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.

Beautiful Things

 This summer has been so full.  I am thankful that the weather has cooled down and that I can now quietly sit here, with electric blanket, glass of wine, spiced cider candle, acoustic music, and just reflect.  I made chicken soup last night, too.

There was the backpacking and camping almost every weekend in this summer.  We've attended two weddings, one in Yosemite and the other in Charlotte, NC, and had friends or family visiting at least once a month.  I even snuck in a trip to Scotland at the beginning of August where I was able to see my Grandfather one month before he passed away.  The sweeties he gave me still sit on my closet shelf.  Below are some photos and experiences that come to mind from the summer.  I think Regina Spektor's new song, The Visit, off of Remember Us to Life, puts words to changing life.

The Visit

I'm so glad that you stopped in
And I had some things to say
But now they've been forgotten
They'll get said a different day
They'll get said a different way

'Cause everything keeps changing

Life is always raging
Beyond the walls and cages
Everybody changes
Til tomorrow's yesterday

I'm so glad that you stopped by

And I will not ask you why
It's just good to see you
You always make me smile
And you always make me sigh

Sometimes I still wonder

Why the sounds of distant thunder
Always pulled you under
Why you searched, but never found her
Why she always got away

And somewhere on the hill

Inside the past we hear the bells
Catching only parts of thoughts
And fragments of ourselves
Till we begin again

I'm so glad that you are here

And I know that it's been years
I'm just glad to see you
And there's no need for tears

Time's best friend is fear

That's how it can find us
And do it's greatest kindness
Always to remind us
That it's our only time inside
This body and this mind

And somewhere in my mind

Behind closed eyes, I see the past
Catching every moment that went by
To make it last till I begin again

La la la la la la la...

Jordan (and Summer) on his birthday at the coast

These are my two companions for the summer adventures (and most of the time).  This was taken on Jordan's birthday.  It's sunny in this photo, but when we arrived to camp at the beach I swear it was the only cloudy part of the state.  The mist was so thick that we had no idea the sun was setting - which is a particular bummer after a bright and sunny drive the whole way there.  We cooked in the mist and somehow ignited a fire despite the moisture.  Next year, I think it's going to be a hot tub and beer.

Wallawas Hike

The Wallawas are one of those wilderness/forest areas that requires hiking in to see the beauty.  Unlike national parks which provide paved roads for convenient epic views, the Wallawas is relatively unknown and the mountains shield you from the lakes and wildflowers within them.  It took me two summers in Bend before I realized there was this other wilderness area in the NE corner, with a few 9,000 peaks right next to each other.  Even though camping, hiking, and especially backpacking can feel tedious and uncomfortable, most of the time I believe it is the freshest way to experience the wilderness.  Waking up with the smell of fresh air right in your face and feeling the earth below you can be a nice change of pace.

I could not get over the amount of wildflowers along our trail in the Wallawas.  This was the hurricane creek trail which the Joseph Visitor Center guy described as "trail of instant gratification." We hiked through three separate fields of wildflowers during the golden hour.  There's something that I like about the above photo, even thought the trees are totally blocking the view of the mountain.

So many wildflowers in the Wallawas

The summer can be tricky in Bend because Bend becomes full of people, not only in the town but also all along the most beautiful trails and camping areas.  My friend had just returned to Bend from going through a few months of major surgery and recovery, participating in a live donation of part of her liver to her brother whose liver was failing.  Thankfully, everything turn out well and her brother is now on the road to full recovery and a healthy life.

We had wanted to do a backpacking trip but due to the heat, we headed out to Miller Lake where we were lucky enough to find a lakeside campsite.  We could put in the paddle-boards right down a small hill from where we camped.  Spending time by the water was a good choice.  In the morning, the lake resembled a mirror that we quietly paddle-boarded across.  It was so silent.  At night we got the fire going and Jordan played guitar for us and sang.  We made fajitas and cocktails.  Yes, this was glamping - somewhat.  I think it's fun to bring extras out to the woods - cilantro, sour cream, gin & tonic, limes.  The sunset on the water was this incredible hot pink.  What a way to end a summer day.

