The Long Run...

At times, being comfortable seems like worthwhile pursuit. As in most cases though, too much of a good thing... and pretty soon your pursuing something else.

A routine developed this summer. All of our projects were well enough managed, free time was enjoyed and the life was pretty fat. After settling into this position I came to realize that a few things were missing. Specifically, full stewardship of a small piece of land, consistent professional work throughout the winter and all winters to come, and an Ox cart.

These ideas are not totally new and instead have been buried under a pile of other plans. As another birthday passed and the whole experience came under review I realised that the old plans were losing steam and new inspiration would be necessary. Inspiration comes in many beautiful forms, including home loan info packets, hanging valleys with alpine lakes and waltzing in my kitchen. After a good deal of questions and consideration, the new goals have been clearly identified (see above) and forward progress has already begun. Though I cannot see from here, the road looks to be 4 years long, so stay tuned for new projects this winter, a housewarming party someday and the eventual painting of the Ox Cart.

Where its At

This has been an interesting time of year. The work load is growing, and growing and growing and growing. In fact I have never had this much work on my plate. It's an interesting position to be in and I suppose it qualifies as good problem to have... given the alternative.

The challenge is, as always, finding balance. Working all the time has its perks, but finding time for a little relaxation is critical. These days, that relaxation is often found in card games, square dances, house plants and bike rides. Cold beverages also help.

As a light at the end of the tunnel, the usual summer events are coming up. These are familiar, rewarding and simple endeavors which help to mark the progression of the year. I look forward to them as I keep digging into that pile of work. I'm getting pretty comfortable behind the shovel and consequently getting a bit more fit, a bit more paid and still having a good bit of fun.

Getting Grown

Spring is in full effect.  Projects are starting up all around us and we are doing our best to keep them healthy, happy and looking forward to a verdant summer.  

Wrapping up a big professional project from Costa Rica feels really great.  Working on some big volunteer community projects here in town also has its rewards.  The real goal now is to apply the super professional quality to the dream volunteer project and line up a decade of meaningful work for me, my friends and our community.

One step at a time though.  The next move forward will involve another couple of community work projects in order to show our fellow Hamsters what sort of potential this little city really has.  After that, we will line up an all-star team, pick a few key partners and start another epic adventure.  We'll keep you posted.

Rope a Dope

Two weeks ago, I was up against the ropes.  An ambitious challenge had turned into a lethal opponent and the loss of our support team left the remaining competitors with more than they had bargained for.  As the stress mounted a valuable lesson was learned.  The towel was thrown in and for a brief moment, I was severely dissappointed.

Then... as it often does... Life happened.  A closed door quickly revealed a window into tropical paradise, literally.  This post is coming from a hotel room in San Jose, Costa Rica.  

Tengo trabajo desino` agriculturo en Costa Rica.  

A different team has a new challenge and I have never been more excited about kicking a projects ass than I am right now.  In my first 6 tropical hours, I kissed a cute girl, ate a sapote and ID'ed the urban Grackle.  I have 2 more weeks.  You will be notified as the successes continue.  Until next time...

Hasta Luego.

Dangerously Creative

Its fun to embrace the flow of life as I move from phase to phase.  Each little step has its own unique character from which I try to learn.  This ungrounded sensation taught me a good deal about the value of space.  Finding good space, sharing space, not having space.  It all takes a certain getting used to.

 In one night, I will be moved into a new space, which is looking like an incredibly awesome potential.  There are certainly a few holes to patch but the bigger picture is rich with the pieces I have been longing for...  a shop, a yard, my own room and very little oversight monitoring the creative process.  There are a few big irons in the fire but I am certain they will be well formed by the time they are needed and after that we're gonna use these tools to move mountains... of mulch, and poo, and bricks, and compost, and food...  Lots of yummy food.   

A Drift...

