Social Workers Rock!

We all look so cute don't we? thanks to l for taking the pictures...love what they are all saying about "why do they want to be social workers?" on our first day of class, last Thursday.

Here They R: Hot off the L Press--some other time

This quote is a replacement picture for the following story of the other picture. This is a picture l took of my first class at pdx re Diversity and Social Justice. These students look they are going to "take the world" by their loving hands, hearts, and heads...to help others by being social workers. Thanks, l. (well I tried) it will not do a doc format. Too bad...they are really cute! I was up at 4:30am and then walked downtown to see the Portland marathon...what an event. I got my own walking in by doing this...came home and fell asleep then went to UU. Raining most of the day....so it is here....yea for umbrellas!

Laughing Out Loud

I became a member at the RiverPlace club yesterday; started on the treadmill; it is right next door, maybe 6 minutes away...it has all the services, pool, hottub, sauna, 80 classes in a week, etc. it is where i am going to put my stress instead of eating all my stress...i walked 20 minutes and fell asleep last night at 8:30PM...so, a new life and new beginning with my body...l and i went to see "Menapause: The Musical" yesterday and we were both laughing outloud and I almost fell over...great music adaptations, lots of women of all sorts of colors, textures, beauty, styles, ages, youth, and a few brave men. then we went to "Red Star" and had a mid afternoon dinner/lunch and talked and talked. just darn good ole 'sis-friend' activities. it is official fall in portland...cool, leaves falling all over, golden, red, bare limbs, etc. had a great time and will continue to. miss Flag of course....had calls from flag.

my first class is over

Why do you do what you do? l came to my class and took pix of all the students re sw...it was very emotional and meaningful for all of us. the class went pretty good until they got all the assignments...so much. oh well. 2 students wanted to talk with me afterwards...that was tiring. one student said thank you to me re my talk with them in the intro to sw on Tuesday.she said it was "inspirational"..that feels good. so, i want to adjust the syllabus and see if I put it together in an easier way for them to "get" it. went to l re palin and biden's debat. very tired.

Oct 1st

yesterday, the bsw was born...it was the first class with 21 students...what a day and evening it was...it made me cry today with joy, excitement, and exhaustion. Today is the beginning of October a month with many events. the 4th t and would have been married for 15 years...good bye t. my birthday is coming up and h was born...it is fall, Portland has been both hot and cool, woke up to fog this morning over the river...it was so peaceful looking and mysterious. i was pretty tired all day. many people said sweet things to me all day...making friends....miss Flag. Just a bunch of mixed up feelings. thank you hp for making the first day so wonderful. I will always remember it. It was an honor to be a part of it. I sent psu's president a handwritten note about what happened to share it with him....an undergraduate program was born! bsw's for our community! i teach my first class tomorrow at 2:00 pm...

france is calling me...again

this is a sentence from a woymn at her blog.. We have this thing that takes place all thru out the summer and fall here in providence called waterfire. it is fire on the canal, gondolas, and the most amazing and haunting music plays all around you, from classical, to dead can dance, opera, Tibetan, baroque and many others. you will find an array of food vendors such as indian, raw bar, creperie, nut vendors and ice cream. Different street performers like fire eaters,gargoyles, chinese dancers, jewish folk fiddlers and so on. The most incredible dance stage draped in red velvet curtains that feature, Argentinean salsa band one night, big band the next. people of all ages and levels come out to dance and you can easily get lost staring at the them...people walk, sit stare and listen...tonight was a small one so no stage, but i felt like walking it was such a beautiful fall night. i took photographs but i am afraid they were not the best, i hope you get get a sense of what ii's like!! I will get her address later...her photographs are romatic, mystic, soft, illusive...lov them--this photo is from her site....yummy for sure...i want to go there. I did not know it was Providence, RI....how funny...my heart was in France for sure...oh well, I can go to both places....liberation allows those choices!

the beginning is almost here

went to the office to get ready for "tomorrow when our BSW program starts with REAL STUDENTS"---I really can't get over the idea that a new undergraduate program is going to start with real students tomorrow...what a thrill...nervous, excited, questioning, no answers, support, cheerful people all around, many motivated students, supportive faculty, wonderful staff and friends...so here we go PSU...come on students it will be wonderful and I can't wait to meet all of you sometime this week...you go girl! congrats c. thank you to all made this possible!

