Blogabout-Lynda

First snow

2011-12-04T20:30:00.001-08:00

Missing You, trying again :)

2011-11-21T20:16:00.002-08:00

Hello! I have to honestly confess I am missing you all. I am missing sharing photos and words and inner musings. I am missing hearing from you, too and your story line that etch pictures of a world we share mostly in words.

I am committing to revisiting my blog and begin here with a photo from the top of Deception Peak (12,200') taken on Sunday after a 2,200' elevation climb. That's me under the orange hood, bracing against the wind and wishing I had mittens on. More later with love, Lynda

Missing you.

2011-11-21T20:16:00.001-08:00

Leonard goes to Australia

2011-06-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Read all about it. Leonard Goes to Australia

Yep, it’s true. Oh I wish it were I making headlines in Australia, but CHERYL LEONARD is. And, it’s big. She has been asked by the Australian National University in Canberra to perform her Antarctic compositions.

If you love creativity at its finest and appreciate the strivings of artists, you will not want to miss this opportunity to support in a direct and conscious way this AMAZINGLY, Creative, Talented musician and composer.

I call her the Andy Goldsworthy of sound and music. A couple years ago Cheryl received a grant from the National Science Foundation Antarctic Artists and Writers Program and went to Antarctica to record the sounds make them into compositions culminating in a CD entitled Chattermarks Antarctica.

Not only has she made compositions using everything from her field recordings sounds from under the glaciers and a chorus of sea lions, she makes her own instruments for the compositions from bones and shells and rocks.

CHECK THIS OUT!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2139678053/antarctica-music-from-the-ice

So here is the gig. Cheryl is raising funds to get to herself to Australia.

You can purchase any number of really cool things to make this happen. You can help by buying everything from Penguin Music Stickers $5, to a copy of her CD, $15, up to $1,000 where Cheryl will write a new composition and dedicate it to you. Check it out.

Here is her fund raising website which is clever, professional and informative.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2139678053/antarctica-music-from-the-ice

June 16^th is her deadline to fund this project.

From A proud Aunt spreading the word for this most deserving talent.

Virgina, March 2011

2011-03-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you attended a birthday party for a six year old? Everything happens in 10-minute slots. Well, this is what happened at my granddaughter’s party as Anjoli Marie kissed 5 goodbye.

Here’s a slightly exaggerated thumbnail sketch of her 6^th birthday party. Little girls arrived with parents in tow. These hellos and goodbyes took 10 minutes. Then they all piled into Anjoii’s room to experience the magic land of another little girl’s bedroom. Ten minutes later, Anjoli guided the entourage to the dining table where an art project awaited. For 10 minutes they affixed stick on animals and plants and suns and trees onto foam board and wha-la, then they were done. Juice snacks came next along with the recited rule not to drink in the living room. This was less than 5 minutes followed by the lighting of the sparkler birthday candles on top of the novel “cupcake’ cake. This was devoured in 10 minutes at which point they paraded to the downstairs playroom where presents were unceremoniously torn apart with glee and thank you's. With a pile of ribbons and bows left behind the train of girls ascended once again to the dining area where Anjoli sang two songs broadcasted from a Barbie microphone. With streams still hung and three helium balloons bouncing across the ceiling, the parents returned to deliver their cake-filled children home leaving behind an officially now six Anjoli Marie. This writing should rightfully be a run on sentence to truly capture the flow of these serial events.

I ponder what lies ahead for this little girl who openly says YES! to life, who loves without strategy or restraint, pours her heart into song and who plays a calculated game of UNO.

Her older brother, Peyton now eight, takes a back seat to Anjoli’s exuberance. His sweet nature still allows you run your fingers through his hair and rub his back. Legos are a world he enters with full command of design, and he is an agile soccer player who loves to ride his bike.

Peyton is well liked by all and is now loosing his teeth. His face will transfigure as his adult teeth take over his boyish head and he waits now for his face to catch up with the size of his teeth.

