Contemplative poetry

Here is another great poem. This week my course mate and I are planning a contemplative worship service for the afternoon. I am drawn lately to the integration of modern poems into liturgy and spiritual practices. So tomorrow, we are hoping to read Mary Oliver's Wild Geese as a centering poem. peace.

Wild Geese
By Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting--
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

Litany by Billy Collins

One of the best recitations of Billy Collin's poetry I have heard since seeing the man himself 6 years ago:
Litany recited by a three year old

The words are below:

Litany by Billy Collins

You are the bread and the knife,
The crystal goblet and the wine...
-Jacques Crickillon

You are the bread and the knife,
the crystal goblet and the wine.
You are the dew on the morning grass
and the burning wheel of the sun.
You are the white apron of the baker,
and the marsh birds suddenly in flight.

However, you are not the wind in the orchard,
the plums on the counter,
or the house of cards.
And you are certainly not the pine-scented air.
There is just no way that you are the pine-scented air.

It is possible that you are the fish under the bridge,
maybe even the pigeon on the general's head,
but you are not even close
to being the field of cornflowers at dusk.

And a quick look in the mirror will show
that you are neither the boots in the corner
nor the boat asleep in its boathouse.

It might interest you to know,
speaking of the plentiful imagery of the world,
that I am the sound of rain on the roof.

I also happen to be the shooting star,
the evening paper blowing down an alley
and the basket of chestnuts on the kitchen table.

I am also the moon in the trees
and the blind woman's tea cup.
But don't worry, I'm not the bread and the knife.
You are still the bread and the knife.
You will always be the bread and the knife,
not to mention the crystal goblet and--somehow--the wine.

Poetry for the first time

Yesterday evening contained some of my favorite activities: drinking mulled wine, playing board games, reading and listening to poetry and laughter... lots of laughter. With tepid glasses of heavily spiced wine we shared our moments of when we came to know poetry, that certain poem, that author, the image, the word... For me, it wasn't difficult to remember. Sitting in Ms. McNealy's tenth grade class I encountered the world of poetry as never before. I had long loved the wordsmith,Shakespeare, and by the time I was 16, sure, had read the oft poem now and again... but it was in this class, this moment (let's say it was raining and the poem was projected onto the wall and we followed along in our books) that I first remember feeling that spinning in my chest that only comes with the perfectly crafted metaphor or image... I hear the notes of a perfectly harmonized song in the words. The poem then? "They Eat Out" by Margaret Atwood. At the time, I was only a budding feminist with a loose concept of the socially indoctrinated and all the passion and outrage that youth allows. I love reading this poem now and remembering what it meant for me then and I can see how I have changed and grown. This is not the most beautiful poem I have ever read, it is not the last poem I will ever read, but it is the first poem that spoke my language... it is the first poem that I could hear speak and I was never the same again.

They eat out

by Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood

In restaurants we argue

over which of us will pay for your funeral

though the real question is

whether or not I will make you immortal.

At the moment only I

can do it and so

I raise the magic fork

over the plate of beef fried rice

and plunge it into your heart.

There is a faint pop, a sizzle

and through your own split head

you rise up glowing;

the ceiling opens

a voice sings Love Is A Many

Splendoured Thing

you hang suspended above the city

in blue tights and a red cape,

your eyes flashing in unison.

The other diners regard you

some with awe, some only with boredom:

they cannot decide if you are a new weapon

or only a new advertisement.

As for me, I continue eating;

I liked you better the way you were,

but you were always ambitious.

Lord's Prayer from the New Zealand Prayer Book

I am helping plan chapel service for the first time next Wednesday and this experience moved me to explore various prayers and petitions from different liturgical traditions. This particular version of the Lord's Prayer, from the New Zealand Prayer Book is beautifully worded. I am enjoying the way that different elements of the prayer emphasized help me to hear the message of the prayer new again.

Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,

Source of all that is and that shall be,

Father and Mother of us all,

Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!

The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!

Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!

Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.

With the bread we need for today, feed us.

In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.

In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.

From trials too great to endure, spare us.

From the grip of all that is evil, free us.

For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever.

Amen

My Niece, Beatrice

This is a picture of Bea in the baby bjorn. It is my first time with the Bjorn and I have to say, I'm quite a fan. The only difficulty is managing to keep track of her socks (which she likes to kick off.) Autumn has always been my favorite time of year and it was really great to get to enjoy some of the crisp Washington air with Beatrice and my sister, Kelly (the reason Beatrice has a smile on her face in this picture below.)

Beatrice is now up for solid foods! Semi-solid anyway, so I was helping her try out some avocado. So far she seemed to enjoy this particular food, but was a bit hesitant to try it this day.

Eventually she went for the bait and readied herself for some delicious baby guacamole! I arrived back in Berkeley and realized that most of my photos were of my niece...oops.. well, can you blame me? She's so adorable!

