Just bought a new computer monitor---jazzy, high definition, wide, and more depth and intense colors...from a guy from the apartment complex...he even came and installed everything for me; not expensive either. So I also found some of my vacation pictures so here are a few. I really saw a camel on an island! "Mona"

Saturaday Market--Park Blocks

Just a delicious treat---streetcar to the Market; more people watching and had a chicken tamale-then bought some new and different vegs to try out...some tiny purple eggplants, some chilies, peaches, and cherries...watched my Netflix tv series all afternoon...two sisters living in South Australia, family, friends, land, sheep, romance, breaking up---just another day in Australia or anywhere. So, going to my old apartment and getting my mail and bringing home some of the frozen food stuff...did I mention I was living in a tree house.!! Lucky lucky..thank you hp.

Saturday Morning and All Is Well

I SAW MY FIRST LEAF ON THE BALCONY...Woke up really early and then feel asleep until about 10:00 AM! Guess I was tired. A squirrel went up the tree a few minutes ago...it feels like fall today...cooler...lazy day...so far...and I need it. I want it to be peaceful and quiet; not like last Saturday which was moving day...I have to still clean the apartment and not forget my mail is still coming to that address...so maybe that is what I will do...another day in Portland...people walking to the streetcar...so later from the Charlotte's Tree House.

Living At a Crossroads

When I am sitting at my computer in the morning my view is filled with students, workers, kids, parents, dogs, etc walking across the park area by the Fountain...L and I walked over her from work the other day and teens were playing in the fountain...Backpacks, lunch bags, suitcases....cris-crossing every direction; today will be one week since I moved here..just love it. So peaceful and the green leaves are heavenly; shimmering in the wind; birds going in and out...what a fun place to be. So now off to my office.

My Own Tree House

This is my 4th day at my new apartment---each day gets better. My desk overlooks the city park with the Lovejoy Fountain so I basically view all of life from my window...this morning a man was walking his dog and he was doing treats...the dog was! jumping, running in circles, barking, catching a ball in the air...fun to watch; saw kids in the shallow part of the fountain; couples, singles, trios..walking, talking, singing, all sorts of behavior; this is a perfect place for me so I can be "social" but once removed...watching cooking programs, reading my email, and JUST MADE SOME MUFFINS....pre nesting instinct. Birds of a feather....starting to see a few. Mainly feathers...forgot to say, the streetcar is about 1/2 block from my apartment....thank to hp for this place and all my friends who helped me get here...yea team.

Yesterday was Moving Day

What a day it was; the movers "Thunder Movers" were outstanding; one of the persons was Native from Wisconsin...they started at about 1:30 and we finished about 7:00 at my new home. KC, L,H, D were all here supporting the effort...amazing...we all went out for Mexican food and when we were done my poor right foot hurt so much...barely able to walk. Can't wait to see the doc about it. Went to First Unitarian church this morning; it was a special musical event; all the music directors of UU from around the country. Did I say: This place is beautiful. LHD came over today and helped me really get moved into my new home; Navajo rugs all hanging in different rooms; very stylish with LD's professional eyes for that sort of thing. L brought lunch over, they set up L's mom's dinning room table; very light wood; very complimentary with the rosewood floors; lots of angles, openness, windows everywhere, I look like I am living in a tree house facing east...had our first meal here...hotdogs; saw the sun come up this morning; birds, people walking their dogs, children by the fountain; a great city scape of peacefulness and 2 blocks from where I work! They left about 4:30 and I took a shower and feel asleep until 7:00 PM---my regular computer is not up yet so I am using my Mac...can't believe all the room I have; I have been wondering around looking at the SPACE and all the different rooms; with still more room to unpack my things. So, I am thrilled to say the least....thank you hp! It is a blessing. It is a blessing to have such wonderful friends too...Well nite nite...did I say it is quiet too. From where I am sitting now I can see the sunset reflecting off a window, pale pink with hints of blue. A nest for sure.

my last night "on the riverfront"

Still really hot tonight; had a long tiring day; packed a bit this morning but not tonight; too tired; it was hot and I was working at work (writing a lot); went to get my apartment keys...walked around my new apartment; did I say "my new apartment"; just beautiful...still need to pack in the morning; not too much left and if I don't get all done on Sat I still have the MONTH OF AUGUST TO FINISH....I have two places at one time; looked at furniture but still have not found what I really want yet....so it is pretty here but it is small and I want a place that I can move around and not feel like I am living in a hotel suite. L is coming over about noon, packers about 1:30 ---so, my new life begins tomorrow at my "new apartment"---b of b and s called tonght. nice to hear his voice and talk about flag stuff. I don't have to take my laundry to the laundry mat anymore...that will be really great...can do my laundry AT ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT and not have to haul it across the river to have it done. Sometimes it is just the little things that make all the difference...