I see these grandchildren in one-year increments, here are still shots of recorded moments. I observe them in leaps of understanding. I care about having relationships with them and am saddened by the limitations of distance. They are coming together as brother and sister in ways that were not apparent last year. And this warms my heart.

Recently I reflected on the fact that my own grandparents always seemed old. They were like figures in a still life portrait. I do not remember them aging they were always the same age, old. I wonder if they too took care to watch my nature develop as I grew? Did they marvel at my accomplishments and did they too contemplate what kind of woman I would grow into. I will never know.

Enjoy these captured moments which begin with Anjoli's visit to the hairdresser for the birthday curls.

Before

2011-03-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Making of Shirley

2011-03-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

In Process Braid and Curls

2011-03-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

Girl with the Curl

2011-03-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

Anjoli's Gang

2011-03-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Sharing the Cake-light

2011-03-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sweet Boy at 8

2011-03-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

Sing It Baby

2011-03-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Orange Smiles

2011-03-20T19:17:00.001-07:00

Julia welcomes Peyton

2011-03-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

A Rising Star

2011-03-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Jackson and the Johnston's

2011-03-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

The $100 Kid

2011-03-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

New Currency

2011-03-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

George

2011-03-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

A man for the ages

2011-03-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

Peyton takes a stance

2011-03-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Rosa Parks

2011-03-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Washington DC March 2011

2011-03-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

At the White House

2011-03-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Fixing a smile

2011-03-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

That me and the kids

2011-03-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Craig: The wood shop

2011-03-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

Sonja: Another View

2011-03-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

My Daughter Sonja

2011-03-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

A Confession and a Decision

2010-12-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

A Confession

Here is my true confession. I want you to sign up for Northern Naturals' e-letter.

http://www.northernnaturals.com/contact.html

Many of you already have, and this tickles and delights my heart. If you haven’t, I would LOVE it if you did. This is a way for you to enjoy further discounts, information and announcements, as well as track what I am doing and where I am headed with the business.

I have a little conflict running inside.

*I want your support as I navigate this new world of internet business.

*I want to share my enthusiasm for this business with you.

*I want you to be part of the growing Northern Naturals family.

*I want to offer you some of the best products on the market at affordable prices.

AND, what I don’t want is for you in anyway to feel pressure to sign up, or to buy anything from Northern Naturals’ expanding line of natural and organic products for the home and office sanctuary.

“Wants” and “don’t wants” are looming. I know full well it may not be your desire to come on board with Northern Naturals, and so it is. As with all desires, here is my opportunity to surrender and allow things to be as they are. So do as you please, please.

A Decision

Also, my blog has been a creative and wonderful place for me to land during this past year while journeying far from home. It is not like I will never talk about Northern Naturals here again, but I would like to use blogabout-lynda as a forum for reflection with a few cool pictures thrown in.

Well there you have it, a dose of honesty on this very last Monday of December.

Still Snow

2010-12-21T14:36:00.000-08:00

Today is the solstice, a full moon and a lunar eclipse. Winter pivots on this day, as if the sole purpose of lighting all our holiday candles is to announce the coming of these longer days.

Last week, there was a winter storm here in the City Different that left eight inches of snow. This mantle of white ignites my love of winter as it transforms the hard edges of contrast while blending, connecting and unifying all things. I think snow is “grace in form” displaying no discrimination as it blesses everything from the dumpster to the trees. It is this beauty that seeps inside reacquainting my heart with wonder and love while snowflakes land without a sound.

In this stillness the outer world pierces my mind’s assessment of wonder. Beyond all the painted words is this place of trust and direct connection with the absolute truth of our existence. As I celebrate the snow, the solstice and the coming of the light, I send you this peace that has no edges, no form, no beginning and no end.

Bless you all.

Blind Faith & 15%

2010-11-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

Yep, Blind Faith. That sums up the energy behind purchasing Northern Naturals, my online drop and ship business. With David Castle, my Business Director, standing behind me I leapt into this venture pushing aside everything accept the ‘Yes’ that is propelling me forward.

