Last Post in Arizona

The movers arrived this morning about 9:00am and were done about 11:15 then off to my NAU office; got that all loaded by 12:30pm...so, the carpet guy is working on two bedrooms and z is finishing the LR...a and xo will be over later to clean...s and b came over to get more stuff;...I did not feel well this morning. Shortness of breath...have not had that in years...so, I hope I will be ok after the trip...spent the night a c last night and slept really well in a real bed...beautiful sunny warm summer day in Flag...sitting in my nau office for the last time. Turning in my keys pretty soon....so off to a new adventure in my life...oh z is renting my house...yea...so thrilled about that...great human being....I am thrilled about that...all coming "full circle" thank you HP for taking care of me....walk in beauty, char you will be in Portland pretty soon. lov to everyone here. thank you to dear l in Portland...see u soon

"The Return of Baby Son" a mew summer feature

This is unreal...I got home late last night after dinner at a Tai restaurant...as I drove up I saw a cat; I said this isn't one I really know since all 3 were in their new homes...I thought...a few minutes later, The Cat came running into the kitchen and I really looked at it...IT WAS BABY SON. He came home from Donney Park...several miles away...!!!!!!! He looked really good but was pretty hungry...he jumped on my lap and licked my face and neck...he was so happy to be here and I started crying since I could not believe it myself...so he slept with me last night...he has been in and out all day and I called his new owner and she is coming by this evening to get him...he is actually outside and I can't get him in the house...! I have heard of stories like this but it has not happened to me before...............Baby Son's Return...the name of a new movie? I went to several places today to take care of more business re moving...got my hair cut and fixed really nicely...a little present of "self-care" for me after all these days of working so hard on the move....several uu are coming over tonight to help me...z was here earlier re the LR; always something else to consider...may need to use a licensed electrician...always something else....getting down to the last parts of the house--kitchen, my office, food stuff, little by little it is happening....yes, I am leaving Flag after 21 years. I am glad I decided to keep my house; it means security and home to me in upcoming years...no one knows what will happen but at least I am taking a new plunge...no it is not a geographical....I am moving toward a new life not running away from one. went to Starbucks and said good bye to Denise; she almost cried. my left hand is tingling a lot like when I had carpel tunnel on my right wrist....rita from next door took me out to lunch at the new New Frontiers; ran into ... t's ole classmate; she is replacing K's position at BB/BS....got the back of the front door painted with a new coat of red..looks so pretty. "taking care of business" yes, that is what I am doing...tension, stressful but very rewarding to see all of the work happening around me. A l said this is my body and I am making it pretty before I go to Portland; it has become my home and it is now reflecting love. It is Wed pm and I am leaving on Sun after uu...wow...just a few more days and hours to go...it will get all done! Got a cute message from L1 that Ikea is waiting for me in Portland...she is so precious.

It's a blurr...Sat and Sun

It snowed off and on on Sat but the yard sale went ahead; several people came by...lots of help from many friends, relatives, etc. b and s and I went to dinner and laughed even more...just too much crazy stuff all day. too many cooks. my neck was really sore from sleeping on the floor the last few nights. got up at 3 am on Sat and stayed awake until 4:30 or so then fell asleep again. went to uu and took flowers..had bkfast with b and s.a couple of people came by to help take away stuff to goodwill and UU yard sale so the garage is looking pretty empty now. b and s left this afternoon so I took a nap since i was so wiped out. very quiet around here now and that feels good quite frankly considering how the last two days have been. my home phone was on the blink since I turned off the cable and forgot it connected to the phone...it is fixed now. of course today it is beautiful with no crazy weather like SNOW. so, the last week is coming up--unreal. have some people who are interested in the house. trust the process, c. so...off to get my office at home packed and see my mail from the last week...w gave a great sermon this am...about race in the us...everyone clapped. i will be back tomorrow with his truck to take more away...letting go and letting g. missing a.

a family surprise

b and s came to see me tonight from wr...we had dinner at the h and laughed until our sides hurt and I could barely stand up...seriously, tried to have a yard sale this am and it was snowing....ok so I sat in my lawn chair in my kitchen and watched the snow...three brave souls came to see what I had at the garage sale...drive around with c and went to purchase some carpet for the two bedrooms...not so hard...got to sleep now..nite nit