Paddleboarding on Miller Lake

Pink Cotton Candy Sunset on Miller Lake

Chilling after our hike up Green Lakes trail

I felt very intimated prior to our backpacking up in Green Lakes.  I read the weather report and saw that temperatures were going to dip into the 30s at night and remain only in the 50s during the day.  The Three Sisters Wilderness area also did not allow fires, which means even less warmth.  Sher and Eric were coming to town though and we were going to go for it.  I bought Jordan a backpack and sleeping bag for his birthday.  We were ready.  Right?  Being the first weekend in September, this was our first feel of Fall - which is exciting and also like, whoa!  Chilly.  We survived though and it was completely worth it.  Hiking out in the frost was magical, since everything was sparkling.  This is one step closer to winter camping for me.  Maybe.

In front of Broken Top on our way to No Name Lake

We hiked to No Name Lake our second day.  The day started out cold, but once we got moving, it was perfect hiking weather.  We hiked around the bottom of Broken Top Mountain with views of South Sister and Bachelor the whole way. 

No Name Lake

Me and South Sister

Sher and Eric, hiking back

You can see the alpine flowers in the above picture.  The lighting was perfect as we hiked down.  I woke up before sunrise the next morning and got out of our little tent (called "The Spaceship") to visit the lakes.  The lakes were still - again, that mirror quality.  Everything was covered in a silvery layer and the light was gentle.  This was the first sign of Winter.

Frosty Morning at Green Lakes

My toes/feet hurt so bad the whole 4 mile hike back to the parking lot.  Sure enough, they turned black and blue a couple days later.  I threw my hiking shoes away.

Hiking out of Green Lakes

BRAS backpacking trip

On our girls backpacking trip we realized that our initial spell BRAS - Brittney, Rachel, Ander, and Sarah.  I often forget the power of being in an all girls group and how I feel as a person when in them. In all girls company you can find the kind of solidarity and support around topics that might be taboo to talk about in public, like stuff to do with our bodies, babies, and relationships.  I just finished listening to Amy Schumer's Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo.  She writes about her own experience that humanize issues (ahem, that good ole "locker room banter") that females often face.  Jordan listened to it as well, all the way down to Yosemite.  But as great as Jordan is, it is still pretty great to spend time in all female company from time to time.  With a full on acronym for ourselves, we'll be sure to continue to have these experiences.

Hikinnnnnng

To the Lake

Packers

When Rachel caused Brittney's Teepee to fall down

Coffee

The most epic sanctuary

Emily and Tony's wedding was homegrown and as unique as they are.  I can't say I've ever been to a wedding with a backdrop like THIS.  To think that some people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and you can get a backdrop like this for the cost of a permit.  Getting there required effort - an 10-11 hour drive, dealing with tourist traffic through the park, losing cell phone reception, and paying way too much for a gallon of gas (in the park).  Those were small costs to pay for the views of the company of these two and all of the personal touches of their wedding and ceremony.

In front of Half Dome

Half Dome Selfie

Looking out

Love this pie topper

Sweet elegance

Old Friends

These are just a few of the highlights from the Summer.  Now it's time to turn into the home, buy some candles to burn, and rest.  I believe that's what Fall and Winter are for.  I think a theme for these highlights would be, put simply, that all the best things in life are (relatively) free.

Water and Words

Crescent Lake, Oregon

The other weekend ago we spent some time in the Crescent Lake area of Oregon.  I was surprised, yet again, by the turquoise blue water of the lake peaking through the trees.  How magical.  Nature never seems to let up, everything is so beautiful - even a rainy day.  When I think of lakes, I've always imagined the ones I know on the East Coast: muddy, green water solely navigated by the brave and the desperately hot.  I imagine leeches sticking to my feet in the muddy quicksand  and emerging with sediments still sticking to my sunscreen as I try to find relief in the shade.