Beatrice is crazy about my dad; she seems to like to pull his mustache much to the great amusement of the passerby. :-)

Oh man, only someone with Eskesen blood can express this kind of enthusiasm for butternut squash at such a young age! She has good taste!

This is probably one of my favorite expressions that Bea has. It seems to surface when she is trying to solve a puzzle, like how to get my necklace to fit better in her mouth or this particular puzzle appears to be how to make Bea's bee's bell ring whilst making the wings crinkle and also removing the eyes... or perhaps she is just giving the bee a face massage. :)

Mumford and Sons at the Paramount in Seattle

Sometimes I am lucky, and sometimes I am EXTREMELY lucky. This past Sunday was one of the latter. I told my long time friend, Eryn, that I would be visiting the greater Auburn area for a few days and she responded with the fact that she might, indeed, have an extra ticket to the sold-out Mumford and Sons show at the paramount the very Sunday I would be in town. (!!!!) Not only are Mumford and Sons one of my favorite bands (more on that to come) but the Paramount is a beautiful venue, Eryn is a great friend and as an extra bonus I had a chance to reconnect with a long time childhood friend, Darby :) It was a very good night.

This is a picture of us in front of the Paramount (left to right) Eryn, Darby and me!

Pictures taken during the show. The musicians in Mumford and Sons play an incredible variety of instruments and I was impressed to see them switch to from piano to guitar or guitar to banjo to drums throughout the show. This is one of the reasons I really enjoy live gigs, I feel like you get to really know the band and the members abilities.

This band has some well crafted lyrics and listening to them live I felt I heard even more grace permeate their album. Perhaps it is my few months in a Lutheran Seminary that has me listening for it, or maybe it is all that John Donne using the same style for both his love for God and for women, but in Mumford and Sons there are some lyrics that for me express the divine love I've come to know as God's :) Plus the MUSIC IS JUST PLAIN GOOD! hooray! :)

Just a sampling of lyrics from Mumford and Sons (have I convinced you yet to at least give them a listen?)

Awake My Soul (apparently a song that was written the first time they jammed together)

How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes
I struggle to find any truth in your lies
And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know
This weakness I feel I must finally show

Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all
But lend me your heart and I'll just let you fall
Lend me your eyes I can change what you see

After the Storm:

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

okay. enough of that now. They are great...the concert was great... and if you can get tickets I would recommend that you go :)
But your soul you must keep, totally free

Water Fountains

Today was one of those remarkable days when timing works out just so perfectly. I made it to the San Fransisco airport and passed the circus that they call a security check point and then to my terminal just in time to board my plane and walk right on board. You know what? I even had a bit of extra time to get something to drink and low and behold the public water fountain was there at my service.

This is one aspect of the United States that I really love--free, clean, accessible water in public. Now I am sure there are those out there who would say that it is not really THAT clean because it does might taste chemically to them, or that it is not filtered properly. What I have found is true for myself is when I am REALLY thirsty... I am a lot less picky on if there is copper in the pipes through which my water flows.

From my travels outside the United States, I can tell you that it is not a ubiquitous truth that a water fountain will always be there to refill your Nalgene or Sigg bottle. Sure you could always use the tap, but what is the fun in that, and in certain countries one set of pipes runs to the tap and the other to water fountains for a reason...

Which brings me back to my original praise of the airports in the states. Yes, we are ridiculously over the top for security for even domestic flights, the food is expensive, but you know what? I am never left thirsty and that seems to make everything a little bit brighter :) or at least better hydrated.

Music Fantasticness

One of the great aspects of living in Berkeley is the constant stream of gigs flowing through the city. Such a torrent of quality music shuffles through San Fransisco and Berkeley that it is sometimes even a bit frustrating that I can't make it to every gig- there is just no way! It would, however, to be fully satisfied with life and fill most moments of your day with enriching activities in this area... without doing any school work or being employed! This weekend there are two bands that I very much like coming through town. Relatively new to my music mix.

The Weepies



Hot Chip plays in San Fransisco on Sunday evening. This is a great upbeat band. I would have loved to see live...

Then there is, of course, one of my most favorite and newest (for me) find: BellX1, you can listen to their music here: BellX1 music.



So I am grateful to live in such a lively city! But alas, I don't think I will make it to these concerts because I will be hitting the books for midterms. Don't feel too sorry for me though because I've already seen Frightened Rabbit, Mason Jennings and Cloud Cult since I've been in town. All very good shows in different ways. Sometimes I am left wanting for some new music to plug into my itunes and God has answered that prayer manifold with putting some pretty incredible people with good taste in music in my life. :) If you are feeling that your play list is getting a bit stale, I would recommend checking out any of the bands listed above to spice things up. Unless, of course, you already have all this incredible music... in which case... let's catch a gig together soon.