the river looked like ice today

just love looking at our river....fall is beautiful here too. just household stuff all day...cleaning, washing, shopping, recycle, goodwill, etc etc.....taking out summer clothes and replacing with winter clothes...just the cycle of life....afterwards pretty tired and flat on my back napping...now i am awake..."Raindrops falling on my head..." "Sundance Kid"...we will miss you Paul. What a human being. When I saw his face on his salad dressing at Safeway it almost made me cry. What a guy. Thank you hp for his presence on earth....we will miss you. Pictures from yesterday at the quilt show with l and j...i love the textures, colors, creativity, "the grand canyon", and a cat that looks like it is ready to catch me! nite nite

quilts of awe land

so many quilts and not enough time...i took many pictures but can't seem to figure out how to sync with my i-phone...pretty good day. GOT MY GLASSES FIXED. A nice young man came by my apartment and worked on my computer and got most of my problems fixed...in the world of the computer that is. going to purchase a wireless modem tomorrow so i can get internet on my new macpro...got my backup drive working...so he was very good and not expensive at all...i gave him an extra big tip....!!! now i have someone to call who will come over and make a house visit for my computer woos. lots of house/home stuff for tomorrow...shopping, cleaning, etc. etc...my plan with f did not go too well this week...if my plan with f is scored my score was 3 and it was 10...i lost. thanks to l for inviting me to see the quilts in north Portland...j is fun to be around too. the statue is of a "stereotypical Indian" in Paris...the Lakota hollywood gets around does he?

the students are coming

l sent me the link for this picture---what does her pose say to you? This picture is not about our students at all...just wanted to share it with you. Yes, our students will be all arriving (or we hope) next week; met several more last night at our last orientation...some very active students...it will be a wonderful quarter...I can see my role as a "mother" but I don't want to be called "The Mother"; if you know what I mean...oh well...starting a new relationship with 40 students (we hope so); we don't have all the numbers yet and as m said to me: "we can't make them come"...that is true...still need to work on my class for next week. this is a team! it will be what it will be...it will happen...it is happening...

ok here we go

counting points and walking today....nice to have some control now...some limits on my own behavior...waited too long for dinner but did not do damage when I got home...need to shop tomorrow so this will not happen...at meetings all day tomorrow..so, charchar you can do this..you will feel better, my dear one.

love & hate relationship

i am here again...my relationship with food...it has captured me again, with my consent, of course. so, i will start another relationship after i have dinner...the true addict comment... afterwards....yes, i am addicted to food. it will fill me up, my losses, my saddness, my grief, my my me me me...yes, the hole in my spirit. Today the sermon was outstanding....all the different people who have lived on earth have given us over and over again the message of truth...we are love, when i love myself that is my spirit presenting itself through my flesh...as Marilyn said a few weeks ago...well my flesh is large and there is lots of cells to give love; i have to love myself with that same sense as i love others....go within, char. yes, you have had great loss but that is the truth and it will not change no matter how many "food items" you eat....it is a place I have been so many times in my life so i guess i still need to learn my lesson and accept myself with love with love toward myself...saying no will not hurt anyone and it will give you life. just did lots of art...messy...watched the river with raindrops and then later the rainbow over the bridge....earlier today i went to the "Race for the Cure" at the waterfront downtown...45,000 people walking, running, rolling, crying, laughing, playing...it was the first one i had been to. i did not walk in it but wanted to see it and i did. it is a goal for next year...for me to walk toward...walk toward my own health. thank you for s who overcame her cancer in her arm, bless all the people who live on the hopi and navajo reservartion who have had breast and cervical cancer, both those who have gone to the other world and those who are will us today..love to l who had suffering in her voice earlier today. love to uu, psu, our new students, the new faculty, the new life, and all the change of seasons...lov to those who are in flag, l2 and so many more people i miss. many new doors to open and close.