At Crescent, we paddled on top of little waves - great practice for an inexperienced paddle boarder.  I wish I could've brought my camera; our dog looked so miserably cold - Why have you brought me out here???  She's our separation-anxiety dog and would've most likely whined on the shoreline or sniffed every person and food item available.  She was barely able to hold it together on that paddle board and nestled for warmth as necessary.  Poor puppy.

I love the outdoors and sometimes that is all I need - a run, hike, or beautiful experience.  Other times I need words and verbal or written perspective.  I really appreciated this poem I came across the other day:

"When I Am Asked"
by Lisel Mueller

When I am asked
how I began writing poems,
I talk about the indifference of nature.

It was soon after my mother died,
a brilliant June day,
everything blooming.

I sat on a gray stone bench
in a lovingly planted garden,
but the day lilies were as deaf
as the ears of drunken sleepers,
and the roses curved inward.
Nothing was black or broken
and not a leaf fell
and the sun blared endless commercials
for summer holidays.

I sat on a gray stone bench
ringed with the ingenue faces
of pink and white impatiens
and placed my grief
in the mouth of language,
the only thing that would grieve with me.

I don't read enough.  It's too hard and too easy to watch a show or movie instead.  When I do come across words that can make sense of something deeper, it is such a gift.  I've had those moments where I feel like the world has stopped, but it hasn't.  While my world has changed, the rest of it seems to keep on going.

I've had the pleasure of hearing some music recently.  We heard Neko Case, Laura Veirs, and K.D. Lang; Mandolin Orange - a sweet folksy duo with thoughtful lyrics and beautiful violin, mandolin, and guitar; and I stopped by Bend's downtown Summerfest to hear Blind Pilot play for free.  Thank goodness for musicians, who bring thoughts and words to life.  Although nature may be indifferent, people are not.  We are all much too affected by the power of each other.

Keep creating songwriters, poets, writers, and artists, just as the nature around us does the same.

The Pool Boy

I'm not sure how this nickname came about... but this is how my Dad refers to Kevin: the pool boy.  We do not have a pool.  Since my brother never gave a best man speech - and unfortunately probably has the best stories to tell - perhaps this can serve as something.  I've known Kevin since he was probably around age 6 or so.  But the first time I remember laughing with Kevin, was sitting in his Mom's car or maybe it was Mrs. Ackerman's car, looking through tapes.  It was not uncommon to sit in the car in the church parking lot before our Moms came out ready to drive us home.  I was probably in middle school or so - can't remember.  We came across some kind of emotional/empowerment/encouraging tape that was entitled "Heart to Heart."  I believe we played it, but I can't even remember what it was about.  We just thought it was really funny - in the same vein as Stuart Smalley and his "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and dog gone it, people like me."  To this day we still refer to each other as "heart to heart sistas" or some variation of that.  One of my favorite Facebook posts from Kevin - back when people used to post personal/funny things - was this one from May 13, 2011 after he graduated college:

There are so many funny/my-face-hurts moments, stories, and photos, that I have shared with Kevin - and Alan.  Kevin sent me 2 Kenny G CDs for my birthday one year.  He, my brother, and I have spent a couple New Years together - I remember one year we were discussing what the saddest songs ever are ("Brick" Ben Folds Five).  We had a Sufjan Stevens dance party one time in Alan's room.  While I was away at college, the two of them created a couple DVDs with a morning show called "Warm Ice Cream in the Morning" along with other sketches which they sent to me.  I found these in my basement recently and re-watched them at Christmas.  Kevin has spent Christmas with us and visited our family in Scotland with Alan and my Mom.  He is more than a pool boy - he is part of our family.

It is with all that, that I say, welcome to the family, Danielle.  I had a great time photographing your wedding and making ya'll stand out there in the hot sticky Monroe heat.  Cheers to you both!

(Oh - and here's a little Kenny G as a soundtrack for these photos)

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