After recently moving out, without a real move in to follow it up, I have felt a little ungrounded.  It's a funny lesson.  After spending two years in my backpack, four walls and a room to call my own were almost a novelty.  Now that I am without these elements, their full value is clearly understood.  My life and work are currently scattered throughout the city, boxed up in a circus shed or in desperate need of repair.  It's rough too, because I was just starting to gain momentum.  Now the challenge will be to hold that energy on my own as I have very little space to plant it...  I guess I will see what sorts of hospitality Bellingham has to offer.  It won't be too long though.  Soon, we will have a place to call our own and a dangerous level of creative freedom.  I am sure I will survive this next step but I am cetainly looking forward to life after this phase...  Until Then.... Be Well.

Paradise?

When everything is working together, better than you could ever imagine...  it's pretty spooky.  There is a certain type of energy that builds and as I am watching this happen, I can't help but feel a few goosebumps rising on my neck.  Watching  little opportunities come about, then align into bigger opportunities, then align yet again into a very slim chance at something next to miraculous... is very remarkable thing to witness.  Flowing through all of these perfectly aligning holes at exactly the right time will be a definite challenge.  My plan is to keep doing what I am doing and not get to preoccupied with the magnitude of this potential.  Its better to not get one's hopes up about chances as slim as these, however I can't help but feel incredibly blessed to bear witness to my particular perspective.

I know this is all very cryptic and I keep it that way for good reason.  If this one does pan out as I am seeing it... reflecting on this message will be a nearly surreal experience.  I will keep you posted as best as I can and if you have any to spare, please wish me luck.  

Returns

My most recent sojourn was certainly one to remember.  I made plenty of new friends ( Hello to any and all new attendees :), learned all manner of things and returned home with a fresh sense of inspiration.  As soon as I got back I took up a few new positions where this inspiration might manifest into some pretty fun projects.  The same rules are going to apply... 

1. You have to do something. 

2. You can't do it all.  

3. You'd better like what your doing.

That being the case, I plan to stay the course I'm travelling.  As the slow climb up takes me out of the trees, a neat new perspective is starting to emerge.  The views are bit more epic, and the forest is becoming a bit more clear.  A few monuments are helping me orient myself and I feel like things are only looking up.

The Swells

Summer is moving along quite smoothly.  The milestones come and go with the breeze and plans are already surfacing for winter activities.  My world is growing and shrinking with a confusing consistency.  In one moment, the whole picture is so visible the beauty is overwhelming.  The next moment I'm buried beneath all of the ugly details that come with reality.  This process repeats itself as I swim between the swells.  It's all good though.  The water is warm and clean and the sun is shining.  Our garden is growing with serious vigor and the prospect of finding a new place to live is very entertaining.  It will be interesting to see how this summer is reflected upon and I imagine that some of the choices made in the next few weeks will largely shape that reflection.  My goals and perspective remain the same throughout...  To do as much as I can and no more.  I will let you know how it is all going the next time we speak.  Until then, Be Well. 

Process : Product

These past couple of weeks have been filled with short servings of some very curious realities.  Each of these little worlds were so close, as if they were viewed through the keyhole of an unlocked door.  It can be a bit overwhelming to see so much potential laid out before you.  I have had to employ some powerful tools in order to keep from lunging at these passing opportunities.  

Regardless of all of these alternative paths the one I have laid out already, the one I am currently walking is pretty perfect.  There are challenges, rewards, scenery and some far out characters.  This journey is almost entirely of my own design and as I look down the road I can see clearly that I am heading right where I want to go.  

Clutter...

Im not sure what to write right now, but I wanted to get this picture up before too long.  I have started a new sketchbook with the specific goal of saturation.  As the spring time comes on hard its pretty clear that our once sparse landscape is about to fill out.  My personal schedule has recently lulled a little as a few old projects wrapped up but future commitments are piling up for a pretty hectic spring tempest.  I guess its best that I just enjoy this short calm before the storm and spend my time investigating a few of the inspirational projects that have been kept on the back burners.  Think... Worm Herding.