Autumn and Winter

I can feel it in the air - autumn followed quickly by winter. And what will winter be like here, on this island? I knew the autumn and winter of New Mexico...cool crisp days with the light diffusing early each day, until suddenly it would be dark at 430 in the afternoon, and then the snow would fall quietly during the night. In Santa Fe, I dealt with snow much more than in Albuquerque; I learned how to drive (and especially how NOT to) during those long drives from Pojoaque to Santa Fe, but I was never as cold in New Mexico as I have been here in Washington, and it is not even Autumn here yet. Layering is the secret, they tell me, and I am listening to these secrets of warmth eagerly, because I love to be in the cold, but don't like to actually BE cold. Like I love the ocean, but I'm not going in. But I love my home, love my island, so whatever weather it offers me, I will deal with it.

Like life.

Friends Rock!

These are my buddies, Puna and Hilo - they keep me grounded. It is difficult to be unhappy when you have an animal around constantly reminding you the importance of affection, kibbles, long aimless walks, and regularly scheduled bathroom times.

They take turns following me around the house and sleeping in my office, as if there is a duty roster posted here in the house somewhere.

I am so lucky to have these "four legged friends" including Hobbes the Old Cat (see previous entry) and of course all of my two legged friends as well! Puna and Hilo were arroyo shepherds but now are wharf rats/dock dogs. Unconditional love - *sigh* - life is lived so much deeper when friends are a part of it.

No complaining here...well just a bit

This is Hobbes, my cat who is 24+ years old. She has been with me for 21 of those years. She doesn't get overwhelmed, stressed (except at feeding time) and has obviously learned how to cope with life. I, on the other hand, who has been with "me" for 56 years, am still deeply involved in that learning process. However, if all i had to do was eat, sleep 20 hrs a day, use the cat box and advise my owner that I was awake at 2am, I could probably handle that.

I am not complaining - I have a full life now, with lots of work, lots of friends, lots of challenges. I am just trying to figure out how to put it all where it needs to be in order to get done.

Keeping Busy

Here is the view from my condo of the ferry landing at Friday Harbor - these giant ships come and go usually on a schedule, sometimes not. When you live on an island, your life revolves around the ferry's coming and going. I have learned to recognize the different vessels - Elwah, Sealth, all beautiful when you appreciate they have been in service over 40 years. I am somewhat on a schedule myself, working at least four part time jobs now - time management is critical! But I love to be busy.

Full Weekend

I have been on this island for almost four months and missed so many wonderful activities because my "job" required me to work at nights and on weekends. Not that I am unemployed (er....self-employed), I am free to waste my time anywhere I like - but sometimes i make really good choices. On Thursday I went to the Canoe Family Gathering at Roche Harbor, and enjoyed seeing the huge traditional canoes. Friday night I went to see "The Life and Times of General Pickett" at the San Juan Community Theater. Saturday was Encampment 2008 at English Camp - see the re-enactors pictured above. And on Sunday, I was completely worn out! Consequences of lugging around this damned moonboot. Only four more weeks of wearing this and hopefully the stress fracture will be healed. In the meantime, I have a very attractive frankenstein-like gait, and it saps my energy pretty quick. If only there was a way to traverse hills downwards only without requiring an ensuing uphill climb?

Where are transporters when you really need them?

It's the Little Things

This beautiful view is just about 10 miles from my home. I can go there anytime I have fuel in the truck and time on my hands. How wonderful is that? Yesterday I received my new business cards and a fancy tricked out phone. How cool is that? I worked a full, satisfying day, I caught up with some friends, I did some research for an upcoming article about women who were first in their professions....I went to a fantastic one-man play here on the island. How amazing is that?

Yep, foot still broken, relationship still strained, bills are still coming in, life continues to present challenges. But the little things...the beautiful sunrise this morning, the look in my cat's eyes as she glanced over at me while I was writing in my journal, the peace I have in my heart...isn't that worth it all?

Perfect Attitude Change to Match Latitude Change?

When did I become timid? Hesitant to speak my mind? When did I decide it was more important to get along and have people think I was a good person than for me to stand up for myself? Why isn't someone who is strong still good? I am feeling a major attitude adjustment coming on - a product of changing my geographical latitude? Or a product of realizing that I am now self-employed, and therefore in charge of my own life on a level never experienced before.

No more Mr. Nice Guy? Or no more doormat. At one point in my life, I was astonished at how strong I was, how purposeful, how determined. I want that woman back.

Do all women go through this as a result of our caregiver roles, our mediator roles, our peace-keeping at all costs roles? Jefferson said a little revolution now and then was a good thing. Hmmm. I think I am about to start a revolution in my own little world, starting with a change in attitude. Starting today!

Perfect Instructions for Moonboots

Lesson #1: Don't go for a stroll in a field when you are wearing your moonboot.

Perfect Personal Assistant?

So the job at the bed & breakfast was more like being a scullery maid, so I resigned when I found out I had a broken foot! I live in a very walkable town, but with this moonboot on, I am back to driving the truck around and using precious gas $$. I decided to make the leap (and with 1.5 feet that is not easy) and become self employed as a personal assistant. I have three regular customers and am learning about property management for vacation rentals, google adwords, website re-do's and everything in between. I love it!

Will I become a "perfect" personal assistant? I have often marveled that me of all people chose the name Perfect for my SL avatar, and since then am using it for many venues...I am perfectly clumsy, perfectly crazy....the list could go on and on. When asked about the name on SL, I reply that it is a goal, not a statement of fact. I am going to do my best, no matter what I tackle.

Perfect Place to Live

Time to catch up and time to start blogging more to keep up with the world! Moved to Friday Harbor from Santa Fe back in April. Wow! Water everywhere! Cactus gone! Went from the desert to an island, went from driving everywhere to walking everywhere. I love it!

Now I need to get something published besides a blog!