Namaste... Please Vote

Fall Was Here

This is what the yoga instructor said at the end of class the other day, right after we had all declared "Ohhhhmmmmmm" together and bowed with our hands over our hearts.  She is from somewhere else - she has an accent that I can't place on my own, I'd have to ask her.  I'd guess somewhere in Europe - maybe Germany?  Or Eastern Europe?  I believe she used to be a ballerina, which is why she's such a great yoga instructor.  I hadn't been to a yoga class since January, and knew the last one of the 5-pack I bought was about to expire, so I stretched for the first time in awhile (and am still sore).  I try to catch her classes because they're usually slightly challenging, but not too much.  Everyone smiled and laughed to themselves as she hesitantly added the part about voting at the tail-end of her namaste.

In the book I'm reading, Songs Without Words by Ann Packer, one of the characters actually mentions that "Namaste" means "my soul acknowledges your soul."  This seems to apply to voting, particularly nowadays when so much rage is being stirred up towards immigrants.  I opened up the news again, to read about the president's plans to send thousands of troops to our border and stop immigrants from coming into this country.  I don't watch him very often, but in the clips I've heard or seen, he always makes sure to mention that these people are "animals" or "not the nicest people" or something of that sort - drug dealers, criminals, etc.

So this is where my maternity leave money is going - to support thousands of troops to stop weaponless, desperate people who seem to have no other choice than walk hundreds of miles away from their conflict?

What always floors me, is that our president is married to an immigrant.

Awhile ago, I listened to a RadioLab trilogy series about the US border.  One of my takeaways from it was that no matter what gets put on the border, people will find a way to get here.  If there's a bigger wall, then they will take boats.  And what about airports?  My question is - why do people want to come here anymore?  If I knew that my children could be taken from me at the border of Canada, and that some troops were waiting for me, I would steer clear.  But maybe things are just that bad where these people are coming from - they must be.

I'm not sure that Americans can connect with the feeling of having to physically leave their home - to wake up one morning and start walking.  I can't imagine what that must be like.  Over here, they talk about Cascadia - when the earthquake scheduled to sever San Francisco causes all the volcanos connected with it to explode and tsunamis to take out Seattle and the Oregon Coast.  I wonder if that would be the time, that people would just start walking to escape the danger that is coming.  Terrifying, right?

But my bigger question is, why are we de-humanizing immigrants?  If America really wants to crack down on drugs, have police raid the private schools, wall street, and fraternities.  If the government wants some of their money back - stop corporations from finding loopholes to not pay thousands, probably millions, of tax dollars.  Maybe hold the people on wall street who sunk our economy accountable.  Why do we not think to "go after" the wealthy?  That is where the real money is, the expensive drugs, and the people who support the drug industry - why are we picking on the people who can't even afford a car or plane ticket to get their family to safety?

The de-humanization is the scariest part.  We see things like genocide in Rwanda and think, how can that happen?  When I was there, I heard about how neighbors were physically killing their neighbors.  The radio station called a certain tribe "cockroaches" and would just say it over and over again on the airwaves.  We think, how can a country get to that point?  My grandfather always said the Germans were smart people.  But isn't that the rhetoric that we're hearing now?  Immigrants constantly de-humanized by our commander in chief and millions of tax dollars put towards stopping their "invasion"?  He's already called them animals - why not get more specific and say cockroaches?

Anyway, I personally love people from other countries - they're in my family and they are my family.  They're my Mom, my friends, and some of the coolest, smartest, and best people I know.  President Trump likes them so much that he married one.

My soul acknowledges your soul.  Namaste.

(Please Vote)

Can't Believe These Leaves Are Already Gone

I Vote for Fall!

Down By the Deschutes River Trail

It's that time of year again... voting!  Yes, people!  VOTE.

In Oregon, you receive a booklet in the mail that informs you of all the candidates and measures that will appear on your ballot.  We do not vote at polls, but rather, receive our ballot in the mail and can either drop it off at a location or send it in.  I imagine it's because Oregon is such a freakin' huge state that it makes it easier for people to vote out in the middle of nowhere.

I really appreciate this booklet, however, it is difficult to sit down and make sense of some of the issues.  This makes me think that democracy may not be the greatest system - who am I to decide whether we should amend the constitution regarding the government's ability to tax groceries or not?  I am not nearly knowledgeable enough of all the intended and unintended consequences on this decision.  And that's just one of them.

