Five good things

Prompted by a timely reminder from Liz to think of 5 good things in my life today. I will get to Artfest reports and photos soon, but I am just settling back into home and unpacking and reflecting. So some gratitude before I get to the chores:

  1. My amazing trip to Artfest with Seattle, Portland and quality time with my husband thrown in.
  2. Having the chance to further friendships with some amazing women that I have already learned so much from (more detail will follow in my Artfest post).
  3. Getting home safely to a flat and kitty and friends that have all stayed safe in my absence.
  4. New plans and opportunities and the freedom to pursue them.
  5. New books and a CD set from Pema Chodron that are offering me the guidance I need right now - in life and in creating my spiritual practice.
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A little over 25 hours in Portland

Last year, almost every time I start raving about how much I loved Seattle, someone said "Then you should go to Portland." I guess it's like one of those music recommendations... "Like Damien Rice? You'll love Brett Dennen!" So for this year's Artfest pilgrimage we planned in a little detour to Portland, Oregon.

Friday afternoon we took the train down to Portland from Seattle, passing through Tukwila, Tacoma, Olympia, Centralia, Kelso, and Vancouver (WA not BC). The stations at either end were walking distance from where we stayed, which is the way we like it. We threw down our bags and were on the streets by 4pm, and we didn't have to be at the station again till after 5 on Saturday.

You'll have to wait for photos though as I mainly stuck to my LCA+ this trip. I've got some pictures that I just love, but they need to be scanned in when I get home.

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Unwired

I've been away from reliable internet access since the 31st and it has been a mixed experience. Not knowing whether family are trying to contact me has been tough. FYI even when I have had internet, for some reason I am not getting hotmail.

At the same time though, it can be very freeing to be unplugged. I am also slightly disappointed not to have more photos to show you. I'm just not in a photo place. Sometimes the camera helps me appreciate the details of my surroundings and sometimes it creates a distance between my self and the experience. Right now, I am just here, enjoying, taking photos with my mind. At the same time though, there is so much I want to show you... maybe soon.

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