, hands-free set for the phone, and a luggage bag with wheels to haul all this stuff around.

This is the meditation room

This is where I park my car

A Toast to Destiny

2009-09-14T18:18:00.001-07:00

In less than two weeks, I found a nursing job with a hospice in Seattle and a place to live. Later I'll provide the details of every magical instance in this true turn of events. I thought of how easy it has become for me to say "this was meant to be" when referring to a disappointment, and how difficult it was for me to regard this happy fortune in the same way. Here are some pics of my new digs in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle. I'm happy in a way which is new yet utterly welcome. My co-celebrants included Darcy and Greg's dogs. Hank, an 85 pound golden lab pup and Gus (to the left), a freaky bipolar rat terrier. Hank was fun but Gus was a buzzkill.

Here are pics of my new digs.

Hike with Diane

2009-09-14T17:54:00.001-07:00

Diane and I went for a stellar hike in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, very close to Mt. Pilchuck. The hike was through old growth forest and had that hushed, indoor feeling. The trail led us to Heather Lake where we came upon the spectacular vista of a lake surrounded by towering mountains with clouds atop the peaks. The beauty was overpowering. I became filled with emotion and tears came to my eyes.

Photo Shoot with Hank

2009-09-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Slowing Down in Granite Falls, WA

2009-09-01T18:51:00.001-07:00

I arrived in Granite Falls on Friday August 21, 2009. I'm staying with my friends Darcy and Greg. Darcy is a very special friend to me in many ways. She was Sam's midwife in Wichita and not long after his birth, she also took me on as an apprentice. When Greg was transferred to Seattle, my life took a new direction. That's when I went into nursing. I'm housesitting for them from Sept. 8-15. They live 4 miles from town. I have spotty cell reception and no internet. I love the view from their deck and their tap water is the cleanest, coldest, best I've ever tasted. Or not tasted.

Bodega Head, CA: Another Great Day with Mike

2009-08-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

What the Hell Was God Thinking?

2009-08-13T01:03:00.000-07:00

This is Charlie. At first I didn't like Charlie. As I witnessed him catch and kill a squirrel five feet away from me, I was reminded of the show "Nature," where the predator pounces upon prey and with bloodlust, shakes the critter until it hangs limply from its jaws. I've never seen a dog do this. Watching this scene play out in excruciating, vivid, growling detail disturbed me. I felt relieved that his little legs kept him far away from my own neck. Another quirk which I did not find particularly adorable was his obsessive eating of Kris' deck. The generous application of tabasco sauce deterred him not at at all. He's also a yapper, at all times of the day and night. He likes to get the other three dogs all riled up and the cat is afraid to come in the house. He tries to get the cat's food, the other dogs' food and begs humans for food. He knows his name but is poorly trained with commands. "Charlie, sit! Sit! Sit!" Maybe dachshunds can't sit. Despite all that, I grew quite fond of Charlie, because he's a cuddler and a lover, laying his long, sleek back up against my leg, placing his head right in my hand, and who could resist that soft, fine fur? I found myself spending long stretches of time staring at his freakish body, liking him and happy at this unexpected turn.

Rocket

2009-08-08T11:04:00.001-07:00

This is Rocket, Ann and Rob's dog. She's part Sheba Inu. Rocket is secure in and unapologetic for who she is. I grew to love her company and companionship during our daily walks. I certainly didn't expect that a new friend would be a dog. Thank you Rocket.

Hold on to Your Seats

2009-08-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

Remember the van I was about to rent for my now-defunct trip with Isa? In the negotiations with Mr. Lion Goodman, the owner, we became friendly and when I got to Los Altos I called him for a social visit. We agreed to meet in San Francisco on Friday July 31 at 1 pm. He had a meeting at 2, so that would give us an hour.

The day before, however, I met Mike, my young friend from Santa Rosa, in San Francisco for a day of fun, serendipity and adventure. It was a fabulous day, but by the end I was beat. We must have walked ten hilly miles. To get to San Francisco, I'd taken the Caltrain from Mountain View, the city next to Los Altos, and switched to the BART in Millbrae. On my way back home I was so engrossed in my book that I mis-heard the conductor and, thinking it was the Millbrae stop, jumped off the BART in Daly City. Oh shoot! Well, the next train came along in 15 minutes, so no big deal. Ha. That 15 minutes caused me to miss the Caltrain to Mountain View and the next one was in ONE HOUR. I was so mad at myself! It was after 9 pm, I was so sore and tired and it wasn't easy to make peace with this predicament. Well, at least waiting an hour in Millbrae was better than seedy Daly City. And I had my book. But my mind was jumping to tomorrow, when I'd be meeting Lion Goodman, and I found myself dreading the two-hour-each-way shlep to the city for a one-hour visit. I decided to call him in the morning to cancel.