ok--its enough---yes, I do remember Arizona--107 degrees

yes, it is HOTTERTHANHOTESTTHANHOTTTTTTTTTTTTTT...plus I am trying to finish my packing so I can move to my new apartment....on Sat...I am ready to get out of here and all of what it is not...yes, I did love seeing the river but there are so many other things wrong and I am just ready to go....so...just a few more days of heat and then the movers will be here. Watched the Paris Opera Ballet documentary on netflix...they are so inspirational. What dedecation they have---from 8 years to retiring at 40. Mainly one theme seemed to be was "being lonely" in a crowd..over and over again and the dual struggle of the passion of dancing as a career or going another direction. Great views of Paris....

Like Arizona Today

Just darn hot like southern Arizona today...visited l,d,h house...just love their cats...watered all over the place including my own feet and head...did more packing today...a little bit each day...I bought smaller boxes so I can move them more easily but it will take more. Dishes almost done. Next pots and pans...then on to the bedroom...it will all get done...yea! I am excited.

One More Week

I started to pack yesterday and continued today...almost finished the living room (books, misc stuff)..went to the river side and had clams for dinner and walked to the old boats that were on display..one was dated 1946--wooden boats. Beautiful night; great skyline; took lots of pictures of the area...I will be moving on August 1st...got cable, electricity, movers, etc...I AM READY TO GET OUT OF THIS PLACE. CAN YOU TELL? So my spare time with be packing boxes and more boxes...will miss l,d,h...I will be looking in on their sweet cats and WATERING THE PLANTS as we approach 100 degrees in the next couple of days....I want to have some orchids when I get there too. I know these are lillies...oh well.

Just a few more days...

Just a few more evenings looking at the River---it has been a living treat for me this past year but time to move on and over....I will even be closer to campus...about 3 blocks...kinda funny if you ask me but well worth it. It could be called a "wow" place. It is peaceful, BEAUTIFUL SPACE, numerous amenities including free parking; free guest parking; and large enough I can actually have guests over! It is going to be wonderful...so what do I have to do to get there? MOVE AGAIN....oh well, this will not be like moving from Arizona to Portland that is for sure...went to ww today and only gained a bit after 10 days of a vacation....so, time to start packing...a little bit at a time and it will go!!!!! H is even on the "kitten hunt" for me...so cute. Love your teeth..you know who that is.

Our Blue Mother Earth-thank you.

Where Were You 40 Years Ago Today?

I was sitting in the Kayenta Holiday Inn with 20 of my dear college friends (mainly from Prescott College and other places) watching THE MAN ON THE MOON. I would say "that was not a small feet? haha ha"--the subtext of the story is pretty good too; I was doing a summer archaelogy "dig" workshop on Black Mesa with R...an early love of mine...we had a good summer of digging and playing...our professor Dr. Gummerman rented the room for all of us to watch the "Moon" event...don't forget this is northern Arizona 40 years ago...black and white....tv...we all were dust covered, hot, and crazy with excitment..."those were the days"---my my...now I am sitting in Portland overlooking the River with its pretty lights....nite nite

It's Over

Too soon for my vacation to end...this is new to me; to have time for vacation vs NAU where I had my summer's off...those were the days..but they are over...new days and new experiences. Finished my vacation today by driving through farm lands again and visited wineries south of Portland..slowly driving and loving the old barns, trackers, farm lands, sheep, horses, and green pastures. It brings me so much peace. Went to UU first and heard a new minister talk about her UU trip to the south re civil rights monuments, etc. It made me cry. Last night watched a video on Gordon Parker, an African American photographer, artist, movie maker, poet....and so much more...back to PSU tomorrow with a new attitude. On Friday, I found a new apartment...Village at Lovejoy Fountain...and my new bedroom window will open up to the fountain and I will hear it bubble. Lots of trees and very large! More later, I love it.

Portland Home Again

I had a wonderful time--more later; just want to sleep and NOT DRIVE.

Vacation Time

aka starting my vacation....VACATION...cg that means NO WORK!

