Houndshead

I thank you God for this most amazing day: for the leaning greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes.

e.e. cummings

Another week, another infusion, another opportunity to breathe through the uncomfortablness and into the sublime. 

The second chemo treatment was a breeze in that the steroid was reduced (helps with nausea) and Claritan rather than Benedryl was administered to reduce a reaction.

 On Saturday, I had the honor of attending Sharon and Alan Parker's 40th wedding anniversary celebration at their beautiful home, surrounded by towering firs and cedar. Sharon reminded me of our time together in Auckland and Whatatanie in Aeotearoa (New Zealand) in 2005, working on the Treaty of Indigenous Nations. Being with them also reminded me of Alan's near death recovery, sang back to life by Maori healers and a belief that his work isn't done. Trust me, it isn't. The gathering included meeting new friends and hugging old friends such as Bonnie, Jan and Roger - reminding me of the vast network of love that surrounds me. After a delicious elk burger, I realized that it was enough, and headed home. I drove myself, because I could, and primarily to have as much independence as possible. Alan could relate totally. 

Visits by Kris, Rhonda, Rick, Kit enlivened the weekend, as well as breakfast at the Oly Farmers Market....Dingeys... crabcake eggs benedict. Yum. 

And then - we found her. The place of healing, the place called home. Actually named, "Houndshead" - because the neighbors dogs would 'head' to the yard to do their business. And what a yard - over an acre stretched between house and saltwater. I found the house by googling "Rent in Olympia." At first I thought it was some kind of internet spam ad, based on the price and the photos. Nestled on Henderson Inlet, just north of Olympia and slightly south of the Nisqually Reach -- this 60's style beach house sits on 2 acres, has four bedrooms, and plenty of room for company. Jared and I have wanted to find a place where our family and friends can gather - and well, we've found that place. On the bay, old log pilings are home to a harbor seal population, our new "noisy" neighbors. The people that have rented the house for the past three years are a couple of angels on earth - they have opened the house and their hearts to us - including leaving some furniture until Jared can move our Tahoe household items in September. As a kid growing up on Horsehead Bay -- the need for salt water is palatable... we are home. We will take possession of the house in late July, hosting my brother's birthday celebration. What a way to usher in life and love into our new home!