Indeed, the late afternoon sun is glinting off the waves of Admiralty Bay. Each wave sparkles separately, like an aquatic diamond.
I have gotten back from a 16 day venture to help my family make a major move. It was originally scheduled to be 6 days. So blessed that I have the latitude to be flexible. Yes, the venture involved goats, several dogs, cats, septic system pipes, real estate brokers, and 98 degree weather.
On some of the stops we made in the multiple round trips to and from the new home, there were rocks by the side of the road or parking area that seemed to call out to me, “You need to take me home.” A couple were flat slabs of about a foot square, others were large chunks of holey volcanic rock, a couple were rusty red volcanic rock. Yes, you’re right, they are now here at home, finding places in my gardens.
“I Talk to the trees but they don’t listen to me.” The lyrics written by Alan Jay Lerner from the movie, Paint Your Wagon. Now Alan was married 8 times, perhaps the trees doubted his credibility. At least I listen to the rocks.
Driving home on I-5 north, I passed by Kalama, Oregon. The gigantic sign in bright yellow letters that said RESTAURANT, was still there. Fifty years ago, that same sign was there as I was driving home to Seattle with my Uncle Jerry. It was late at night, I was a kid, and he was driving. I was the only other one awake in the car with five people. The first ‘A’ in the sign was out as we drove by, so the sign said REST URANT. We had great fun laughing about resting our rants. Rants about late night driving, soggy French fries, and my cousin snoring.
This stunning view is going up Ochoco Pass in Oregon on one of the moving trips. So much beautiful scenery in the high desert, so much geologic amazement to see: basalt cliffs, deep gorges, mesas.
As I neared home and pulled up to the ferry, I saw there was still room on board the boat. Yay! Then I was miffed as the staff person put an orange barrier in front of me, walked around a minute or two, then closed the gate to the ferry.
I only had to wait about 20 minutes until the next one, yet I was still a bit cranky. Then, then, I was the first car to board the next boat. First. Which meant I was front and center with the wide open view in front of me of the sunset. The Universe had a plan for me, I just needed to be there.
Gorgeous orange and pink sky, waves swishing up against the boat. And diamonds on the water.
Donna M Rudiger
September 11, 2023 at 8:12 pmMary………I believe this is the very best blog you have ever authored! Your traveling time is becoming “fermentation” for deeper thoughts and ever more creative expression! The photo of Ochoco Pass is stunning! Could be on a calendar somewhere? Thank you for sharing your journey to support your family. Unexpected blessings abound and I hope your rocks are happy on the island with you!
Mary
September 11, 2023 at 10:57 pmWow, thank you, Donna!So far, no complaints from the rocks. Best to you~
Melanie Ray
September 11, 2023 at 11:05 pmHi Mary,
Nice to get this in my mail…thanks for sending it along to me; seems like I didn’t get the posts from you for a while…
Seeing your name got me thinking about the Epic Weekend up here. I miss it. Kira is not up to anything much and no one else has taken it on.
And of course seeing your name brought Allison to mind. I think of her often. Wonder how the family is…
I am still telling stories but not hustling up much work. I am lucky that I do not have to, in my 76th year.
The best to you lovely person,
Melanie (Ray, Vancouver)
Mary
September 12, 2023 at 8:22 amHow good to hear from you, Melanie. Ah, much has changed. I so remember all those great Epic weekends. Thank you.
LYNDA CONDON
September 12, 2023 at 5:32 amDearest Mary~
What a great adventure! God has put so much beauty on this earth for us if we just stop to notice.
I pray Dorothy and her family are doing well and settled in with all the wonderful help they received. We are loving Florida and recently had the good fortune of reconnecting with two exchange students from the 80’s and another young person we met when we lived in Pocatello. One exchange student is coming to visit us in November.
We are leaving on a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands lead by our local priest in November. It will be a lifetime dream come true. Life is indeed good.
There’s always room for a visit from you!
Grateful we can stay in touch and keep learning and helping and appreciating all that is good.
Love and hugs,
Lynda
Mary
September 12, 2023 at 8:24 amLynda~~ Thank you, your prayers are always welcome and a gift. A pilgrimage, too! We shall have to talk soon. I am going to Langres, France soon to research my novel that is set there, and connect with French cousins! Hug to you.
Terra Lea Dennis
September 12, 2023 at 9:32 amI love the title, and I love the beautiful way you wrapped it all up at the end. Lovely!
Mary
September 13, 2023 at 12:28 pmThank you for reading and commenting, Terra Lea. Best to you, Ms Writer, Teacher, Supporter, Inspiration.
Aletha Riter
September 14, 2023 at 6:05 pmAgain, another Beauty written by a Beautiful lady. I think I would want to be the first car on that second boat, as I too would have loved to see the sunset. Yes, the Universe did have a plan for you. R.W.Emerson had it right “once you make a decision the universe complies to make it happen.” Even though you had a semi-turbulent time, there were still diamonds in the rough.
Mary
September 14, 2023 at 7:17 pmBlessings upon you, Aletha. Merci beaucoup~