Govern

Quick Reminder - one of the best remedies for apathy and dis-empowerment...participation.

Today I went to my state capitol for a lobbying day with the non-profit that I work with. First we met with my state representative, whom I am reminded, is a kind and genuine man.  I've only lived in this district for a couple years, so he is relatively new to me, however I met him when he door knocked with the campaign my friend was running to pass ranked choice voting. I left that brief meeting today reassured he has citizens' best interests at heart and is a sincere public servant.

 Then we met with my state senator, whom I feel a bit more ambivalent about, but it was still good to advocate for our program. (I was not happy with his stance on Israel last year).  Apparently the CEO of where I work lives in my same senate district, so she did most of the talking at that meeting. She announced yesterday that after 32 years at our organization and 20 years as CEO she is retiring at the end of this year. I've never had the chance to interact with her personally, but I overheard her say today, that after the announcement went out yesterday, it was crickets.  I imagine staff were surprised and also didn't want to overwhelm her inbox. Since she said this, after the meeting with the senator I told her how honored I have been to work at an organization where I have such genuine respect for the  leadership. I really mean this, and it reminds me leadership matters. 

 

After the meeting I saw state senator John Marty in the hallway.  "John!" I called.  He was clearly in a hurry, but as he kept walking I called out the name of a retreat center so he could place me. I have long been a John Marty fan.  I supported both of his campaigns for governor.  Then last summer I had the chance to interact with him personally when he was on the teaching staff at the retreat center where I spent the summer on staff. He and I arrived there on the same train. I am so happy he is still a part of our government and my spirit was renewed to see him at the capitol!

 It doesn't take much.  I spent 2 hours at the capitol today, and was reminded - all is not lost. 

All is not lost.

For over 20 years I've wanted to visit Oregon/Portland.  Portland being the only city in the U.S. I can think of that I'm curious to visit (public transit, parks etc.)  It never felt like a trip I wanted to take solo however. After my trip to Michigan 2 summers ago I thought, "Where can I go next year to surround myself with beauty?"

"Oregon," was my instant response. "But that's not a trip I want to take alone," I thought, despite having just had a fabulous 10 days alone. 

 I ended up going to Washington instead.

Well, now it seems I've been nudged/tricked into finally taking matters into my own hands and planning this trip by myself. Today a guide arrived in the mail

 

Lastly, after making a friend, you don't know if they are a friend for a season or more long term. The woman I did most of my hiking with last summer went home to a different city than I, so it may have been a friendship for a season.  However she is in a transition point and likes writing, so we've been meeting online or just over the phone on occasion for writing practice. We write and then we share what we've written. I love how this can steer conversations into a beautiful and deep place and I'm grateful to have someone that, thus far, whenever I send a message, "I need to write this week, do any of these days work?"  

She says, "Yes."