There is a bigger vision driving my compulsion to become a business owner. I have worked in the non-profit arena for several decades now. The question arose how do I continue to follow my heart and be supported? During the summer I looked into becoming a grant writer. I signed up for a course, got the materials and knew instantly that this would not be for me. So when Brett presented me the possibility of buying his business, something instinctually knew that having a business could be a way to bridge two worlds.

I see that Northern Naturals can be a platform for grassroots non-profit projects acting as a conduit for information, education, networking and funding. My creative juices are being stirred. Perhaps I can feature a certain non-profit each month in the newsletter or highlight particular products that will support an initiative. The question is, how can a business, which sells all natural, sustainable products, be a channel to educate and inform its customers about grassroots projects here at home and abroad? Is there really anything standing in the way of this vision? I want to see Northern Naturals as a beacon for sustainable grassroots projects.

In celebration of my new endeavor and vision, I invite you to sign up for our newsletter http://www.northernnaturals.com/contact.html providing the latest products, monthly specials, coupon offers and yes, non-profit initiatives.

Also by mentioning that you are my friend or family member, you will receive a 15% discount on any item purchased before December 15, 2010. Come, enjoy my excitement, sign up now and stay tuned.

Technical Snags

2010-10-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

Let’s see if this one works correctly.

Northern Naturals can be found at:

www.northernnaturals.com

A New Relationship

2010-10-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

I have unexpectedly fallen in love and find myself cozying up with a new relationship in my life. It feels like a dream, it is happening so fast.

Well, I thought that headline would grab your attention; my new relationship actually is a business venture. I am buying a business! Check it out:

www.northernnaturals.com (please copy and paste, ran into technical difficulties linking blog to website).

It is a long story but the short of it is I have been networking with the previous owner since my time in Sedona last fall, not over his business but his non-profit organization, Bodhi Tree Educational Foundation.

Well, that’s how we met and here, a year later, I am buying his thriving, 12 year-old, on-line biz that sells natural fiber futons and their frames. The list of wonderful items goes on from here complete with a 30-day money back guarantee:

· 100% Organic Cotton Sheets

· Bamboo Sheets

· Latex toppers

· Body pillows

· Wool mattress pads

· Cotton blankets

· Cotton Rugs

· Jute Rugs

· Bamboo Rugs

· Sea Grass Rugs

· Eco Rug Pads

· Yoga mats

· Omega juicers

I envision the business as a vehicle to engage in the non-profit world that I have served for so many years. I desire to create a business where I can network, link and support projects both in America and abroad. The vision is clear, the ‘how” is not.

I have hired a business director and we have spent the last few days here in Vermont learning the biz and sleeping on futons (no, not together) and buckwheat hull pillows. I have to say that pillow was divine. NO cricks in my neck the following morning. This will be my very first personal purchase!

Do check out the website and share in my excitement.

www.northernnaturals.com (please copy and paste, ran into technical difficulties linking blog to website).

Speechless

2010-09-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

After twelve and a half months away from Santa Fe (3.5 months of those were in a tent), 19,000 car miles, 46 different beds, a trip to Uganda, four weeks in British Columbia and a seven-day wilderness solo in Mt. Shasta, you would think I would have something to say.

And yet, I find myself at a loss for the words that would capture the essence of my journey. Of course, there are many stories, and yet the story that is unwritten is the quiet one inside.

Upon my return Dick and Elizabeth Prosapio offered me a five-day retreat space in their kiva in the mountains outside of Stanley, New Mexico. I was so grateful for a place to land.

It was here in the kiva that I created a 32’’x40” collage. I wanted to visually capture the essence of the internal transformation. After fourteen hours of sorting through images, cutting, dancing, crying, designing, redesigning and pasting a piece emerged. I do not know how well these photos will post, but I am giving it a try.

It feels like I have made a film and now I am trying to write the screenplay. When something authentic and true arises, I will write. Enjoy, and if anything comes up for you as you view the piece, I would be delighted to hear your impressions.