Unreal Day

Woke up to "it is snowing"---had a panic attack with a on the phone...poor thing had to listen to me cry, wine, etc. etc...I had so much fear that I was not going to be able to pack it all...she gave me some great suggestions! First sit down and have some coffee...I just woke up and started to run around with my head cut off...didn't even know where to start..so went to m and r and had breakfast and COFFEE. D came at 11:00am and worked until about 3 on the house; he got so much done. He is so fast...worked on my office, holes in the wall, the bathroom drawers and painted them after sanding them. Some of this makes me really mad because this house did not get any attention as a couple but now I am taking care of business....yes, i can get stuff accomplished Here it will be in the best shape for a stranger and not me...oh well; such is life, I guess..I basically got started packing in the kitchen (pantry, dishes, silverware, etc, etc). B came over for about 2 hours and we had some fruit tart from last night. c called later and we went to dinner at the "New Frontiers" which had its grand opening today...saw m & j..had dinner with them too; just love them...I didn't think I was going to be here for the opening of our new big city like store...then I remembered I will be in PORTLAND with lots of stores like this....so, after dinner came back and started on the garage and my bedroom getting ready for the yard sale tomorrow...the kitchen is finally clean and has some order after chaos all day! c took the tv in the living room; m's brother came over and helped her move it...so, it is certainly happening...d is going to work on the bedroom carpet tomorrow...it is taking shape; I think I will be able to leave on June 1...just my office is the next big room but lots of it is done...just current papers, bills, etc and my home computer...I dreamed that Ophie came home last night...I sure miss her and all of them...my life is really changing in such a big way..I am excited and thrilled all at the same time...up and downs..all day long...that it what moving is all about. someone said I looked like I had joy in my face again!!!!

UU Board Last Meeting

I have been on the UU board for 3 years and tonight was my last meeting; it went from 6 to 9:30 pm. I took goodies and some flowers to everyone...they brought me a tart with strawberries and a sweet card and they appalled at the end...I am going to miss everyone..they have always been so supportive of my journey; I made the motion to have UUFF agree to sign a letter to our major regarding an ordinance re G/L/B/T and have the UUFF vote on it at our annual board meeting on June 1. Yea Team! Finally they did it....Portland elected in a new gay mayor...it is happening all over. The picture is of "Son" who got placed in his new home on Monday night; I just wanted everyone to see his pix too. I miss all of them...I keep seeing them in all their old hants...by the front door, purring, rubbing up against the wall....they brought me so much love and sweetness.

Sara Wins Big

Sara won the mayors post tonight by 65%...change is coming to Flag; went to the Democratic party re "Sara" watch...about 6:30---Ian announced she won! JR came from Prescott and was nice to see him; i saw so many people and was able to tell them about Portland and say goodbye....had coffee with a afterwards. so it has been a big day and I am tired but so excited!

it is unreal--how time flies!

just can't believe how time is rapidly getting faster and faster; signed the house over to a property manager...that is a huge relief...now I can actually turn to other things I have to do to "get out of town"---considering this change of events I think I can leave on June 1 as previously planned.....he actually is a sweet guy and he bought something from the garage sale already! who would have known....so, off to my last democratic event in flag tonight...watch the returns for our mayoral race...and of course, Oregon...I feel like a race horse now....coming down the last lap...(or turning the corner to get to the last lap)...it will all be ok charchar---you did not come this far to have it not continue to be wonderful.....if my three kids are online right now just know I am thinking of all of you in your new "cat houses"...so to speak. Got to be humorous. I actually planted these bulbs last fall and THEY COME UP FROM UNDER THE SNOW...what a treat...they were planted in honor of my mom. The first pix is at my retirement party at NAU on 5/2...my social work faculty....not really my, but you know what I mean...we look great don't we.

61 Ways to Say I Love You

What shall I think about and do in the next two weeks? 1. drive to the peaks, 2. gather some sage, 3. watch the moon and stars, 4. make sure to say I love you to those I am around; 5. give thanks to all those who are around; 6. pray, 7. smell, touch, love, sing, dance on mother earth here, 8. give the sky a big hug, 9. smile, 10. laugh, 11. cry, 12. pack, 13. listen, 14. think of all the joy and love that flag has brought to my life in so many ways (human, animal, plants, sky, stars, other beings), 15. train, 16. sunset, 17. the tender paws of Ophie, Son, and Baby Son; 18. the sweet barking of Libby; 19. the love from Ruby, 20. giving thanks to L2 for all the listening and acceptance of my heart, mind, body, spirit in three years; 21. pictures of Ascona Way, 22. acceptance of change and new love in my life of new places, people, and things; 23. acceptance of my loss of t; 24. loving her as she is; 25. loving me as I am; 26. saying goodbye to those who I have loved and cared for; 27. let go, 28. let goddess, 29. self care, 30. be gentle, 31. love those at uu and your home there; 32. know that the tears you have are to help ease the pain of leaving; 33. be present to all that is around you; 34. all will be well; 35. it is the way it is suppose to be; 36. tell z thank you for his empathic listening; 37. letting go of all the "things" is a good thing; 38. be open to all the lessons that are being given to you now; 39. it is a very special time; 40. your journey is taking you to a wonderful new place; 41. your circle of life is being shown to you in so many ways; 42. rumi; 43. thank you to ali, carol, bren 44. thank you to deb, maria, becky, 45. thank you to all those who I have not thought of right now. 46. barb:love; 47. last year served its purpose to let you go into another world; 48. i lov you charchar. 49. listen more; 50. pray more; 51. i lov u L1; 52. thank u to nau for the last 21 years; 53. thank you to all the students who have taught me so much; 54. listen to your internal wisdom; 55. forgive; 56. and to the silence that provides the way...57. play; 58. art; 59. walk in beauty; 60. registrar to vote; 61. love your humor. Adios to Flag and Hola to Portland!