I got home at 11:30, exhausted. I thought, "I should get the mail" but then didn't want to walk all the way to the mailbox (50 feet). Luckily I overcame that moment of whiney indulgence because in the mail I found a package for me, from Sam. It was a collection of true short stories, compiled from NPR's National Story Project. The moldy, warped and stained condition of the book was a little off-putting. But my trust has no bounds where Sam is concerned.

His note was in the book, sticking out.

So I opened to the spot he'd bookmarked and started reading this firsthand account written by a traveling salesman who, in 1978, picked up a hitch hiker named Ray. Ray seemed down on his luck and in the ensuing days, the salesman bestowed various acts of kindness upon Ray. In turn Ray proved very helpful with the work. On the 4th day, the salesman was rearranging the back of the van when suddenly he heard a loud explosion, followed by the awareness that he was bleeding from his head. He looked up and there was Ray, pointing a gun at him. Three more shots to the head. The salesman had a powerful spiritual experience as he made peace with his impending death. Soon, however, he realized that he wasn't dead, which confounded not only him, but also Ray. "How come you're not dead!!!! You're supposed to be dead! I was trying to kill you! Now what am I going to do???" The salesman suggested "Why don't you take me to the hospital?", which Ray flat-out rejected. "I can't do that! You'll turn me in and I can't go back to prison." Despite the salesman's promises to not turn Ray in, Ray refused. This went on through the night; Ray in conflict about killing the salesman and the salesman trying to not get killed. Finally Ray agreed to take him to the hospital. The salesman agreed to not report him on one condition: that Ray never do anything like this again. Ray agreed. The doctor said the salesman was actually shot twice, both superficially. "You were very lucky." End of story.

Oh My God!!!! With instant, renewed motivation, I knew I had to see Lion Goodman the next day. The following morning I called Sam to find out exactly how he came upon this story. He said he was clearing out the rafters of his new place in Chicago and this book was among a lot of waterlogged, moldy detritus. Later as he was sorting through the junk, he picked up the book, opened it randomly to the middle of some story and let his eyes fall arbitrarily upon a sentence. He was hooked and proceeded to read the whole story. When he read the author's name, he experienced the same flabbergastedness as I did. I'd only mentioned Lion Goodman's name to Sam one time, and that was two months ago.

I decided to drive to Millbrae to catch the BART, instead of taking the Caltrain. My train was at noon and I gave myself plenty of time for traffic and parking. Since Millbrae is the end of the line, the train was sitting there waiting. I boarded and commenced reading my book. The train spent some time under ground and when it surfaced I realized that I'd received a call. It was from Lion. Oh no, I hope he's not canceling! His message said that his meeting was pushed up to 1:30, so if I could get there at 12:30 we'd still have an hour. Otherwise it'll be a short visit. I was so relieved that he wasn't canceling and thought, "That's OK, I can tell this story in 30 minutes." Later I looked at the time and O' Happy Day! I'd gotten to Millbrae so early that the train I took was the 11:35! I strolled into our meeting place at exactly 12:30.

Lion loved the story and we had a nice visit. It's not lost on me that every aspect of Lion's and my infintesimal relationship has had a magical quality: our mutual Goodman-ity, his van playing the pivotal role in keeping me in northern CA (which led to my back-to-back Weird Willits Stories), and now this. Is it all just coincidence?

OUCH!

2009-08-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

In cutting open a bag of arugula with Andrea's super-sharp paring knife, I became instantly aware of my lack of mindfulness. A very deep cut. After two days with a pressure dressing, this is what it looks like. What a miracle is the human body.

Late Entry: My Excellent Day in San Francisco with Mike 7/30/09

2009-07-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

More Orb

2009-07-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my lapse. I've been dilatory with contentment. I'm house sitting for a sweet family in Los Altos. The night before they left for vacation, amidst the packing fuss, they paused to look at some pictures of a wedding they had just attended. They looked so beautiful I grabbed my camera. I wasn't the only one drawn to this beautiful moment...check out the orb in the first picture.

