To the left are the Hug Point Falls I was headed to see.  It was worth almost being swallowed up, but maybe I should invest in a pair of waders. Next time I may venture into one of the caves, but I’m rather a wuss on that point. I’m not sure how it is that I birthed a son who thrives when diving into small dark spaces, because it gives me the willies.

Every day I see the most amazing scenery and wonder what took me so long to get here – but of course everything has its season and it just wasn’t time. Some surprises however, are not scenery… A case in point:   this morning I heard some commotion out side. Opening the door to find out what the racket was all about, I heard cows – first one – then a whole herd.  We’re in a Tsunami zone here, so a good neighbor had warned me about the Wednesday morning test broadcast, but ….. cows?  In a word: yes.  Not a siren, not a horn – many moos.  I’ve apparently fallen down the rabbit hole.

So I’m wondering why Oregon went to the effort of legalizing marijuana when the city fathers must already have been stoned.  I can see it clearly:  they are sitting around passing the bong, wondering what sound  wouldn’t scare the tourists unnecessarily. Someone said “COWS,” and policy was made.  Congress will be next – maybe it will help.  In their defense, apparently this is only used for the practice, the real deal is a scare-the-daylights-out of-you siren. 

Other oddities: a few days ago, I looked out and saw beautiful blue sky with a few wisps of white clouds and thought: “a good time to take my walk.”  By the time I’d garbed myself in boots, hat, gloves,  smart-wool base-layer, vest, and rain  coat (never leave home without several seasons of clothes on) and got to the beach (a 5-minute trek) a cloud had slipped through like a thief,  stolen the sunshine and replaced it with a fierce pelting of sleet.  Once everyone had cleared the beach (a matter of minutes) – the sun and blue sky were back, the squall having moved on down the beach.  This is what they mean by “a maritime climate.” 

                       

These unpredictable weather patterns produce some breathtaking waves and sunsets and with rare exception there are always people with tripods waiting for the perfect shot.  And of course there are birds – lots and lots of birds.  Where is Hitchcock? Seagulls have never excited me that much, but when you have hundreds of gulls, pelicans and ducks all taking flight from a small estuary it takes on a level of drama all its own. Haystack Rock is home to Puffins in nesting season and I can’t wait to see that.

In Austin and so many other places, a forecast might read:  “Sunny with a chance of rain.” Here

it reads:  Cloudy with a change of sunbreak.  This is an actual word…  See? I am learning how to speak Oregon-ese, which includes conversations that easily drift toward the ups and downs of growing pot, which varieties produces what effects, etc.  No – I’m not considering this as my next career move.  I think the market may already be saturated.

The unexpected abounds. A few days ago I took a long walk – mulling over a decision having to do with pursuing training in Hypnosis Therapy and Regression.  I’ve had some amazing and mystical experiences with that and it allows peeks into aspects of the self and the psyche typically not accessible in normal waking life.  Some experiences are downright magical and I was asking for a “sign” when what should appear in front of me but a white rabbit…  What could be more of a “sign” of magic than a white rabbit? I looked around for either Alice or Jimmy Stewart, and since neither of them were around to claim ownership, I took this as my sign. Of course, I’m taking the course. 

 The day was finished off by this gorgeous sunset.   Against the backdrop of epic sunsets, white-rabbits and warning-cows the presence of magic and synchronicity are palpable.

Permeating this surreal beauty and a level of serenity that is somewhat new in my life, there remains the connection with Uganda – still trying to help one young man pursue his dream of medical school and getting another to understand that school is not just a way to be “off the streets.”  In the process of making these opportunities available via funds from friends, I underestimated the importance of  having the confidence and skill to be able to grasp the prize when it’s right in front of you. It has again underscored how much of daily life and the way we are reared prepares us for making decisions and grabbing “a chance” when it comes our way.   From infancy we are bathed in a sea of possibilities, immersed in pastimes that build skills we take for granted as every child birthright.  Coming from a culture where a sense of entitlement is more common than one of gratitude or lack, it’s has been a wake-up-call to witness how a lifetime of strife can thwart one into dysfunction.  Sometimes the presence of an opportunity you don’t know how to claim is more frustrating than its absence. It’s heartbreaking for all concerned and has added to my own appreciation of the fact that the offer of opportunity or gift is only the spark. The real gift is in being able to accept it and receive it.   Somehow this seems relevant in this “season of giving.” 

At present, I’m enjoying this state-of-grace which seems symbolic and appropriate for the time of year in which we find ourselves.    I’m deeply grateful for the present, for opportunities yet to be discovered and for each of you who have accompanied me on the journey thus far. 

Wishing you all a time of grace, peace and gratitude in the season upon us.