The booklet includes arguments in favor and opposition, so that you can maybe get a better sense of what is going on.  It also includes descriptions of candidates that they have written and sent in.  While reading them, I tired to imagine what I would think about their descriptions without looking at which political party they're affiliated with.

The thing is, gosh, every decision comes with consequences.  I guess I just want to vote for some smart people to do the work for me, please.

I remember learning about Kurt Hahn and John Dewey and their different takes on democracy.  Kurt Hahn was coming out of WWII and believed you couldn't trust people to vote in a democracy due to propaganda.  He was Jewish and experienced the effects of a government going haywire by the votes of the people, having to flea to England.  He believed that the best way was to have the educated, wealthy, elite make the decisions as they may be more knowledgeable than the vulnerable everyday person easily taken in.  John Dewey, on the other hand, believed that everybody needs to be properly educated so that they can become a responsible citizen.  Things to think about.

Now get on out there and be a wicked smart voter.

Dillon Falls

The Lovely Deschutes

Aqua Love

Lavaaaa

Fuzzy Branches

Fluff is in the Air

Those Aspens

Those Aspens 2

Rainbow Aspen

Prehistoric

Because, Pumpkins

Puppy and the Rain

I've been a little hooked on Regina Spektor's new album, Remember Us to Life, and the song Seller of Flowers is one of my favorites (maybe give her the peace prize next time?). It keeps getting stuck in my head, especially since it seems appropriate for this time of year...

'Cause winters coming, soon after summer
It runs faster, faster, chasing off autumn
We go from a warm sun to only a white sun
We go from a large sun to only a small one

When I was a small girl, I walked through the market
Holding my dad's hand, mitten-gloved hand
That night there were roses, lit up in glass boxes
The heat lamps would keep them from freezing in winter

We never bought them but somebody must have
Maybe they made it or maybe they froze up
Before any person had put them in water
And hoped that they'd still be alive by the morning

Who's the winner
Not the roses, not the buyers, not the sellers,
Not the tellers, of the stories,
Not the fathers, not their children,
Not those walking on a dark night,
Through a memory they're forgetting,
Who's the winner, who's the winner
Maybe winter, maybe winter

We walked through the rain and the sage recently at the Good Dog Park.  The rain turned out to be deceptively light and after walking for 30 minutes, our jackets, pants, and hair, were carrying quite a number of droplets.  It felt nice though.  It's so dry out here, your own body feels ready to absorb as much water as it can get when it comes.  Similar to when I was a camp counselor - or camper - and we washed our hair in the rain if a good rainstorm came through, standing underneath the gutters of our cabin for a good rinse.  There's a somewhat famous quote - by Bob Marley? - which states, "Some feel the rain, other's just get wet."  This day, we were totally feeling the rain.  

Who's the winner, who's the winner

Maybe rainstorms, maybe rainstorms

Sage and the Rain

I do love the smell of the pine, sage, and juniper after a solid rain.  The scents hang in the air, particularly the pine.  The air feels thick, reminiscent of the East Coast, or even that forever-rainy Oregon valley.  

Explosive Orange

Wet Dog Getting Wetter

Water on Water

Red

I have to say, the Fall in Bend pales in comparison to New England (who's the winner).  You will find strips of trees turning a raging yellow and will find some red as well, but it is not nearly found in the same density as New England.  I think this is the first time I've felt nostalgic about New England since I've been here.  Where is my pumpkin beer?  Where are the pumpkin spice lattes?  Where is the apple picking? Again, you can find it here - just not in the same density/in-your-face-everywhere.  I wouldn't mind going back to the North Shore to Russell Orchards for some apple picking, cider doughnuts, or a pumpkin muffin.  Where is my sunny Fall hayride?

Leaves Over Rocks

Pumpkin on Pumpkin

I pumpkin-overdosed above: pumpkin latte and pumpkin pie.  

Immersion Brewing

As we say in Bend, all good things end in a brewery.  Nope, that's not true - no one says that.  Some other quotes that I like to keep in mind are always carry a growler and always bring a layer - even in the summer.   It is true that Bend is full of breweries.  Going back to New England's superior Fall, there seems to be a slight anti-pumpkin movement in Bend as well, which I feel holds it back from truly embracing the specialties of the season.  Deschutes brewery has a hastag #saynotopumpkin - what?!  Come on, Bend.  So one of my personal tasks has been to discover where the pumpkin beer is and to consume it.  So far I've found two spots and have heard of a third.  It's also not easy to find it bottled.  I've found two brands of pumpkin beer in the store.  It's just not a big thing here I suppose.... which is okay (?).   As much as I'm not even obsessed with pumpkin beer typically, now I am just because I feel it is a basic Fall right that everyone should be able to access these seasonal beverages.  Put down the IPAs people!