Lucy in the Sky With Orb

2009-07-20T11:50:00.001-07:00

Quotes I Like

2009-07-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

“Vision isn’t enough unless it’s combined with venture. It’s not enough to stare up the steps unless we also step up the stairs.” (Vince Havner)

“My life has no mortgage” (Six Feet Under)

“The enormous audacity with which he seized on the situation in which I place him, and made it the pedestal on which his vanity mounted for the one cherished purpose of self display, mastered my astonishment by main force.” (Wilke Collins, "The Woman in White")

“It’s better to be in the meshpucha than oyzmechutin.” (Elinor Goodman)

“Believing that thought patterns are a solid self is the source of our bewilderment and suffering.” (Sakyong Mipham, “Turning the Mind into an Ally”)

“Imagine yourself without questions. Put yourself in her place. She had no questions. She merely, only, waited. This was her wonder: not to predetermine, not to say it will be thus and so – not to know. She did not demand to know, Carl Gustav. And you demand to know. This way, you are a monster.” (Timothy Findlay, “Pilgrim”)

Some Pretty Things

2009-07-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

On A Bridge in San Diego

2009-07-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Cool Things

2009-07-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Photos from the Pre-Oregon Country Fair

2009-07-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is Ellen and Gary and their dog Sammy. Ellen took me on a 20 mile bike ride on the first-class bike path along the Willamette River in Eugene. They built this side-by-side tandem bicycle seen below, which they take to Burning Man each year. I hope I captured the masterful engineering.

Setting Up

I was particularly impressed with the outstanding organization of the Fair. After 40 years, they seem to have it down. The 10,000 volunteers camp at the Fair and must haul tents, supplies and necessities. Hand carts, along with motorized trailers are available for this purpose. Gary and Ellen brought their own wheelbarrow and as you can see in the above photo of Gary, he's proud of his packing job.

Below is the registration area where volunteers (sorted by crew), entertainers and vendors get signed in and wrist banded.

A Bunch of Cool Stuff

The Village

The Fair takes place on 400 acres of land owned by The Fair. Much of the acreage has been built into an intentional community, with dirt roadways lined with unique wooden structures (often 2-stories), occupied by a vendor. The land floods during the off season, and many of the structures must be rebuilt or reinforced each year. The intentional community is just for the 3 days of the Fair. During the rest of the year the land is unoccupied. The 10,000 volunteers set up tents in the woods behind the booths and walkways of the Fair, camouflaged by blankets. I was swept away by grand manifestation of raw and vibrant human creativity. Next Year In Eugene!

Why are you so gorgeous, Robert Redford?

2009-07-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

I got some disappointing news the other day. Back in April, while I was moving my mother, I got into a small accident with the rental car. Although the other car hit mine in the driver's door, I was technically at fault because I was turning into traffic and he was already in the flow of traffic. There was no damage to the other vehicle, but the cost to repair the rental car is $2600. I have a $1000 deductible. I know it could be worse.

I recall the events which led to that accident. Mom and I were planning on watching my sister's kids, Julia and Holden overnight. We wanted to get a good movie and both Mom and I thought of "The Horse Whisperer." The library had a copy, but it was checked out. Same with the Blockbuster nearby. I said, "forget it, let's think of something else," but Mom wanted to check the other Blockbuster, which was not close by. They had it, and in a rare moment of exuberant spontaneity, Mom jumped up and said, "Let's get it!" We got the movie and as I was in the process of turning right out of the driveway and into the near lane (which was clear), exactly at the same moment another vehicle changed lanes. Boom! I had one of those, "where did he come from!?" moments.

Of course I blame Robert Redford. Robert Redford, the rugged Montana cowboy in "The Horse Whisperer", is to Mom what Jackson Browne is to me. Multiplied by a million. Only one thing could summon that level of get-up-and-go in my mother, and that's Robert Redford. If he wasn't so gorgeous, Mom wouldn't have been forced to insist that we get that movie. Clearly we were both victimized.

Robert Redford, do the right thing. Have your people contact my people and let's put this thing behind us. And stop victimizing little old ladies.

I Couchsurfed!!!

2009-07-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

The reason Isa and I went to Port Angeles, WA (back before the Big Split), was that Isa was going to a Sound Healing workshop, conducted by a world-renowned guru expert on the subject, who happened to live in Port Angeles. Although I did not attend the workshop, I met a woman named Ursula who did, and who invited Isa and me to stay at her house, near Portland, on our way back north. After leaving Isa, I didn't think it a stretch invite myself, a little ahead of schedule (and minus Isa). Ursula said yes and I had a wonderful time with her. She had excellent taste in art. I lament my failure to photograph any of it (and I meant to!). She's an accomplished musician and gardner, and volunteers her time with AIDS victims, using another alternative healing technique called Acutonics. She's taking courses for more alternative healing, she folk dances, jazzercises and loves her cat. My respect deepened as I learned of her prior academic accomplishments and the many hurdles she had to overcome. Thank you Ursula!