Julio in NY

First, the "Believe" quote is from Obama...and the other azul gato is from a new site L told me about "gennies"...I was visiting interesting sites tonight and came across an NPR story with a social worker from NYC, age 31...Julio Diaz...who was interviewed for their stories for their folklore project. The interveiw made me cry....he was a student of mine at NAU. We actually did not have a very good relationship at that time but I am so proud of him and his character, honor, truth, friendship with others, and ability to hear with his heart and act with his words. the link is "A victim treats his mugger right" at NPR. I also gave my dear friend l1 a book about "oscar" and I decided to learn more about the author, Juniou Diaz whose name I actually put into google and the story about our Julio came up as the first "hit"...NPR has a really profound interview with the author Julio Diaz about his book. I want to use it for my Diversity and Social Justice class...or read from it anyway...it touched my heart. Now I want to buy the book for myself...the interveiw was at iturnes under podcasts...what a machine the internet is...our circle within circles...we need these connections so badily. I had a great day with my friends at the PSU picnic...I have been laughing more each day...I am getting to be more like my "ole self" as my friend Ali said this morning from Olympia...laughter is food for my soul...good nite

unreal

just basically running from one meeting to the next...and the next...and the next..nite

What A Week This Has Been...

doors are always opening...if we keep our eyes open to new opportunities; went to the coast, Oceanside...Cannon Beach...drove up and down the coast...had a retreat with XXXX from psu....walked on beach, talked into the night with new friends; got locked out of my apartment door; had dinner with two new friends; working in my journal with a new Bigpicturescrapbook mini art workshop...happy to be a live and hope c is feeling better; had a long conversation with a...feeling better these days...leg not hurting as much; walked from downtown at lunch today...really hot outside; nice visit with l. hope she is feeling better. well off to bed so nite nite...see u later or earlier as the case may be at this time of night...

Belmont Street Fair

up at 5:30 am and walked on the waterfront for about 40 minutes...finally got sleepy and went home and slept. Then did my laundry at a place I found a couple weeks ago and I feel safe there to do it myself--lots of room, clean, owned by a nice couple who speak in a language I don't understand; *she runs the place--just can tell with the tone of her voice+..anyway continued to read bo book...amazing story. then off to drive around...ended up on Belmont Road and a street fair...had a blast seeing all the fun stuff, many people, hot, just fun! had lunch...heard drums from Guana...then came back to my little "hogan" and went to the waterfront again and saw the last of the dragon boat races...what a great place to live; I am feeling better. my dear friend, b called from Flag lots to talk about...miss her. so off to Oceanside tomorrow for a PSU retreat starting Monday so we can play tomorrow. Need to pack early am...playing on the web and working on my new art journal...just having fun...yea, I might even smile soon!!!!! no internet or cell phone at the condo from Sun to Tuesday..that will be interesting...oh well...good nite l, h, and d. and of course your cute 2 cats and 2 dogs....lov you all. (saw this painting at Amanda Blake's web site art...it is called Charlotte something...love the image with the horse...thanks for the site referral L.

This Planet is In Bad Shape

It is unreal...I think sp is "an empress with no clothes"..this is not meant to be sexist but an analogy from a children's story...she is empty but everyone thinks she is full.(I think she is "full of it") The pix are of the city hall where she was first elected with 907 votes. Aren't we lucky.This town is 12 miles by 11 miles and that equals to governing the USA??? As I said somewhere else early today. McCain picked a woman to fight his battle; I thought he was the one with the gun and went to war, but no he has to "use a woman" to do what he can't do; leave the work up to the woman. She is exactly what the r want...a flea getting lots of recognition and making enough "GAS" to take the conversation off mccain...mccain talks about "change" but he is from the party that caused all the problems...they are so messed up...they will continue to do what they have always done; be the owners of everything and make others have to pay them MORE. ...so basically it is TIME TO GET REALLY ACTIVE FOR bo. Some good news is that last night after sp talk the demos raised 10 million and the rep raised one million...we are in a civil war and they will not win. The other pix are from the governor's website; a picture of a banner of well wishes for their new baby...mixing personal and government on her web page; other pictures of her on her website...she will be able to hunt for deer in DC....good nite--unreal...actually what planet am I living on now? That is the real question.

Good Morning

Sure praying that NO will not be as bad as three years ago....I guess my theme is eggs! Aren't these pretty? From my Newport Coast trip earlier in the summer...can you believe it is ALREADY SEPTEMBER? I have been there 3 months now. I think am going on a walk now on the waterfront and then come back and work on my class. Also drink some nice hot coffee. Actually these eggs look like they have been altered with walnut ink.

How do you like these eggs?

Just spent time writing about Flag and these egges; but did not save it...so ...I was playing with photoshop tonight and decided to make a motage of egges (pix from posiegetscozy site)....had several calls from Flag tonight...nice to hear their voices....miss them.

C/B/S: Or "What is Happiness?"

