Milk is political? You're kidding, right?

Saturday, I headed over to Sequim (pronounce Skwim) with a friend, who’d never been. There’s a lot to do over there, but we hit what were (for us) the high points. Sequim’s claim to fame is that it’s in the rain shadow of the Olympics, so although it’s in the PNW, they get so little rain that they have to irrigate (and proclaim it with an annual Irrigation Festival.) They also grow a LOT of lavender (and have a Lavender Festival, as well.)

On the way into town, we stopped off for a lavender mocha (well, I guess that’s not my drink of choice, but it was worth a try) & then stopped at Sunshine Herb & Lavender Farm, which is always terrific. The fields are just coming into bloom now, and the nursery is full of different lavenders and other herbs. Their gift store is amazing, and they make everything themselves.

Then on to the Co-op, which is always fun, even though I’m not really a farm girl. But they do have cute Farm Girl brand jeans & Bogs. And lots of good lawn furniture. Then down the street is Over the Fence, which is always fun. Lots of home-type things, and candles. By this time, I had tried about every tester known to mankind, and my hands were soft and… let’s say “fragrant.”

We had lunch at the Oak Table Cafe, just off the main drag to prepare for a hike on Dungeness Spit. Good homestyle cooking, and a lot of it.

Then off to the Spit, but we made two stops on the way. One was to the Dungeness Valley Creamery, which provides the Puget Sound area with raw milk. I hadn’t had raw milk before coming to PT, and was amazed at the difference. Raw milk is illegal in some states, and even in WA, where it’s legal, they come under all sorts of attacks. (Read their testimonials page to see what I mean.) This operation was spotless, and filled with people going about their work with smiles on their faces. The cows out in the field looked contented & well-cared for, which is quite a change from “normal” dairy operations that I’ve passed, holding my nose & despairing for the animals that have to live that way.

Another quick stop at Nash’s Organic Farm stand. It was amazing all the vegetables and fruit they can provide this early in the season. I’ve seen a lot of hoop houses, so that’s probably the secret. The store is very well-organized, and displays the work of local artisans, as well.

Finally, on to Dungeness Spit. The tide was coming in, which pushed us up onto the rocky parts. We may have walked a mile, but it was a rough mile. The weather was gorgeous, though, and mountains, ocean and big driftwood is a wonderful combination. Renewed my intention to camp overnight there sometime.

More pix here. And recipe for Lavender Lemonade…

It’s a cold gray drizzly summer (??) day in Port Townsend. Reminds me of the quote attributed to Mark Twain (no verification yet): “The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco.” Tip of the week- don’t book any summer connecting flights out of San Francisco. You can thank me later.

Yesterday, I could have sunbathed (didn’t, but could have.) Today, it’s get out the parka. Welcome to the PNW. I’m hoping my little tomato & basil plants don’t just collapse- they’re nestled up against a south-facing wall, so maybe the residual heat will help.

Here are some Friday links for you:

• How animals spend a typical day This might actually be more useful than Enneagrams or Meyers-Brigg. I can hardly wait till it’s picked up by some idiot HR person.
• How to be a Ninja Takes casual Fridays to a whole new level.
• How to destroy the Ninja evidence- Mask? What mask? Japanese t-shirt folding. Also makes a good party trick. Well, it depends on the party, I guess.
• Wooly Pockets! Vertical gardening! It’s a good thing I don’t own a home.
• Guerilla Gardening vending machines?
• OK Go- This Too Shall Pass: Thanks to Nancy Shapiro, of Common Thread Coaching! (very popular video, sometimes crashes, but well worth a watch!)

Your Spacious Self- http://www.spaceclear.com/

No, I’m not talking about vacuuming up space litter (although that’s a terrific idea.) For me, this path started in San Miguel de Allende, where I took a weekend class in Space Clearing @ the Life Path Center, led by Stephanie Bennett Vogt & Nancy Shapiro.

What started out as a kind of lark (one more workshop…) ended up being a truly transformative experience.

I’ve always been “the messy one.” The one with so many irons in the fire that I’m surrounded by the detritus of my enthusiasms. And always, I’ve beaten myself up about it, trying to get a handle on the clutter. Because I really do value and love simplicity and organization. I just don’t know how to achieve it.

Every effort I’ve made has involved a new book, or a new technique that scolded told me how awful I was, and what to do about it. A whirlwind of picking up & boxes dragged to Goodwill. (“This time, it’s for real! I really mean it! No more clutter!”) And every time, “stuff” crept back in, until things were back to ” normal.” And then the self-loathing cycle would begin again.

What’s different about space clearing (as I understand it, and as it works for me) is that it addresses not just the physical clutter, but the energetic issues behind it. And it’s not about scolding and trying to be “better.” It’s a gentle dialog- an experiment. What if… I put my keys in the same place every day for a month? And gently, gently, things change.