Journey to NowHere

2010-09-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

Divine Masculine & Feminine: The Material & The Spiritual

2010-09-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

Transfiguration: Spiritual Warriorship

2010-09-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

Nature's Nurturing Beauty

2010-09-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Outer Journey

2010-09-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

Blind Spots

2010-09-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Uganda

2010-09-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

An Opening

2010-09-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

Elevation

2010-09-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

Guidance

2010-09-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

True Reflection

2010-09-10T19:18:00.001-07:00

The Inner Journey

2010-09-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Awake

2010-09-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

The Tallest Trees on the Planet: The Redwoods

2010-07-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

Through photographs, I share with you much of my outward journey. Being behind the camera enhances my creativity and heightens my desire to communicate with you through visuals.

The world of nature is an alluring subject. Beauty itself beckons me. Natural beauty at its essence has no center or directionality. Its inherent wholeness points me to the infinite and timeless wonder of the unborn self. These pictures touch an inner world where much is percolating and yet to be shared.

This forest is part of the Jedediah Smith State Park outside of Crescent City, California. These are some of the tallest trees on the planet peaking at 320 feet with a diameter of 24 feet. Less than 5% of the original forest remains for these 2,000 year old trees. Enjoy.

In the beginning: Jedediah Smith Redwoods

2010-07-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

Along the way

2010-07-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Beauty at my feet

2010-07-01T20:56:00.000-07:00

Beauty in all things

2010-07-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

Banana Slug

2010-07-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

The Trees

2010-07-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

2,000 year old: Boy Scout Tree

2010-07-01T20:37:00.001-07:00

Redwood Forest

2010-07-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

The KY's

2010-06-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

Cindy, Rosa, Katja, Mark, Alexis, Nick, Brenda, Vicki, Kim and I all had two things in common, we all signed up for Hollyhock’s Karma Yogi program for the month of May and we were all in some transition in our lives. For one month we shared scrabble matches, tarot readings, stories, work assignments, meals, wine, hikes, books and blogs, photographs and desires.

Alexis and Nick were travelling together roaming the states and Canada gobbling up experiences in-between college obligations. Nick is working on his PhD in philosophy answering the question: Can Science be Emancipatory? Alexis’ organization called STEPS networks artists and activists who are using art to engage communities in public spaces. Rosa and Katja are sisters from Victoria also in-between semesters. Mark came from Edmonton on vacation from his IBM job. Cindy is a community organizer, grant writer and fundraiser who sought a little refuge from life in Calgary. Brenda also from Calgary is at crossroad in her spiritual and personal life. With a degree in Architecture, Vicki is looking for a good project to sink her teeth into and will now spend the rest of her summer building a cob structure; and Kim the artist is on the move looking to leave Toronto and settle in BC with her tools and talent.

In Hollyhock-speak we were known as the KY’s. We all signed up for the Karma Yogi program and committed to volunteer 32 hours a week working behind the scenes in various departments like the kitchen, housekeeping, gardening, maintenance, production, hosting, and special projects. I learned in a host of new skills like operating a commercial dishwasher and driving a golf cart. The work was always made light when you could share your work shift a fellow KY.

I ponder who will stick from this experience. Many people have come and gone from my life. Who stays and who sticks is yet to be revealed, but one thing is for certain, this team of people that I lived, worked, played and laughed with will NEVER be forgotten.

The KY Team

2010-06-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Tealcroft: Our residence

2010-06-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

On the Ferry

2010-06-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

Departing Cortes: the car was loaded

2010-06-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

Beloved Red Cedar and Kim

2010-06-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

Rolling around the moss

2010-06-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

Sunset at Smelt Bay

2010-06-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Hike to Carrington Bay with our guide Peter

2010-06-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Feasting

2010-06-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Birthday Boy

2010-06-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Birthday Girl

2010-06-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Cindy's Last Night

2010-06-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hollyhock’d

2010-06-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

I sit now in Bellingham, Washington writing this blog spot in the wee hours of the morning with rain falling gently outside far away from Cortes Island. Before I left, I learned a new word, Hollyhock’d. At the retreat center when your heart gets blasted open and transformation is afoot, you’ve been Hollyhock’d.