Good morning---yesterday was pretty hard--retelling of the past events--lots of support but just darn hard to share. In the evening I went and bought a new stereo system for my Honda and my vacation...it links to my iphone so that is wonderful...can listen to all the music and books I have on my iphone...drove through Washington Park early evening and that was so lovely; I will be doing that more often...an escape into the trees and scent of pines...reminded me of Flag...the overlook up on the vista to the dome to look at the stars...remember stars, C? Went to bed really late and could not sleep so I am not doing too well right now...THEREFORE

"The Chinese name for the peony means "most beautiful". It's fitting that the lush, lovely peony is often used as a metaphor for female beauty. A most auspicious flower, they symbolize prosperity, happiness and peace. They are regarded as an omen of good fortune. Chinese peony paintings are often hung in the home for good luck and in the office for a prosperous business. It is the flower of riches and honor. Pictured in full bloom, the peony symbolizes peace". The picture is from the site called "1000 shops".

I was on the internet looking at so many sites to Paris and came across one which shows apartments one can rent for vacations...so lovely---I need lovely and softness right now. So off to the "factory" ...l

A Most Beautiful Day

went to UU this morning...nice to see everyone again...a sweet loving community. Fireworks last night were outstanding...dinner with l, d, and a and her s. Fun, caring, and darn good food. Not as hot right now.Yesterday was really hot. Sure looking forward to my vacation in the San Juan's Island. not good with f today...

It is Almost Tomorrow and In Some Places It Is...

Ok--I got carried away with blue...blue this and blue that...oh well.....I like it. 1 minute until it is tomorrow....Sat...it just became Sat. nite nite

Thank G for Sleep

Feeling better all the way around today...my food is reflecting this too. Very helpful conversation with l1...so, very hot today; spent time at the mall, looking for an apartment, getting my nails done...keeping cool...or trying to. Listened to my new art class re making stencils etc. Really like the instructor; very funny and has a cute cat. nite nite

Even Looking at Outer Space

like I suggested in my blog yesterday---does not to be helping me tonight---sleep is a curative too. nite nite c..

If You are Having a Bad Day--Take a Look

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap090503.html I have a link to the stars on my blog...there is a different picture each day and if you go to their site there are so many more....puts what we do into its appropriate perspective and then some...I love looking at our "birth place"-we all come from star dust! The next one is from October 13, 2007, my birthday--go see the one for your birthday! What a show. Could not stop..L1 this is yours....

Walked into WW today

lots of walking into new rooms I have not seen in awhile...good ole WW...started with points again...very positive group support...steps and points. l1 has had lots of success with her plan..go girl...glad she is back from florida.

this picture is in honor of you....l1. Great to see all of your smiling and gleefulness!

Walking into the Club

I got started..with my first.....bike ride....10 minutes at the club and went swiming for 10 minutes....it was beautiful...the doors were open and about 3 people where there; a father and daughter and it reminded me of when my father taught me to swim...sweet sweet times with my dad..a beautiful day with the sun visiting us...sat outside on my tiny patio..over looking the river; watched sailboats, dogs walking their people, read a book, time for and with c...what a concept. Played with art later this afternoon...feel good...my spirit is returning...to love myself first. I have to keep telling myself --it is ok to take care of yourself...your body and spirit are asking you to! and it felt good too...

Just For Fun---stencils and bright fabric

Traveling through Time, Doorways, and Narrow Streets

I tried to leave this response for an art class I am taking online but could not do it: so here it is for me....the pix is of my wall calendar---yes Change is my theme now.

I just watched your video series and I love y9our attitude and visual cents...I am using the words in a different way...love the birds and your kitty cat. What fun this will be. Off to "hunt" for materials...lots of stuff can be used that I already have but want to find more interesting stencil stuff; so basically, thanks a bunch....good bye Michael Jackson...his body was like a human stencil I think...people put on it what they wanted and now he is free from all of that and can be his/her ture self.

Isn't She Beautiful?

Photoshop essence....on fire.

the wonders of Powells' bookstore

Went to Powell's bookstore and heard Margot re her book Hot House

Flower and the 9 Plants of Desire...I liked it but will wait until it comes out in paperback; unless I get it at the library...a trick my friend l1 told me about...it is funny, travel, of course love, and plants with "spells and magic". Bought The Courage to Teach by Palmer and a travel guide re the Pacific NW! Miss u L and H.

Happy Father's Day--To All of You-Current and in the Past

Thank you to all the "dads" both my own father who has not been on mother earth since 1973-36 years! and to all the sweet "dads" of today-----Don, Cornell, Daniel--all ages and all varieties. Love you all.

Dark in Portland

today reminds me of when I was in Anchorage for the summer; it was cloudy all day there like today in Portland; someone asked me today how I am handling the darkness and rain in the winter? I said I was doing pretty good with it but today I am not. Sun please come out and play ok? many shads of grey and more grey

So Mr Curtis? Can we go home?