It’s not about being regimented or compulsive. It’s about uncovering the spacious life each of us is heir to. So that’s one of the things I’m working on this summer. I may express it as “cleaning out the storage unit,” but what I’m doing is editing- setting free the “stuff” that doesn’t make my heart sing, to make room for what does. It’s not a grim exercise in forcing myself to toss things. It’s a stroll, rather than a forced hike. What do I really love? And what is superfluous to my life? And what will arise in this new space I’m creating?

There’s a parable I’ve always loved, about a sloppy housekeeper who was given a beautiful flower. She set it on her messy table, and then saw that to appreciate the flower, she should clean the table. Once she did, she saw that the room the table was in need of cleaning. So she cleaned that. And the room was so beautiful, that she was inspired to clean the next room…

And I thank Stephanie & Nancy, as well as my fellow participants, from the bottom of my (more spacious) heart.

Blast from the past

Those of you who’ve been privy to my end of the wedding saga were no doubt wondering how on earth I expected to host my sister, niece and mother for a couple days in what’s generally considered a large studio apartment. Yeah, I was wondering, too. And scurrying around to all the thrift stores, combing craigslist for decent bedding for them. All I had was a twin bed & a single aero bed…

Just as it was coming down to the wire, this set showed up @ the Habitat Store. Not only that, but when I called my landlord (aka guy with a big truck) he was free right then & came down & fetched it. Whew! Law of Attraction in action!

Those of you who  knew me in the 70’s are  no doubt laughing your heads off. Yes, indeed. I had a set very much like this as a teenager… back when it was cool. What I’m wondering… this makes so much more sense than a futon. Why did they stop making them? (Other than the icky fabric. But that can be changed…)

Here is some Friday fun:

• The Hacker’s Diet- An Eat Watch? I kept checking for signs of sarcasm, but am afraid this guy is all too serious.
• The Uniform Project- One dress, 365 days. A stunt blog, but one with a cause.
• Bacon facts- Get ready, National Bacon Day is 9/4
• Bang Bang Egg Cooker- because you can’t live on bacon alone
• Fairy Congress- The Fairy & Human Relations Congress is coming right up, 6/25
• Outlaw Catalog of Cagey Optimism- I like this so much better than the DSM-IV

First Dance

I know, blog readers must think that I arrived in Port Townsend & then disappeared somewhere into this rarefied atmosphere. But no, that’s not it.

My son & his wife (!) have been planning a terrific wedding for a year or so now, and that’s one of the reasons I’m back in the PNW. Groom’s moms don’t have a huge role to play, and I can’t take any credit for how well it worked out. (The bride’s family… they are probably still recovering!)

But there were a LOT of people coming from the ends of the earth to celebrate, so I was doing a bit of work on that end, and playing limo driver. It was really terrific to see everyone. And that’s a huge part of a wedding- having the families and friends all together to “witness” the union really is different than just sending out a change of address card.

The wedding was incredible- even the weather cooperated. How often do you get a sunburn in Seattle? I’m sure the out of town guests are spreading rumors even now that Seattle is actually beautiful and blue and warm (ha!)

Here are some of the other photos. Best wishes to Mr & Mrs Voss, who are recuperating in Mexico, far far away, with no cell phones. And I’m settling down with The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. Hasta luego!

Once again, I was playing with the Law of Attraction, sure that I’d find the perfect place. Lots of friends gave me tips, and then… I got my old place back! The one with the red bookshelves and the fantastic landlords. I even have a little garden space, so may be able to grow some of my own veggies.

So far, I’ve updated my library card, visited both libraries, saw a deer, and been to the co-op to buy raw milk & coconut oil, where I ran into SMD. I know I can count on her to get the word out that I’m back. Then, while looking for necessities @ the thrift shops, ran into N, who stopped me from making an unfortunate purchase & offered to loan me a jacket for the wedding!

Gosh I heart PT! It’s good to be back. And to be in a place where I know where the light switches are… priceless.

Inukshuk sculpture Vancouver, BC

Sorry for the long absence! I was on a trip to British Columbia. Went to Vancouver, Victoria & then 10 lovely days in Tofino (on the West coast of Vancouver Island.) Had an absolutely lovely time with my dear someone, and the weather was faaantastic. (I think my weather curse has finally worn off!)

I did take lots of pictures, and boy, did we eat well. Can you believe I’d  never had Dungeness crab before? (I know, I know. But they’re kind of scary.) Well, I made up for lost time. Now I can eat one quicker than a sea otter. And oysters- raw, grilled, fried- you name it.

If you’re in Tofino & not into cooking for yourself, I can highly recommend the Wickininnish Inn and Sobo. At the Wick Inn (where they make their own butter- these guys are serious!), an eagle flew right past the window while we were eating. And Sobo has some of the best food anywhere. The polenta fries & fried oysters, oh my! For casual, go to the Jiggers fish & chip truck in Ucluelet- you won’t be sorry!