L1 joined me at UU this am...what a treat...it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear for sure....no more complain; blaming; shaming...but "compassion and loving kindness"---had lunch with d,h,l then went home and had a great nap...while it rained outside. then a nice long walk on the river so for today I have 4120 steps and yesterday I had 2000. I am starting to use my pedometer and GET WITH IT. Yes, I have had loss but I also have joy with meeting new people, love from my friends, and 40 students who are looking for leadership re the new BASW program. I don't have to get back to "my ole LARGER self"...walking is something I can do and it does make me feel better; by the way, I actually cooked myself some dinner tonight! baked potato and a steak with lots left over for tomorrow or lunch next week sometime. I can cook and take care of myself...looking at all the musicals and dramas in Portland---having so many choices.

thanks to hp for friday

just don't ask me about my ordeal with the dmv....still not over with...then with wf; my level of patience is so low and now it is below any tolerance of frustration that I almost yelled today.....thank you hp for l1. she tells me the truth; whatever that is! I need to keep the door to that dark door locked! got home and started watching tv re mcc running mate...what a joke....no more shall be said by me on that topic----HOWEVER, OH MY GOODNESS; BO WAS SO WONDERFUL....what a human being he is....he is like looking into a hologram; you will see what you want and he reflects back all the positive notions of life; a man for all seasons (anger, grief, joy, calm, peace, fun, happy, shy, and a gifted oratory); if the country does not vote him in then we deserve what happens...but i am going to work for him! pray for his safety and for his family...nite nite

I am a happy camper....

Watching Biden tonight gave me some hope that maybe bo can make it...and Clinton...he delivered for him too...just love that guy...I wonder if Hilary and Bill actually can talk with each other and what do they talk about...or do they just listen to each other's presentation? their bedroom must be pretty crowded! got to give it to them for hanging in there after all that has happened...I am not sure how I got on this idea of their coupleship...went to the conference today and saw three people from northern Arizona...miss them even more now. my leg is not hurting as much today...don't say it too loud cuz I don't want it to hear this cuz it might act up tomorrow. back to psu tomorrow...tying not to bring so much home but to leave it at the office and give myself some "separation" for my work...need to really turn over a new leaf on life....so far it is only theory and no application...nite nite (this is a picture I actually took myself)..love the color.

Life in Portland

This is a quote from Rilke from aliedwards website...yes, I can identify with it..very mixed emotions lately..up and down and up and down...etc etc etc...talked with c from flag and that was good; it helped my spirits. watched the dnc tonight and that was hopeful. sure hope bo makes it...went to a birthday party for our dean, it was fun and I enjoyed getting to know more of the staff and faculty. off to the conference tomorrow...hope to see some people I know from all around the country...good nite...patience is the hardest lesson for me! Rainer Maria Rilke : Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language. Do not now look for the answers. They cannot now be given to you because you could not live them. It is a question of experiencing everything. At present you need to live the question. Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer, some distant day.

Getting a taste of what it is going to feel like in a few months...shall I say? RAIN

Grey, wet, humid, cloudy, raining and I am not talking about my mood. A pre-day to get ready for the rain season. Life does not stop but everyone goes outside to ride, walk, drive, and play...so, a foretelling of the upcoming months. Went to l1 last night and had a wonderful time with some of her friends who knew her mom...lovely couple and funny too. "Girls want to have more fun" re my photo.

Guess What?

Can you tell I just moved to Portland...everyone has hair,fur,barely hair,dreadlocks, lots of hair....all different color..no I am not planning on that---right now anyway. for real..nite nite...what fun this was. (pix from posiegetscozy site)

thank you to hp for my successful operation four years ago..

My heart valve is doing really well...tick tick tick tick...thank you hp for giving me this opportuntity to have had this surgery. So time to relax and take a break! Love this pix of the rabbits...so sweet and soft....gentle time.