I rolled into Eugene, OR at about 5pm, found a coffee house with Wi-Fi, and sent out nine requests on Couchsurfing, for that very night. I didn't expect anything, since giving NO notice is highly discouraged. I went for a walk and when I returned to check my email, a woman named Ellen Singer responded. "Yes."

The experience was so utterly positive, and I hit it off so well with her and her husband Gary, that they convinced me to stay another night. And I think we'll remain friends. The Oregon Country Fair (which I'd never heard of) was happening this weekend and Ellen and Gary have volunteered since 1996. They offered to bring me along the following evening, as they set up their tents to camp at the site. I said, "Oh, there's a festival in Winfield, Kansas like that, where people camp on site for the weekend." They said, "This is like nothing you've ever seen."

The Oregon Country Fair is a non-profit organization which owns the land on which the fair takes place. This year celebrates their 40th Anniversary. Eighteen stages, more than 100 acts (music, vaudeville, acrobatics, unique performances), juried artists, excellent food, on 400 acres of land, complete with pathways, wooden structures and sculpture. Four thousand volunteers, along with the performers, artists and vendors, form an intentional community for one weekend per year. I was so dazzled and enthralled by what I saw (and remember, this was during the set-up, before the actual fair started), that, in my zombie-like state, I started defining my life in terms of "Before" and "After" the Oregon Country Fair. I was easily drawn into this positive and creative manifestation of the human spirit. Should I ditch my house-sitting commitment in Los Altos? Ah, timing, timing. So.....after Jerusalem, Next Year in Eugene! I took 100 photos and have several hours of processing to do. Be patient. Soon you'll see nuthin but pictures.

I arrived at Ann and Rob's house in Los Altos on Thursday evening. I'm very comfortable here and love their dogs, Nicky and Rocket. It's nice to reconnect with Ann and to be reminded of what a good friendship feels like. Ann and Rob are a such good couple (watch out, Drea and Dave, they might win in a throwdown). Maybe I'll start a "Best Couples" list. Both of their families are on the east coast, so they're getting married near Philly. By the way, I went to Grinnell College with Ann and we hadn't been in touch until I called her last March. Here are some pics from that visit.

$75 isn't much to pay for freedom

2009-07-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

My trip with Isa is Kaput, as well as our friendship (I assume). Plus that bit of cash. We got as far as Port Angeles, WA, before turning back to Seattle. I feel grateful that we hadn't gone farther. I have a theory. Isa and I spent July 4 in the beautiful town of Port Townsend, WA, which is on the northern shore of the Olympic Peninsula. I became quite smitten with the town and liked the friendly people. Although it's a tourist town, it has a distinct non-touristy personality, and good balance vibes. I found myself thinking of relocating there. Or, locating, I should say. I was excited for many reasons, but mainly because I haven't had this reaction to any other place. So, my theory is that the purpose of my 3-year friendship with Isa was to lead me to Port Townsend. Once that happened, mission accomplished, and the friendship was over the next day.

I'm heading to Los Altos to house'n dog sit for my friends Ann and Rob while they go get hitched in Pennsylvania. July 10-19.

Was I Possessed?

2009-06-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

While at Diane's, I applied for a nursing license for Washington state. Oregon required 940 hours of actual nursing work in the past two years, so that was out. But getting a WA license was like a drive-thru. Do you want cheese on that license? I can't remember the exact string of thoughts which preceded the string of steps, but I was on the internet for hours; hospice jobs in OR and WA, researching requirements, checking out the pay. Finally I decided to go to bed, looked out the window and noticed that it was getting light outside! I slept for a few hours, then got to it again: taking the required HIV/AIDS course for all WA healthcare providers ($42 online), filling out WA's license-verification request to the Kansas State Board of Nursing ($25) and filling out the application for WA ($90). When I got done, it was 4:00 am.

I walked to the post office, put the letters in the box and became aware of the odd feeling of having been possessed. What I'd done came about in a completely backwards way than I normally used to make these kinds of decisions, as if the action came first, and the decision followed.

Thanks to Diane

2009-06-27T15:42:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Seattle on June 17 and stayed at a mediocre motel in Monroe, killing time before apartment-sitting for my friend Diane, who I'd met 25 years ago in Wichita. She's lived in North Carolina, including Asheville, for twenty years, before moving to Washington last year.

