The Call

In the words of Marianne Williamson: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Oregon Territory

May 18, 2008

Well, tomorrow is the day we load our wagon and head to the Oregon Territory. Actually, 2 wagons if you count the 26 ft. U-Haul that Larry will drive, with me following in the MPV. It has been a good time in Seattle but we are ready to move on. This feels like a very significant move......more than the rest, except, for when we both left Lawrence Livermore Labs back in 1981 and then when we were first "homeless" after leaving the apartment in 1997.

We roll off into the unknown this summer. I tend to always want my ducks in a row. I try to make things happen and control our living situation but not this time. I have read the housesit ads but I haven't even been tempted to answer one. I remember how miraculous and wonderful this assignement in Seattle came to us. It has met our needs in such a powerful way and we didn't have to make this happen. Besides I can't seem to find my ducks so I can line them up. The old ducks flew away.

We are both open to the unknown possibilites and the excitement of discovery with regard to what the our future holds.
Charlotte

Monday, May 05, 2008

So Long Seattle

Well, our time in Seattle is coming to a rather abrupt end. After signing on for what we thought was a 1 to 2 year assignment, the homeowner is separating from her husband and moving back to Seattle. So much for E-Harmony.

We have had a good time here. Larry was able to have a total hip replacement in February. We were close enough that I could go to the hospital each day and it's been convenient for our trips back and forth in order for Larry to see doctors and physical therapists. It has been a huge blessing to have this housesit during this time.

We finally got our chance to live in the city. Seattle is divided into small communities within the city with names like Green Lake, Fremont, Crown Hill, Queen Anne Hill and Ballard, which is where we are. We can catch a bus right out front and be downtown in 20 minutes. That part has been an adventure. We found a wonderful spiritual community in Seattle at the downtown Unity Church.

We will not miss all of the traffic rolling by right out front and all of the buses. We won't miss the 8 months of rain, cold and cloudy days, one right after the other that we have just experienced. We are leaving just as we can finally expect some sun. We will miss all of the doggies that go by here by the droves each day. Everyone in this part of town walks their dogs to Sunset Park and they go by this house. Dogs of every size and description parade by during the morning and evening. The sight of happy dogs going by brings joy to our hearts.

What's next for us? Another housesit? We don't really know.
Charlotte