In my last week, I sat in a circle of board members and staff as they shared heart-blasted-open-transformational stories from Hollyhock’s history. There were lots of naked stories of nude gardening, nude swimming, hot tubs, a 44-ball birthday party salute and endless topless activities in those early days.

In my own way I have been Hollyhock’d though I didn’t see a single nude body the entire month. Hollyhock crept inside of me much like how a good conversation leaves you feeling whole and connected. I have heard about this place since the early 90’s, and now some 20 years later I followed that calling to the magical, mystical land of Hollyhock.

Since 1982, Hollyhock has been an international educational center that was created to unite revolutionary teachers and thinkers at the leading edge of human and organizational evolution. Subjects as diverse as wellness and wisdom practices, arts and culture, business and leadership development are taught.

Hollyhock is enchanting and it’s natural beauty beacons one to relax, restore and recreate their lives. The early founders, without a guru or dogma, created quite a community where they made art out of life. Early guest presenters at Hollyhock include Allen Ginsberg, RD Laing, Ram Das, Stan and Christina Grof, Andrew Weil, Rupert Sheldrake, Jill Purce, Robert Bly and Baba Olatunji. Facilitators now stand on the shoulders of these cultural icons.

When I sit with the history of this place, I feel such honor to have been here for the month of May. History continues to be written as Hollyhock morphs to meet the demands of the times. The place has grown a great deal since 1982. Hollyhock has expanded its land base and buildings and there is room now for personal retreats for relaxation and rejuvenation along with the seminars.

My time here has come to a close and in my last days as I walked in the rain and saw two pair of eagles sitting on their beach front rock perches, I felt enormous waves of appreciation for what has been created here and the beauty that I carry inside as I leave.

The photos posted are in no particular order. They give you a glimpse of its charm and maybe, just for a moment you too will become Hollyhock’d.

The Hollyhock Garden

2010-06-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Wood Carving

2010-06-02T04:01:00.000-07:00

Cob House Sanctuary

2010-06-02T03:58:00.000-07:00

A different view

2010-06-02T03:54:00.000-07:00

View from the Main Lodge

2010-06-02T03:52:00.000-07:00

The path between my house and the lodge

2010-06-02T03:45:00.000-07:00

Hollyhock's Kitchen

2010-05-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

My days at Hollyhock have been scheduled around three amazing meals a day served promptly at 8:30 am, 12:30pm and 6:30pm.

I have not grown tired of someone cooking for me and cleaning up. I have been served oysters on the half shell, fresh caught salmon and vegetarian delights. As of this writing I have been served 69 meals and not one of them has been the same. The food alone is a great reason to dedicate a month of service to this foundation. Needless to say I have gained weight and my thighs now touch!

Check out these masterpieces.

The Oyster BBQ

2010-05-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Grilled Salmon

2010-05-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Spread

2010-05-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Our Favorite Chef: Michelle

2010-05-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

Taste Treats from the Kitchen

2010-05-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

The Land of Eagles

2010-05-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Cortes Island is home to a sizeable number of eagles. Bill, Hollyhock’s resident naturalist, tells many stories about the bird that are hard to find on the internet.

One, their eyes are amazing. If we were to have the size eyes that an eagle has our eyes would be as big as oranges and we would have two eyelids. Eagles have a second eyelid that is transparent allowing them to keep their eye on their prey and still blink and lubricate the eyeball while in flight.

We would also have five homes. Most eagles build five nests in the tall pines. They have a primary nest where they raise their young, and because each nest weighs about 2,000 pounds, they build a second home just in case the first one collapses. The other three nests are interesting, as Bill explains, the fledglings can be quite obnoxious and demanding. The ma and pa are able to fly to these nearby nests and still monitor the kids needs. I can think of a few parents who would like this arrangement.