Some time it is just good to laugh--out loud

No comment; I think it speaks for its self/herself/his self/or trans self???....from posiegetscozy site.

up with people

these are pictures from amanda's website...she is really funny; I met her at uu this am; her site is www.reamanda.com hearing her this am really was beneficial to my spirit...she makes "microshrines"...so that will be my first project on my new "artbychar" desk...thank you l1 and amanda. niteniteagain...remember i said "balance"

joyfulness and happiness

went to uu this am in Olympia and it was what the dr ordered...the guest minister was excellent and spoke to my heart; she talked about joyfulness...i will be contacting her in the near future; had a pleasant time with a and she showed me around her new work site at ec. Olympia is beautiful but we were in a "heat wave" and I think I got overheated...had to stay in later afternoon and evening...it took me over 5 hours to get to olympia from portland....the traffic was delayed due to a brush fire on the freeway...so had to go very slowly for about 30 miles...my trip home was about 2 hours so pretty regular and no major problems. balance has to be my mantra now....balance...balance...balance....nite nite

oh dear

not doing too well...too much work and not enough time. re hurt the back of my knee last night on a trip back to work to get my phone...had to walk up and down the stairs cuz the elevator was OFF. this really is unreal to me, it is public building and faculty work at odd hours...at least I do...i filed a complaint today at work...then got a form letter back re the hours the elevator does work...so much for that...i will take it to the next level. office of disability! i know my mood is up and down cuz i am not walking and getting my dose of endorphins. long conversation w a today; i am going to olympia on sat and return home either sun or early monday am. can't wait to see her...miss az. just frustrated!

What I want for my birthday...

These pictures are from the 2008 opening ceremony...I adore these gray robes and headdresses. Won't you know the Chinese would do it big, powerful, artistic, dazzling, awesome, unique, post-modern and ancient all at the same time. What a culture! It was a once in a lifetime experience to have seen this ceremony with my dear family, LDH...I pray that the entire olympics are problem free. You go "The People of the Water, Mountains, and Air" They even invented paper which is no small feat.

too much stuff--to wash

My life today started with A HUGE PILE OF LAUNDRY...it took a grocery cart to carry it all to their laundry room. Rugs, rugs, more rugs....spent the day with Charlotte..last week was all people most of the time so I spent today with CG...l,h.d had me over for dinner and to watch the Olympics...I was so taken back with it all I almost started to cry...it was so moving...so to speak, historical, symbolic, beautiful, exotic, and the fire works. They invented paper, fireworks, and so many more treasures...so I loved it...got to meet one of L's oldest friends and her family. They are all so nice..did not do any work related stuff today...let my brain rest and recovery. my knee is still hurting so that is no fun. had a doc appointment on Monday so lets see what they say...good nite...

Over flowing with PAPER.

Getting a new BASW program underway sure requires tons of paper, emails, meetings, new contacts, meeting students, new agencies, etc. Yes, I did agree to be the Director. I really like it...I need to "Leave time for you to play and laugh"...ok...got lost tonight and was so off the track I just drove home after an hour...As someone else told me "I saw the highway but could not figure how to get there and just drove around and around" yep that was me...I tried to park downtown and that was a big waste of time...so came home and walked around the marina and had dinner at one of the little eateries. So, had a good day. The picture is of the poster in Arizona re voting down the anti-marriage amendment in the constitution...it was voted down last year but it was re-introduced...I will vote against it for sure....at least in spirit since I am already registered in Oregon. nite nite

just saying hi

hi everyone....pretty good day except when I have to walk (I decided not use my support) and I paid for it all day...just walked to the bookstore and went down some stairs...my my, I could barely get up. darn it...met someone new re potential teaching in our program; so many neat social workers. so did not sleep at all due to my bedroom being SO HOT...I relocated into the living room and fell asleep and then got up and went back to my bed at 3:00am....so, not sleeping very well and that gets crazy with my system; what time is it and what am I doing so early in the morning and can't i go to sleep? fear, anxiety, pain, root less, transplanted and culture shock and on top of all of this A NEW JOB. thank goddess for l! all at once. having fun yet? no. of course my self talk is: it just takes time, Char and I know that but going thorough it is so hard....what was good today? met another woman who moved here from Phx area and she is enrolled in the PHD program...we talked so much about AZ and mutual friends...gots lots done at the office and stayed until 7:20 pm....good nite

90 degrees sort of day

was up at 5:15 am yesterday to go to the kp re my knee...it actually opened about 7:00 am...so I just went and got some bkfast...it is quite a place....my meds were a 1.00 each..(he basically said it will just take time to heal--gave me a knee support made in china; i wore it yesterday and it did make it feel better; how cool is that! so all my walking in june caused this...so much for walking and of course, my role is that I WALKED TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH. So now I hope I don't have to talk about my physical condition any more... Meds at kf were only 1.00 a piece....I can never retire that's for sure....spent most of the rest of the day at my office trying to get my stuff in order; I have been putting more and more on the walls; it is looking more and more like I like it there..plus I am getting ready to actually see students this week! sure hope I know what to say to them...yikes....it is suppose to be 90 degrees today in portland...my my...almost like, shall i say....ARIZONA. l1 gave me some excellent advice yesterday about my 'BODY/MIND/SPIRIT" so I called today re what she suggested....so, off to work at my real office and see what is happening there.. Oh saw "Mama Mia" on Sat p.m. with L,D, H, J, and her sister...what fun that was; D was such a good sport...definitely a "gals" movie....so i just wonder around don't i...no comments allowed since this is my blog. (photo from dooce site-her dog, chuck--just love his face...I really don't feel like that today; just like the pix).

