Friday, May 30, 2008

Astoria View



I've been painting the outside of the Columbian Cafe in Astoria. It's been such a wonderful community experience. I've always loved this river town. I looked for houses here a long time ago, in hopes that I would live here. It wasn't meant to be. I now have a short painting job at a landmark spot, and I sort of feel a part of it. I love Jeanine and Uriah Hulsey. They're the sweetest friends to me. I'm across the street at the Astoria Coffee cafe writing. It's sunny and I can see The Columbian Cafe through the window with our paint job sparkling clean. The people of Astoria are sweet. All ages and types. I try not to judge anyone. i'm staying open and believing that the universe shall provide. It surely does lately.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Tiger Warren's Grave



Reckoning

Nine of Swords
In Memory of a Nightmare
The Metaphor as Magic
Death is Change


The funeral of Portland was a sad but beautiful affair.
No one was there.
The rain of course showed up, and roses were bursting off the bush.
Clouds arrived on schedule and the chickadees seemed interested.

It was a sudden death. Cause unknown. The announcement for the somber event was posted. It read, Portland dead after short illness.

The time was set at 11:00 AM. The spot for the burial was a choice one. It boasted a view of the Willamette River and Mt. Hood in the distance. The million-dollar sight looking east.

A lone black sedan arrived. It wasn’t a funerary car; it was a plain, black four door. Late nineties model.
A man in black got out of the drivers seat of the discreet set of wheels. He was tall and lean. He wore a hat to keep his head from the steady drip of the droplets.

He looked around and heard the showers grow stronger in a wind that blew from the north. The trees let loose of spiraling seedlings that poured down on the gravesite like a whirlwind. They whipped up and twirled a dance that lifted the tall, man in black’s hat enough for him to grab it and adjust it back on his proud head.

He walked toward the green and white striped tenting that was placed next to a deep, black hole. The man in black stood at the top of the rectangular grave and after a long moment of silence, he began to sing. He softly sang a melody. It wasn’t the voice of an old man, it was the sound of a man of wisdom, at the crossroads of his life. In his lyrics about birth, life and death, he managed to simplify the journey.

He sang respectfully of the town. The chords rang out with a story and it changed from chant, to audible vibrations. What started slow and sweet, grew into a dirge, and then a eulogy.

The cemetery seemed to sparkle. The mysterious, mausoleums of the dead complimented the austere ceremony in silent, solemn, reverence. Architectural monuments representing the accomplishments of the families of the historic city made it picturesque. The man in black spoke suddenly of spring. He talked of this day and how the fall is often described as the auspicious time for endings, but remarked on how appropriate it is that Portland should die when it’s most beautiful. All the attending birds sang out from the branches of the blooming trees in full agreement to the majesty of the day and the irony of Portland’s demise.

It’s fitting that no one was there. Nature made it a happening. The sacred words of the man in black were only for the skies, flower and fauna to share. Portland was placed to rest peacefully with all the appropriate in attendance.

Any donations or contributions should be made to concerned charities.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Breath



My second week in Portland and I know it's time for me to move on. I'll always love this town, but I look forward to learning about new places. I checked out Lincoln City and Gleneden Beach a few days ago. It's a wonderful part of the Oregon Coast, but I wouldn't want to live there. In Portland, I had a wild allergic reaction to all the blooming trees and flowers. A sinus infection insued and I was down for days with pain. I couldn't breath for several days and I had to get help in the form of antibiotics and pain killers. I'm on the mend now, but allertgies is another reason I don't need to stay here in P-town. It's not all bad though, I've had wonderful conversations about politics and the times. Osama was here and the town showed up. I'm grateful that I can breath. I'm happy to be doing yoga with James Grant,and I feel closure in certain aspects of my life here that are sad. You can never go back, so forward I go.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Portland Dream



Portland is beautifully decieving. I love it here. I'm being cared for and adored. I'm wooed, but not enough to want to give up my journey to Alaska. I plan my departure. I celebrate with rose bouquets and meetings with beloved friends. I sleep in beautiful beds and walk in fantastic gardens. Life is beyond measure.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Hot Pussy!



It's still scorching hot in Portland. We sold some stuff and watched this cat take over our lives. That's one hot pussy.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Caryn's Garden Path



Back in P-Town. The flowers and powerful greenery flood my eyes with Oregon's beauty. I'll always have a place in my heart for this state where my children were born. I love my friends here and I want to see them all. Today I stirred the pot and teased Monlux, Quinn and Thor. I rattled Walt Curtis's cage, shopped at Sheridan's and taught a 6:30 AM yoga class. I've sorted through years of stuff at my apartment for my Slumber Party, All-Night BBQ, Rummage Sale. Please come! Everything must go.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day!



Today I fly! Back to Portland and all of the remnants of my life. I'm grateful the journey has led me to beautiful Alaska. It's not an easy place, but it's one that challanges me in many ways. I don't want to leave, but my path leads to Portland where I will do closure. I didn't get to see Bruise, because I ended up working the Arturo Sandoval show. You can look for Bruise at www.cdbaby.com. I fly so high, then fall so low. I love deeply and I'm praying to find peace in my heart. I send greetings to all the mother's in my life.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Spenard Social


Duke Russell had his Spenard Social. The Alaskan's know how to have a family filled fun time. Really, it was so sweet to see the Spenard community gather and celebrate the music and culture of Alaska. I will report on Bruise who are this duo from England that performed at the Social and will be at the Tap Root Friday. They're a husband and wife duo, and it was like watching fireworks. The photo is of the Smileys who were my 2nd favorite after Bruise. Duke Russell, the host was also incredibly entertaining. Lovin Alaska today!

Monday, May 5, 2008

Crossroad



After California, I wasn't sure that I wanted to move to Alaska. I had doubts about my reasons and motivation for wanting to live here. I struggled for a few days, then I woke up early one morning and had clarity. I knew that I had to make the journey complete. I had to give Alaska time. I'll drive from Portland to Anchorage in June. I'll continue on the path of discovery. I wobbled after California, because life there is rich. My family and my Sistas are there and they made it comfortable and cozy for me. They took me in and showed me the bounty, and how easy it would be for me to make a life there. The sun, food, wine, people, culture wooed me. I came back to Alaska and it's still winter. It's harsh and my resolve about wanting to be here was shaken to the core. After much thought and meditation, I realize I've chosen the challenging road. This is what I'm meant to do. I continue to follow my heart and believe it will be revealed in time. Something good this way comes.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Ready to be Called Upon



I travel and I see so many wonderful people. It's good to know that where ever I am there is love. I want to see what's next and be prepared for all the new love. I wonder sometimes why I'm so blessed? I just pray every day for it to continue for me, my family and loved ones. It's the most wonderful time ever and I'm happy to be here. Explore and enjoy! The wines of the North Coast were the hit at Indian Springs. The food was fresh and we grilled and prepared feasts fit for Queens. The days were luxurious and I'm refreshed and strong and ready to be called upon.