And here one more rather interesting fact, eagles can drown. When they catch their prey out at sea, their claws clamp down hard tightening the tendons and muscles in their legs. They are unable to release this grasp until they reach shore and set the meal down. This can be quite exhausting if they are far from shore. I have not seen this, but there are days when you see an eagle doing the breaststroke across the water dragging their fish in tow trying to get to land. Sometimes they don’t make the arduous swim and they drown. Where’s the rescue boat?

Once a week Hollyhock hosts an oyster BBQ for their guests. Each time, Bill walks a handful of leftover salmon to the beach and if we are lucky, the eagles will arrive and snatch a free dinner. These shots are an attempt to capture this event. Sure wish I had a telephoto lens.

Eagles!!!

2010-05-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Ferry Filter

2010-05-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

Cortes Island in British Columbia is remote and the islanders like it that way. The “ferry filter” is one guarantee for keeping its 950 inhabitants locked into their back-to-the-land life styles. I took three ferries to get to this tiny little island, sixteen miles long by eight miles wide, nestled between the northeastern shore of Vancouver Island and the west coast of Canada. It is a land of tall pine trees, Douglas firs and the red cedar. There are wolves and eagles and sea lions and seals and otters.

Cortes is part of the Discovery Islands and sits at the gateway to Desolation Sound a world famous marine destination renowned for its warm summer waters and oysters, and as the saying goes, “when the tide is out the table is spread”. Oysters on the half shell are savored once a week on the beach here at Hollyhock, and everyone has a special sauce. Bill’s is a curry sauce served right next to the wasabi and garlic.

Here, doors are rarely locked, 40mph is fast, and the mail is delivered only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. People are gentle, eccentric, creative, and resourceful and spin in the vortex of island time where things are often dependent on the tides and which way the wind is blowing. Islanders know their neighbors and when new things have arrived at the free store. The ferry filter is working to fend off the western world at large, but there was an island workshop yesterday on how to use Facebook.

So I slow down, sleep well and sink into island time. Hence, I have just begun to post things on the blog. Enjoy.

2010-05-19T12:10:00.001-07:00

2010-05-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

Of the Sea Manson's Landing

2010-05-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

Views from the top, Green Mountain and Easter Bluff

2010-05-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

Manson's Landing

2010-05-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

Along the way to Carrington Bay

2010-05-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Site of Annual RAVE at Carrington Bay

2010-05-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hike to Carrington Lagoon, Cortes Island

2010-05-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

Arrival at Hollyhock Retreat Center

2010-05-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

I am here now at Hollyhock Retreat Center on Cortes Island, BC. The call of bald eagles and this amazing, incredible beauty of the Pacific NW greet me. The place sparkles as the sea and sun cast their luminous reflections on pristine forests where I walk in awe of such magnificence. My heart leaps and my feet dance. This is no ordinary place.

Hollyhock: View from the Lodge where I eat

2010-05-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Another Port on the way to Hollyhock

2010-05-06T11:14:00.001-07:00

Leaving it Behind: Goodbye Vancouver

2010-05-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Northwest

2010-05-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Since last I wrote I have driven through Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. I want to publicly thank Bunny Henderson and Toni, Tom Bender and Jenn, Dan Ryan, and Paula Brown for their beds and breakfasts and conversations and welcome and companionship along the way to here. Blessed are those that take in a traveler for a night or two or five. Surely they will receive stars in heaven for they are truly angels along the way.

I happened to have been in Olympia, WA. for their 16^th Annual Procession, a community celebration bringing awareness to our natural world and its need for protection and restoration. There are three basic rules for the procession:

· No written words or symbols can be used.

· No pets

· No motorized vehicles

Below are some photos from this parade with its 3,000 marchers and 30,000 watchers. Also posted are photos taken around Dan’s neighborhood in Olympia and our hike to Lena Lake in the Olympic Mts.