Another Day with Another Photographer--

Boarding School Ladies

Between "I WANT TO GO" to "ok it is fine not to"

i tried to go to the gay pride events today...i walked about 2 blocks but it was too cold and in my mind i kept saying "what do you really want to do?"--go home and basically nest ALL DAY AND BE BY MYSELF...so that's what i did...too many people yesterday and friday...just too tired and need time for c. learning how to say "no" is still something I am trying to learn and PRACTICE...and listen to what i really want to do...my internal charchar....listen c. --so guess who the graduation picture is? yep landc--cute picture if you ask me.

that time of year

PSU double graduation day plus attending a native high school academy graduation last night...c spoke and sang to the students; it made me cry..and today at the PSU graduation in the morning the speaker made me cry...the smaller MSW graduation in the afternoon did not make me cry...I was too hot and tired...went home and cried...so two full days of crying....oh well...happy graduation to everyone....

What a Week!

Only two days into the week but it feels like 2 months; so much energy toward 

"other"; it is so hard for me to balance my own needs and wants and this high stress job. My weight gain is directly related to this reality...for sure. My foot is not hurting as badily as before; maybe it is healing...so start to slowly walk again...for pleasure not work. Grades will be turned in on Tuesday so that will help a lot...then to think about summer stuff and be more gentle with my own needs...yes, C it is you and you have needs too; you give so much to others...balance and more balance....nite nite

One YEAR

Yep--hard to believe...one year as of 6/6/09--also the last day I have to teach my class for this year....it went very well---it was a bright spot in my week that is for sure...after last t...uck. So, they gave me a beautiful plant who I named "Rose Butterfly" and it made me sneeze the entire afternoon...which was funny....and they gave me a card with so  many sweet statements...all of their words filled me up for sure.  Went home and collapsed. ...then watched several netflix movies...and napped..and watched more netflix...uu in the morning then going to see a play with m. It is 1:00 am I am a getting sleepy...nite...so, being here one year and now into my second year as of one hour. 

June 1st--Happy Birthday Marilyn M

By Marilyn Monroe

"I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but because I had never belonged to anything or anyone else. There was my name up in lights. I said, 'God, somebody's made a mistake.' But there it was, in lights. And I sat there and said, 'Remember, you're not a star.' Yet there it was up in lights. I'm going to be a great movie star some day."---------a tiny thought from me---

Thank you Marilyn for giving so much of yourself to everyone else...and not feeling all the love you needed for being human...I love this picture of you---you are smiling and look happy!

TV Stars: NOT--kinda---a little---and a BIG movie star

Aren't we all cute? We were all interviewed by a local native tv station..fun-about 5 minutes in all...a star from "Twilight" is at the farest left. I got his signature for H.

Over a Week---Oh well...welcome back

Photos from a sweet little garden store trip with the n's on Sunday...with a little help from photoshop...I guess I still love purple and pink

Mt Hood--The Long Way

I drove to Mt. Hood via Mt. Hood along the Columbia River---then over to Mt. Hood around the mountain---instead of going straight east on hyway 26...oh well...I saw a lot of the country; wine country too---farms, rivers, bridges, waterfalls, glorious day for a day trip...got home about 3:30ish and watched two movies on netflix then fell asleep...fun day.

Tonight a little photoshop play

These are some pictures I took about a week ago when I went to Astoria; playing with photoshop tonight--went to Mt. Hood (THE MOUNTAIN IN THE EAST)--I think I drove the LONG WAY AROUND THE MOUNTAIN...sure pretty...went to the lodge covered with snow..talk about white privilege...skiers...teenagers...the lodge is dirty and the views are not that great from the lodge--I did not eat there either...expensive and dirty looking...I did enjoy seeing the Mountain up close...walked over a bridge over a river and took some pictures..I could live in this bookstore---I love all the butterflies all over the place...

good bye

short but sweet...did I say funny?

The Sun Is Totally Out Today

It was HOT TODAY ALL DAY....blue skies, blue river, and hot day...wonderful! Went to UU this morning...the sermon was about children and their gifts...so touching..bought a new lawn chair (folding backwards) and sat on my patio over looking the river and Mt. Hood...a time to take a breath and be by myself and rest up!

Pictures in Astoria

Astoria Mini Trip

Went to Astoria today---100 miles both directions; made a big semi square. Cloudy and grey but still nice...traffic was not too bad...just drove slowly and looked at all the trees, trees, farms, shops, and had lunch in Astoria...sweet place. The beginning of their summer Sunday market--bought a bird house.

Desmond Tutu-A Hero for Our Time

What a wonderful lifetime event--to see and hear Desmond Tutu...in Portland at the University of Portland...what a sweet, kind, funny, truthful, elf like, hero for all of us. Went with L1, h, and d.