Jack/Jackie Lanterns

Yes, we are ready for this season of dark and light.  There was a satiric article I read awhile ago noting newsworthy destructive acts that white kids have done which are not portrayed by the media as being reflective of "white culture" as happens to other racial groups.  The article had real video footage of white kids destroying public property, storefronts, rioting, and had a commentator talking about how the "white community" will respond or not respond - and about the "future of white males."  One of these acts was a pumpkin fest at a New Hampshire college which had turned into a full on riot and the caption below the video stated, "Because, Pumpkins."  Pumpkins are pretty exciting.  I can't help but think about how that commentary relates to this election season and just how much destruction can one person get away with?  Because, .... ?

Who's the winner, who's the winner

Going back to feeling the rain and smelling the smells, let's not ever just get wet.

Tribute to the Ropes Course

It's 8 AM.  I'm standing with a few people, next to a tree - a few trees - waiting for the sound of a big yellow bus - or two, or three - to fumble its way down a tiny dirt drive.  We're talking about activities you can do with foam rings, or two drum sticks with colored tape, or how education paradigms are changing (or need to).  Foam pool noodles, hula hoops, yarn balls, bandanas, and of course, rubber chickens, pigs, and fish, clutter and stick out of our backpacks.  We're drinking coffee, eating a snack, and gathering ourselves before the energetic 6th graders run out from their bumbling yellow and black striped container.

Run away!  Run away! (I joke or think to myself)

The busses arrive.  "Welcome to Project Adventure!"  Little faces peeking out of brightly colored jackets bob their heads up and down from inside the school bus.  Sometimes their arms.  Sometimes their mouths.  I stick two widespread hands up in the air, "Group 10 over here!"  12 of them find me through the sea of little humans with their neon footwear and water bottles.

"I like your blue jacket!" (one says)

"Are we doing the zip line?" (says another)

"My name is Zack!" (says he)

"I'm so EXCITED!" (one exclaims)

We walk up a large hill.  Once in a circle, a voice booms, "Stick your finger up in the air! Ah ha!" The facilitator continues, "This represents a good idea.  Now flatten out your other hand and place it in front of the person next to you.  This represents an open mind.  In a moment, I'm going to invite you to place your good idea in the open mind next to you.  Sounds are strongly encouraged."

"Doodledoodleydooooooooooop!"

"Whrrrrrrrrppppp!"

"Booooommmmrrcchchchchch!"

"You have entered into a game of capture and release. When the word 'Gotcha' is said, simultaneously escape from the person on your right while trying to capture the person on their left."

After the tone is set, these energetic participants are invited to play: escape from a noodle by saying the name of someone else; try to step on the moving spot; steal the rubber pig; get your team through a turning rope; swing to the other side without touching the ground; appreciate the person next to you; find the clothespin; balance the 10x3 platform; walk across a cable 30 feet in the air while your team belays you.

"How did challenge, communication, respect, trust, or support show up?"

At the end of the day, we meet back in a large circle.  Everyone is encouraged to shout out something they would like to celebrate and we all pat-pat our legs, clap-clap our hands, snap-snap our fingers, and say, "Oh yeah!"  We funnel down to the busses.  We wave them off and on their way.

***

The sun sets on the ropes course.  Deep orange November light cuts through the trees creating long dark shadows on the ground.  I am walking with colleagues and stepping onto a platform that we balance together in a circle.  We celebrate the day.

"I'm so thankful that in light of such terrifying world events, I am part of a community that is trying to make things better."

"I want to thank everyone for showing up today, reminding me that we're not alone in the work that we do."

"I want to celebrate the people in this community - the ones I know and the ones I got to meet today.  I hope to see more of you."

We feel warm and fuzzy in our warm fuzzies.  Inspiration appears as golden air lining all of the world surrounding us.  Extending our arms over each other, we give each other and ourselves pats on the back.  Covered in evening light, we begin to exit this space which has held so much meaning.

Goodnight, ropes course.  Thank you for another beautiful season.