I'm still beaming with desert vibes from my recent visit to see family near Tucson, Arizona. A highlight of the trip was accompanying my Aunt Georgia to Saguaro National Park. This is a favorite of hers, and I'd never been, so we jumped in her Prius, took open back roads, and headed for the park on a brilliant blue sky, 75-degree day. When we entered the park, I felt … [Read more...] about How keeping present shapes a soulful nature experience in the desert.
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Ballard Locks Balance
There is a magical place in Seattle where freshwater meets the salty Salish Sea. It might stand as a reminder to integrate different parts of life for positive results. And it also is the scene of an ageold tale, since time immemorial. The Ballard Locks and adjacent Fish Ladder is a fascinating integration of engineering marvels facilitating travel, miracles of nature, and … [Read more...] about Ballard Locks Balance
Sasquatch is my friend
Sasquatch is my friend. I don’t know him in the way that he comes to my house and eats dinner with me, but he’s with me in spirit. I have a 4x6 postcard depicting him walking in the forest, weaving around rich green trees. He sits near my computer — looking at me with piercing blue eyes on a face drawn in Coast Salish artistry. I purchased this simple image at the … [Read more...] about Sasquatch is my friend
Celebration and remembering this 4th of July
The watershed 1855 Point Elliott Treaty, signed near present day Mukilteo, Washington, drastically reduced Salish tribal lands. It was negotiated using about 300 Chinook Jargon words — which made nuances unclear to many of the signatories, who mostly spoke versions of Lushootseed. The Snohomish, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, and other ally tribes were combined into the area … [Read more...] about Celebration and remembering this 4th of July
Ranching reflections — guarding the gate of discovery and connection
When I was about ten years old I started learning about quiet contemplation in the world — from a cow trail in the middle of a vast expanse of ranch land. In the Summer, my dad would load my two younger brothers (Bobby and Patrick) and I up into his green Datsun pickup truck and take us out to the farm. It’s still unclear how crucial we were to these … [Read more...] about Ranching reflections — guarding the gate of discovery and connection