Got Blogs?

In 2007 I posted 113 blogs and for 2008: 129--for a total of 242...who would have known....just wish i could figure how to print them all so I could have a hard copy...anyone know?

Just trying to catch up--

went to see wall-e last night with k; cute and sweet; dating is always so hard isn't it? no matter what the planet is like...loved the music and the animation. so this am trying to get some of my home stuff taken care of and doing it very slowly...my left leg/knee is still hurting so call me "limp along"...I am calling the doc on monday for an appointment at the naca health clinic (portland indian clinic). at least the rest of my body is doing pretty good, saw l2 on Thursday at the LC, it was delightful seeing and talking with someone from flag...the honeymoon of p has ended and now i am into loss and more loss feelings...getting reestablished is so hard. making new friends is hard too...thank g for l1 and her sweet family. on the good side i am meeting new people and fac are certainly reaching out to me...got a parking sticker yesterday so i don't have to walk so far....cloud cover yesterday and rain...so foretelling of the future...I AM GOING TO BE POSITIVE...it is my water decade! now to pay bills. this will be fun! wish a a safe trip to Washington to her new home....

a story about something very new

Attended a NASW chapter networking reception tonight; meet new people and gave out my new business cards. Every time I tell people what I am doing they get so excited and start smiling..so let me tell you a story: yes MSW & PHD gave birth to a tiny basw entity recently. Please handle with care and talk slowly and quietly...it's parents are so protective and want everything to be just right and sometimes forget to just relax and know it will grow into a beauty some day....It is genderless, only believes in equity and peace, does not have an ethnicity but knows its history, is willing to share, no role will be put on it due to the world being too big, has literacy in love, understanding, balance, and joy, it speaks with its heart, listens with its observations, and hears music all around from many nations, and is willing to learn new dances; it is a small entity right now but it knows it is loved and cherished by its grandparents and other social work relatives, when its new adoptive mom takes it out; everyone wants to talk about it and can't wait to see what happens in its growth and development, the first 40 students will be holding it up and celebrating while learning about themselves as multi-dimensional inter-galaxy support systems to mother earth, it does not have a big carbon footprint nor does it expect to since it is living in a GREEN place in so many ways, so lets give it some time to rest and have sweet dreams. It will be all ok and it will be what it is suppose to be. It is learning how to crawl in Beauty.

retreat or how to really work in disguise

went to b house for an all day work retreat; i enjoyed hearing everyone re their program and what they are proposing to do re the "diversity" issue. i talked a bit re the basw program and just want it to get started; so many unknowns still. it has not even been a month since I started and much of it i was sick....so still in orientation and observation part of my entry phase. lots of support for it to be successful which is good. i still need to get my feet on the ground and learn more and more. also, i need to work on my class which i have not taught before....so, tomorrow i am going to the market and the library and get a book then off to look for some stuff to hang in my office then to l,d,h re "MOVIE WATCHING" and some r & r. a big meeting i thought i was having is Tuesday and not Monday so that helps me a bunch with my weekend planning....will be getting my first pay check from psu next week so that will be a check on reality and what and how i can manage that new part of my life of being paid once in the month...this move was a lot more expensive that i had ever anticipated so that is going to take awhile to recover from.... thanks that many activities in Portland are free or pretty inexpensive. happy fishing d. guess who that cute girl is...??? she is a sweetie.

All Day All Night--

completed a mini task this am for d,l,h re their wonderful house....I think I am getting it down you all....had meeting with mp re tasks and goals, saw s re field, talked with k re whatever, invited to dinner at kc house...with 5 other people...she is a lovely host...finally home...off tomorrow for an all day "retreat"....THEN THE WEEKEND...yea! thank g that I am feeling better re my energy....hope you are all having fun in wyo....play hard! see you later

People People Everywhere....