party time

Friday went to b house for a fun party with all the l in town...long talk with p and others about me moving...bought a bottle of champanye and shared it with everyone to say goodbye; a did a very sweet "toast" to me...Sat...worked like a dog yesterday on the house with a and h...we got so much done; the garage is now in zones...house is feeling so empty...went shopping with a and bought some nice professional clothes; a is a great sister...my friend v came and got my bed tonight..so I will be sleeping on the living room floor on a blow up mattress with son...he is going to c house on Monday evening..packing and more packing...tiny decisions over and over again...it is so tiring--but really feels good to get rid of so much...how could i have so much...i will be leaving numerous boxes here...MY FEET HURT..

Baby Son to NACA

took bs to naca yesterday and the entire staff came out to the parking lot to see him; could not get Son into the cat carrier considering he was lost in the house...called c today and bs is doing pretty good; I will be taking Son to naca tomorrow. got word from b that Ophie is doing pretty good all in all; she is starting to venture out of the guest room; b is allowing her to be as shy as she needs to be; total acceptance of her...i have been packing all day....m came over in the afternoon to talk; made her an Italian soda...i don't have the ingredients down yet; had a very nice dinner with j,m, and c....talked a lot about moving, friends, parties, places we have lived...we almost closed the place down...so doing pretty well....z said he could not rent the house so on to plan b...renting it to others...placed an ad on Craig's list and got an email from someone this evening. i may stay another week considering having to get this place in shape for renters...so life is showing me the way... So Son will be leaving tomorrow and it makes me very sad...I will be all alone then..their spirits will be here and in my heart all the time.

ophie to becky

Guess what happened last night: IT SNOWED. Woke up to several inches on the ground...that's flag for you....ANYWAY.... The saga of Ophie and her going to aunt b....it took two of us to get her into her carrying case....long story...I drove her and she meowed the entire way, of course. got to b and she stayed in her little storage unit...and the other cats (b has 9 others) started to come by and look at her---b will be wonderful to her...i wrote b a "Life History of Ophie" and b really loved it and laughed throughout it...so, she is with b now....i have been crying all day...and when i got home i was suppose to take Son and BS to another adoptive home and they could not be found too; I guess O left a newspaper announcement for her siblings...but they eventually came home--the placement will be tomorrow when i can get some rest...it is so emotional; i am really happy so to speak that i am doing this early and not at the last minute...placing my kids! Someone bought the coffee maker....I think I will take the speciality coffee maker to P with me; it makes single cups of interesting coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. cozy to the ultimate. I am getting tired and starting to feel it all over....this is a big job! So many emotions and thoughts...l has been calling almost daily and that is helping me a lot...she is so loving and positive. I adore this picture---like the rez but it is in Tibet---certainly takes my mind off all the work stuff...riding a sheep/ram? I made my first official appointment at PSU for 7/10 at noon....it is happening....unreal.

eihpo: ophie--stones for her!

Running Around 4 Ophie

Ophie has her own mind and she is deciding when she is leaving...she got out last night and stayed away all day until about 7 pm tonight; I called her so many times and I was afraid she had run away....she came back. Went to NACA and said goodbye to drb...what a gem she is. will miss her! Got calls from pdx re some future business ---it is so exciting to be getting ready for a new job after 21 years! Saw jp re $$$$ ---went to credit unions---banks---taking care of business...goodness it is getting closer each day...i am going to finish the 3rd bedroom tonight; that is my goal....i did pretty good with my food today....don't forget to take care of charchar....char

Almost

Happy Mother's Day to All of Our Mothers...Leslie Snow Goodluck in particular. Ophie decided not to go today...I am happy that did not happen cuz we had more quality time together tonight. Son is on my desk right now sitting between the monitor and the keyboard. Love him....love them all....typed a list of what needs to be done in the next three weeks...UKS....very emotional time at uu this am...lunch with m and j...some packing in the garage, painting doors, taking stuff out of the garage. r next door bought the compter desk...the "train" has started to leave and I am on it...no turning back now...go forward to a new life Charlotte...yea! really tired due to all of the mixed emotions from today....up and down; up and down...I am going to go to bed early and try to get more sleep...it will all happen Char..

