The soil is fertile here in the Pacific Northwest, just they way you picture it would be in the world's largest temperate rainforest. We, as humans, are definitely a part of nature, but it seems to take us quite a bit longer to adapt to our surroundings. At least to the point of feeling settled, like, say, a pine cone can adapt and settle from its former tree to the forest ground. Perhaps it's all of the extraneous stuff we bring to the new place; books and beds, couches and chairs, dishes … [Read more...]
Our Oregon Trail
As the movers pulled away from our Lowcountry (freshly empty) home Wednesday, it felt like I was watching the scene unfold upon me from outside of myself. It's still all pretty surreal. Strangely, I did not feel any attachment to our home of 3 1/2 years; not even to the sanctuary that was our house, which David and I spent many resources remodeling and fine tuning. It is and always will be in a place that doesn't work for us. Now, while I sit in an Omaha coffeehouse, it feels so good to … [Read more...]
Einstein Sure Was Smart
I was in Orlando last weekend, amidst the sea of childhood imaginations and restaurant row. I had a great time visiting with David's parents, and while Orlando isn't a place I would typically choose to visit, it is the half-way point between our homes, making it a fairly easy drive for both of us. None of this has anything to do with Einstein, though. But cars everywhere with American flags ablaze next to airbrushed, roaring, larger-than-life Bald Eagles slapped onto the ENTIRE BACK WINDOW of … [Read more...]
Camping, Traditional Music, and a Sprinkle of Freaks
Me man and I enjoyed the outdoors this weekend while camping in Moravian Falls, NC - about 4 miles from Wilkesboro, NC, home of Merlefest. In honor of Merle Watson, Doc Watson's son who died in a tractor accident back in 1985, Merlefest has been bringing "traditional plus" music to Wilkesboro ever since. During our visit, we were lucky enough to see some amazing music. Here's the line-up: Levon Helm Band Ollabelle Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder with Bruce Hornsby Hot Buttered … [Read more...]
Re-connection in Cincy
I had the pleasure of visiting two dear friends this past weekend in Cincinnati. With my visit, I was also treated to seeing many other good friends who also live there. Oh joy! And the one (major) factor missing in my life these days are just that - my friends. While I have so much that I am incredibly thankful for every day, my friends have always been my family, an ethos which was naturally ignited in high-school and reinforced through the world of the Grateful Dead and westward travel. … [Read more...]
Alaska Synopsis
After Vancouver unleashed her many delights upon David and me for three days and two nights, we boarded the Island Princess for a seven night cruise. The first two days took us along the inside passage, which was magical, mysterious, and wrought with unidentifiable flying objects. First stop - Ketchikan, where I was incredibly excited to fly through the trees like a monkey. Although I was far less balletic than my primate brethren, I did, in fact, fly through the trees via a zipline hung as … [Read more...]