In the last couple of days I have been meeting new people at various events. NA professional network group last night with k, was introduced to about 15 new people, some individuals from nicwa...a couple men from the Dine rez....today I visited an elementary school west of here (about 40 minutes) and went into several classrooms from kindergarden to fourth grade, primarily Latino/as children...I loved being there and even sat next to a fourth grader who was reading Spanish. I told him I had to repeat the 4th grade when I was a child; then he said "that's why I am going to summer school"---I even remembered some of the Spanish I learned in my class in the spring semester. Went with another professor from the university and he took me to a Latino grocery store with a Mexican deli...so good to eat real Mexican food, reminded me of Flag...then surprised d and l this evening with a "social worker home visit"---they are leaving tomorrow for Wyoming for a week. We all had dinner at Village Inn...just love them all. I am so lucky to have their friendship and love. I bought a RED hat at Walgreens this afternoon...sure fun to wear....because I can! ....tomorrow kc is giving a little dinner for me at her house with about 8-10 people ...and yesterday at lunch went to another function to meet child welfare workers from around the state; talked about the new BASW program...so busy getting connected to the Portland area from all directions. I am certainly feeling welcomed but I am starting to get homesick too. so..l2 called tonight and will not be here until next Thursday, so hoping we can get together but that may not work out. I am the one in the blue outfit in the pix...if you forgot what I look like these days....

Streetcar Named Desire

Had a good day at work; first day back for sometime; so happy to be feeling better; afterwards I decided to just ride the streetcar for some "viewing experiences" of Portland...teenagers, tourists, business people, "little ole ladies", couples of various sorts; a man got on who was listening to his ipod and was dancing to his tunes (actually a really good dancer):dancing to a different drummer"; so, it takes all kinds...green, yellow, blue, & purple hair and so many tattoos; kids; the novel readers; and me just watching it all happen...I wonder what category they put me into? Miss u l1 if u are reading this....happy travels. good nite....

It Is Still Sunday

I can see a Full Moon outside my east facing door overlooking the river, bridges, sparking lights....and listening to some new music from Pandora radio....what a wonderful end of the day....new beginnings tomorrow....starting with health this time. I pray that anyway...looking at the moon with my binoculars and can see the ridges, valleys, etc...what a gift from outer space and our universe...we are all related! Good wishes to my friends in Flag....and now Portland.

It is Sunday!

Been a long week or so; just sick and more sickness...but feeling better now...THANK YOU G. Even went to UU this am...felt so good to be there. Very passionate sermon on "Not being a Stranger" and meet a nice person too. So getting back to my ole healthily self, I hope. A is moving to Washington on August 2nd!

What a Muse.

Need I say more?

A Full Moon & Venus! Plus a River: What a Mug

What a dreamy site to behold...a gold full moon, venus the planet, and the river outside my window in Portland. We are all related; just remember we are all pieces of star dust millions of years old. (So, even if you don't want to be related we are, so there!)...my new mantra is "ok cold it is time to go somewhere else now go!)( I forgot to say a bridge too.) Nice photo of me too....what a site I am! What are they doing to you in Portland, Char? Ok, I know I need a bit of photoshop help but...guess my humor is coming back and that is a good sign.

Welcome to the Week

not too much but starting to feel a bit better; more energy; still coughing and will be on meds for several more days; LOSS...dealing with it in so many ways; so I guess my body is saying "Char you need to rest and sleep"...I miss everything...it is hitting me more each day...just a simple task as washing my clothes..went to the apartment laundry room early this am and then proceeded to lock myself out....my keys were returned pretty soon and I could get into my apartment and got ready to go to work...so, just the basics---seems like everything is a big ordeal...no real shopping here so have to go to other side of the river..and get lost...again...miss my house! My friends....NAU.....Flag....so I guess this is the "other side" of the coin about moving...ying and yang....ALWAYS HAPPENING. And on top of all all this..my left foot and the back of my left knee are hurting so walking is quite limited....can't wait to get my health care at Kaiser started so I can get that evaluated. Portland is no place not to be able to walk. I think what happened is when I first arrived here I walked my heart out everywhere and I hurt my foot with all the steps so quickly...so on one hand it was good but now I am paying for it. Went out of town today with a phd student, c to Salem and saw Mt. Hood in full force. Visited the Indian boarding school there. Very nice person! So, that's my day...boo ho...boo ho....oh well tomorrow will be better....