A Major Milestone/Ode to Ophie

A Major Milestone: This is my first day of my "retirement" from NAU...plus, c gave me a party with b and a...balloons, salmon, pie....many prayers for my new adventure and lots of love. A came over and helped me with the garage this afternoon; b was here in the am and bought the bike and put it in storage; the swing went today...more calls about items on craigslist etc...so, very busy working hard on packing, sorting, tossing, and talking, laughing, crying, wondering.....so just darn tired tonight...excitement and fear all together...feeling much serenity because of yesterday and what happened with t...it feels wonderful not to be leaving on such bad terms...I think we both needed to talk and hold on.... Ode to Ophie: Ophie (all black, long silky hair, green eyes) is by my side in my office taking a nap near the printer...purring...she is going to b tomorrow on Mother's Day...I love her dearly....want her to be safe, loved, cared for, appreciated, and have the ability to go outside and enjoy her life as a "inside-outside" kitty cat. She has brought me so much love, acceptance, sweetness, her cute habit of rubbing her jaw on my finger, making clicking noises, joy, laughter, kisses, playfulness, shyness, and pure love. I love u Ophie....forever.

thank you HP

thank you hp for a very sweet goodbye...

Good Bye to My Sweet Kitties....

Today I am taking Son and Baby Son to their new home on the east side of town...Baby Son is looking out my office windwo and walking on my desk, getting in front of me and looking at me and the computer; licking his lips; Ophie is coming into my office; Baby Son is rubbing my hand on the computer looking at me; I just tolaok several videos of all three of them; they want me to let them outdoors; he is now exactly in fromt of my computer monitor...yes, they do have their ways of gettigng theeir needs meet; they ask of it..what a concept....I love all of you...his tail is wrapped around his paws; Opie is sitting by my door looking at me all curled up...such cat behavior...I love all of you...Son in on my bed napping....off to see z at brandy's this morning...I need to be open about what he is going to say...no expectations....

Packing My SBS Office

Just finished packing my SBS office---11 boxes + some other stuff; m came by and say goodbye; what a lovely person he is...looking out of my office window...green, pine trees, a few clouds, the grass is green in the area below my window; a bit windy...no one is here just me...all my walls are bare, good bye to mis-match office furniture, I am not sure what I will do with my rug...??? oh well...just heard that the Dean approved a national search to replace my position! Yea....life does go on..thank you hp for all the new opportunties and for my wonderful career at NAU---a student in my SW370 wrote me a sweet note and said I "emit a beautiful and peacefull light the makes you rise head and shoulders above the rest"...what a wonderful send off from my students...thank you, e.....

Thank You NACRP

Thank you to everyone who was at the dinner tonight..I love my silver/gold necklace, pin, and earrings....they are OUTSTANDING! So unique and special just like all of you...blessings to all of you.

This is How I Feel Today!

NACRP Dinner & Going Away Party: Tonight

This is the new NAU High Country Inn and Conference Center---NACRP is having a going away dinner for me and our students. Thank you to m for all of your planning, love, and support... I know we will continue to be friends..just in different states! Two parties in one week so I certainly feel blessed, loved, and appreciated. Off to more packing and packing and packing!!!!!!

A Roller Coaster

Up and Down...all day...all night....this is work. Selling all kinds of stuff; took my Spanish final both written and oral today...did ok. Professor congrat..me and shook my hand...that felt good. I just studied today and did not drive myself crazt over the weekend..a first for me...I was calm during the orals and I really did well if I do say so myself. lots of feelings re o and her path...putting her needs first and foremost...she needs to be outside! So that will determine my decision re her future.

Charlotte's New Hogan

Riverplace Square overlooks THE RIVER and I can see a Portland Bridge! This is a model of the living room...tiny but cozy. Within a block or so I can take the streetcar to PSU...what a new life I am starting....what fun! (As someone said to me several weeks ago: "Charlotte you are a city girl!!!") We will see!

Professor Charlotte Goodluck's Retirement at The Inn

The Dept of Sociology and Social Work is having a retirement reception for me at The Inn...I invited many people from the university and other community friends. This is a big day for me. I have been with NAU for 21 years! I can't believe it actually. Thank you NAU for hiring me in 1987 and for letting me work for you. Thank you to all the students whom I had the pleasure of teaching and learning from....Thank you to all the faculty whom I have interacted with on all the committees etc.... Special thanks to the Social Work Program for all that you have done for me over the years and the many life long friendships I will have. I love you all! May We All Walk in Beauty. My dear cousin, bj came as a surprise...she said a prayer in Navajo and it was so beautiful...Lots of people attended this event (UU, Demo, Friends, Dept)...then we went to b house for dinner and stayed up until 1:30 AM--what a time I had...thank you everyone...