Diane is especially inspirational to me because of her newest direction in life. She just finished the first of a five year program at Bastyr University to become a naturopathic physician. She turned 60 in April. I found her one-bedroom apartment intensely comfortable, with a quality futon bed, organic sheets, top appliances and kitchenware, pretty artwork, beautiful plants and sweet, little "Diane" touches all around. But more than that, I drank in the sensation of home, brimming over with gratitude at the stability, comfort and lovliness.

I picked Isa up from the airport on June 24 and she stayed with her niece's family in nearby Duvall, until my apt.-sitting gig was up. Isa regularly invited me along with her and her niece to various Seattle sights, but I generally declined. I preferred to stay home. I walked every day, I resumed yoga, I watched "Colbert" and "Daily Show," and cooked.

I decided that it's not serving me or the universe to use so much energy just to figure out where to sleep each night.

2009-06-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

H a p p y 23 B i r t h d a y

S a m

Below is an email we all received today from Sam:

An good Morning, to good Family . . . . .

I write from French Canada. The breeze sifts slowly through the redbrick alleyway and through the big window on the opposite walls, from here the brightness and the business of people's movings on the street are nowhere to be heard...

The first hot week in Montreal...brings sweat to the edges of skin and dancing to the middle of bodies all around...Two days ago was Quebec Day and Today the day of Sam...

I would like to write more later, but the long and short is that I'm out of telephone reach...Perhaps next Tuesday I'll be back in the states, and hopefully then I'll speak to most of you...

Until then, I love you all.

Love, Sam

After the Peaceful Klamath Hostel

2009-06-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

I stopped in Ashland, OR and stayed at a hostel which was poorly run, but nothing that effected me directly. However I saw the rippling effects upon other guests and felt bad for them. The Shakespeare Festival was happening and the town was hopping. I didn't go to any plays, but really liked the town of Ashland, touristyness aside. It reminded me of Asheville.

For the next two weeks I sunk into a deep funk, using a lot of my energy to figure out where to sleep each night. Both hostels in Portland were full. I slept some nights in the car, dreading the following day of exhaustion each time. A motel here and there. I was lonely and depressed. I had little energy to fight the horrible thoughts which just WAIT for these moments. So opportunistic. "You're a loser." "You'll never find your stupid Destiny." "Everyone has a life except you." "This was a dumb idea." "DEBT!" "You're irresponsible." Crying, waves of sorrow.

I managed to call four contacts in Washington during this time and one of them, Diane, invited me to stay at her apartment in the Seattle area while she was away for ten days. This was to begin on June 19, after her finals. She just finished her first year of naturopath school at Bastyr University. I also heard back from some other old Wichita friends, who moved to WA twenty years ago, who I'd lost touch with. I had dinner with them, spent the night, and left the following afternoon. I enjoyed seeing them, but had the sense that I intruded and imposed. In my insecure frame of mind, I imagined what probably wasn't there and brought to light the negative aspects of being on the road. People have lives and can't be standing by to put me up for days with little or no notice. In my weak emotional state, all I saw was lack in me. I loved everything about their home. It was brimming with manifestations of their individual and collective creativity and quality work. The garden, the quilts she makes, his craftsmanship in the remodeling, the coziness, the photographs, the peace.

Due to the flowy and timeless nature of my trip, I realized in the beginning, that l had to change my thinking regarding self-inviting. As a host, I've never regarded it as rude, but could understand how others would. This journey has necessitated some degree of chutzpah and courage to invite myself, along with resolve to accept a "no" without emotional attachment. After seven months, it has gotten no easier to invite myself. I thought it would. In addition, I've found myself unable to not take the rejections personally. Even though they never are. They really do a number on me, like a kick in the gut.

I was already feeling like I was intruding upon my friends with the cozy and lovely house, and just couldn't bring myself to bluntly ask them if I could stay for three more days, when I'd be at Diane's. As I drove away, I had no idea where I'd sleep that night. I called two more friends, who both said no, nothing personal I am sure, but that was the last straw.

After My Weird Willits Weekend

2009-06-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

I splurged for a motel in Arcata and then headed up to Klamath, where I then stayed at a beautiful hostel.

My bedroom and the view from it

Trail head behind hostel living room

I should have stayed for more than one night, since it wasn't crowded and it only cost $21 per night. I went on a spectacular walk which included forests and ocean. Here are some pictures:

I met many nice folks and I liked the way the place was run. I felt peaceful and happy.