Creativity By Twyal

Twyla Tharp : Creativity is more about taking the facts, fictions, and feelings we store away and finding new ways to connect them. What we're talking about here is metaphor. Metaphor is the lifeblood of all art, if it is not art itself. Metaphor is our vocabulary for connecting what we are experiencing now with what we have experienced before. It's not only how we express what we remember , it's how we interpret it - for ourselves and others. (from aliedwards website today) just love this quote...my worldview is often a metaphor...enjoy

Hi Everyone: Happy Friday

I bet none of you have seen me in this outfit. No I am not going into outer space just getting my hair done. This week went quickly between being at the office learning all about my job and continuing to be sick and getting worse...now it is bronchitis. I hope when this is all over I will be feeling much better and can get some energy. Very lovely people and lots of support. Everyday I am meeting new people and I know this will continue. This place is huge is so many ways. Staying home today because I have a doctor's appointment re my continuing cold stuff. So enough about my physical condition. Hopefully I will feel better so I can do some fun stuff over the weekend. On top of all this my office at work has been really hot and I actually can't really be in there even with a fan so I have migrated to the prior acting director's office where it is much cooler. Also there are many files I have to review there anyway so it worked out for me. L1 miss u. Saw 2 eposides of JA last night. Loved being with your kitty cats again.

What A Day

So beginning again after being out last week. Many people came by to say hello and wish me luck...such a warm and welcoming group. Getting my office in shape and books put away. Need to pace a bit better or I will be burned out by the end of the first week....so, take your time Char. L1 have a great time on your vacation to the beach. See you later this afternoon.

Keeping In Touch

Visited ea today at the Jewish Manor where she lives...she is spry as ever...walked up the hill, around the building, down the hallways and then we had lunch; meet her sister and brother in law who live in the same place; what a sweetie she is; some memory loss but at 90 years old she is amazing....cute as ever! Bright as ever! and Full of Zest for Living. In her apartment saw several of her watercolors made in her past...she is quite the artist. So happy she called me when I got here and I made it over; want to visit her again...she actually does not live too far from my place. She also told me she had been married four times! Then went to my PSU office to start making it more my place.....the security guards did not come this time. Was invited to go to the blues festival with r but decided not to considering how much I have to do to my office. L and I are going to a movie tonight. So it is getting busy with love, life, and work!

Feeling Much Better

had a very special time with l,d, h at their place yesterday (had dinner with several neighbors) shot off fireworks and just laughed...watched John Adams HBO special with d and l...my first 4th of July in Portland as a resident. Aside from not feeling too well lately it was lovey spending it with my family on the other side of the river; today drove around Portland to get more lay of the land--went westward on new highways...pretty country. Then went to the Blues Festival next door to me for a couple of hours...listen to several artists and loved it all.......so many new people to watch. I called several of my Flag friends yesterday cuz I miss Flag...missed our parade etc. I think I am more vulnerable to sadness right now cuz I have not been feeling well so it will be better....just be patient and go slowly and you will make new friends. Everyone is so welcoming but I still miss Flag.

Sleep the Healer

Sleeping all day and I feel better.

What an Exciting Day or Walk Until You Drop

went to work for the first day at psu...pretty good so far even saw a student and had one meeting and had a sweet lunch with l1. got a call from my doc in flag and my inr was DOWN TOO MUCH. So she said i have get a local doc and get another inr tomorrow after taking 6 instead of my regular 3...this makes sense to no one except myself; so went home took another pill then TRIED ALL AFTERNOON TO GET A CHECK TO NAU OVERNIGHT...one streetcar ride, 2 buses and more walking and it was hot and i did not bring my h2o...so it was pretty horrible especially with my left foot hurting...as a later said to me "why didn't you take your car?"------------DUD. well tomorrow I AM TAKING MY CAR AND GIVING MY POOR FOOT A BREAK. So aside having a great morning my afternoon was crazy with me trying to get to the post office etc. I guess I still have not heard of the word moderation and balance....no I have to walk everywhere and I don't have too, char--take it easy! my office is starting to look much better now that the boxes are all stacked up in other places in the office and I have some room to move around and now decide what to do with all the books in the boxes...life is so complex isn't it. CHAR WHEN YOU HAVE REAL PROBLEMS, LET ME KNOW..your kid, char--so good nite and sweet dreams.....thanks to l2 and bg for sending me your sweet notes re my first day....