As my rental ends May 31, I found myself stressing out about “the future,” trying to plan & control things (b/c I’m so good at that!) But once again, the Universe showed me that it’s all taken care of, better than I could have dreamed.

With a LOT of help from my friends, I’ve found my next place to live. As of June 1, I’ll be back in Pt Townsend! Not only that, but back in my old apt, with the lovely red bookshelves! It will be such a delight to be back in familiar territory…

Citation needed

So… I’m way late on TGIF. In fact, it’s Monday,  those of you who are 9-5 MF working stiffs have had to find your own laughs for the weekend.

What was I doing that was so darned important? Well, I was participating in Conversation Cafe in Pt Townsend. That involves physically sitting @ a table w/other people who are physically present and talking. Seriously! And then visiting a friend & making a real dinner, which we ate at a table with teenagers.  And people spoke. And ate with silverware.  Honest! Heck, I made a PIE. I can do that, you know.

I know, I”m so retro, it cracks me up sometimes….

Here are your belated laughs. Remember to smile- it makes them wonder what you’re up to.

• New Age Terrorists develop Homeopathic Bomb
• Unitasker- One more thing you can do without. Or can you?
• lolcat in action- you can haz cheezburger!
• Better than privacy
• Spiral Blessing spell- Blessed Bee, all you entomologists!

I called friends in Vancouver, WA & arranged to meet them for lunch. After all this traveling alone & meeting new people, it was really good to see some old friends. And it turned out that E’s daughter is a really talented artist, and I got to meet her & see some of her work.

Then got to Olympia, WA, called another old friend & chatted for a while.

April 26 I made a speed-trip to Pt Townsend to pick up some stuff from storage and had lunch with a friend I’d missed in my last whirlwind visit. We ate at The Spot, and had wonderful soup! I’ve never seen a “soup sampler” before (3 different kinds of yummy soup!) and it was great.

Then on to Seattle where P&J met me & helped me move all my gypsy stuff into their apt. Went out to dinner & saw their beautiful new house, and then “home” to my first night in my new digs in West Seattle.

April 27-29 So… I’m kind of settling in… This is the first time I’ve lived in a “city” (They tell me West Seattle is a place apart…) Not sure what’s next, but I’ve got all my gadgets hooked up & am getting the laundry done. I’ve gotten to see both of my boys & my DIL-to-be, which is great; I’ve really missed them!

I’m going to PT tomorrow… (storage again!) managed to get all my errands (oil change, haircut, etc) arranged so that I can be there on a Friday, which means (YES!) I get to go to Conversation Cafe and see a LOT of friends all at once. I need to do a post on Conv Cafe, b/c it’s one of my favorite things.

Can you believe… this trip was over 7000 miles, and Max the Prius did not have a single problem? I heart that car! And I did not lose one single electronic charger. And only ate fast food one time (Post, TX) I’m very proud of us! But I need a nap now…

Wild Rivers Wool Factory, Langlois OR

April 22- Spent another day resting up in Gold Beach, OR. What a great little town! I really liked it there. And the folks @ the Gold Beach Inn were just great. Look out, I’ll be back!

April 23- Finally decided I’d better get on the road again. I was thinking about Bandon, OR, but just before I got there, I happened on to Wild Rivers Wool Factory. Of course, having a mom who owns a sheep farm, I had to stop. And boy, am I glad I did. I’d passed lots of sheep on my way into town, and this tiny factory takes the local wool & creates everything from art to yarn to insulation! Not just that, but she sells these incredible SpinOlution spinning wheels and teaches spinning, knitting & other fiber arts. Oh my!

Then on to Bandon, where I had breakfast & checked out some art galleries. Very, very nice stuff. Laurel Studio Gallery was my favorite, and I especially loved Laurel Gregory’s aboriginal inspired art.

Farther up the road, I stopped at the Silver Surf Motel in Yachats. I’ve been having great luck w/independent motels lately, and this one was terrific. Views of the beach and lots of extra little touches for a (very) weary traveler.

April 24- In between rainstorm, I somehow got a radio station from Eugene, KLCC, that was playing folk music, and got to hear some great new stuff, as well as Gillian Welch, which cheered me immensely. My favorite new-to-me was Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer- The River, Where She Sleeps.

Stopped in Manzanita, OR to look around, but decided to go on to Cannon Beach, which has many great memories. Just for the heck of it, I stopped at the Hallmark Inn, where I’d stayed before, for a wedding. Didn’t really expect to get a room, but once again I totally lucked out. I don’t dare tell you the deal they made me! And I have a room overlooking the ocean, with a balcony and gas fireplace. And fancy schmancy soaps! Heaven!

So now I’m packing for the last night on the road. I’ll be “home” in West Seattle Monday night!