Peace Vigil

A few weeks ago, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb visited our seminary, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, and spoke about the perspective of Palestinian Christians in the conflict between Palestine and Israel. The discussion reignited a passion in both me and my classmate, Paul to increase community awareness of the occupation as it currently stands. We decided to see if PLTS would let us hold a peace vigil with the theme of breaking down the walls in our world using PLTS facilities. The staff was very supportive and before we knew it we had the means to share a bit of what Paul and I had both experienced during our respective times in the Middle East. Paul has a more extensive experience because he lived in Palestine for a year, whereas I lived in Egypt and visited Palestine. However, we found that the difference in time spent there did not lessen or increase how the deep sadness of the situation affected each of us. Deeply saddened and inspired to action.

For the evening service we opened with a poem by Langston Hughes, "As I Grew Older"

As I Grew Older

Langston Hughs

It was a long time ago.
I have almost forgotten my dream.
But it was there then,
In front of me,
Bright like a sun--
My dream.
And then the wall rose,
Rose slowly,
Slowly,
Between me and my dream.
Rose until it touched the sky--
The wall.
Shadow.
I am black.
I lie down in the shadow.
No longer the light of my dream before me,
Above me.
Only the thick wall.
Only the shadow.
My hands!
My dark hands!
Break through the wall!
Find my dream!
Help me to shatter this darkness,
To smash this night,
To break this shadow
Into a thousand lights of sun,
Into a thousand whirling dreams
Of sun!

We read one of the bible verses that we think helps to emphasis the way in which God works through people to build new life and community and break down the walls within us and between each other: Ephesians 2:14-22 (New International Version)

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

¹⁹Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, ²⁰built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. ²¹In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. ²²And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

All this presentation and prayer took place around the back of the PLTS chapel. Thanks to Casey Kloehn for her great picture above! I'm the blur on the left. Thanks also to the prayers from my house group back in Chester. Is so great to connect across the Atlantic through prayer!

Paul crafted the slide show which we projected onto the outside wall of the chapel. I tried to upload it to this post for a few hours, but with no luck. You will have to take my word that it was powerful. Sometimes I find that these issues of occupation seem so overwhelming that there is no hope to be found. What can I do as one person to help? There are a few answers to this question I have asked myself repeatedly. The first answer is that you can pretty much do eff-all.. which is an easy answer to which we can default. However I challenge myself (and you all!) to take the more empowered approach of Margaret Mead when she says: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
As I continue the discernment in the seminary process, considering what I have to offer the world? Where could I possibly be best used by God to make a difference and more toward peace? I find it difficult to not feel so very small in the tapestry of this life. But I think that recognizing that tiny brokenness, which is reality in which we live, allows me to be free! Free to know that whatever I do is God through me to break down barriers and walls in my own life, and in the world around me.

Quidditch

As part of our seminary journey, my friends Paul, Kelsey and I decided to join in the inter-faith event of a weekly Quidditch match down at the Pacific School of Religion. That's right! Once a week, most weeks, I like to take a break from my studies head down the hill don a cape and hop on a broom to play a muggle version of the Harry Potter sport event.... and it is really fun. :)

This is what the full uniform looks like, but we are hoping to make our own Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary capes in the near future. Happy to take recommendation on colours or if there are any keen seamstresses amongst the tens and tens of folks that read this blog that would like to volunteer their services to the end of our team capes, please let me know :)

so a little how Quidditch works when you can't fly or actually cast spells. Above is a picture of when I was playing the position of seeker. The "chasers" are charged with getting control of the slightly deflated volleyball that you see me reaching for and making it through one of the two hoops in your team's goal. The red dodge balls that you see on the field are used by the "beaters." As you can see, my friend, Kelsey, was hit by one of the dodge balls, or bludgers, and instead of falling off your broom you have to run and tag your teams goal to resume play.

It can get pretty intense and there are usually 2 chasers and 2 beaters on each team. Other position includes one seeker whose job it is to catch the golden snitch and of course... the keeper... who has a job just like the goalie... keep the ball away! Now, of course we do not have a magical flying gold snitch, so instead we rotate one player into position of the snitch and they run around with fairy wings and a tennis ball stuffed into a sock tucked in his/her belt loop. The game is over when one of the team's seekers catches the snitch.

This is our group! From left to right: Andrew, Paul, Kelsey, Sarah, Me, and Danny. Good times. I highly recommend starting a Quidditch team of your own. It is all the best parts of dodge ball, basketball and tag... plus you get to run around with brooms! So much to enjoy :)

Extreme Pilgrim

One thing I really miss about England... one of many things I miss about living in England... is the access to BBC iplayer and the myriad educational and entertainment programs offered on the BBC. I've watched a few series with Peter Owens-Jones, an Anglican minister who explores various aspects of religion and Christianity in general. In our History of Christianity class we are working through the early church and in particular this week the desert fathers and monastic movement. A friend of mine sent me a link to a blog, Father Lazurus: Coptic Monk in Egypt, that has the full first episode of Extreme Pilgrim where Peter Owen-Jenkins looks at the life of St. Anthony and what it might be like in the life of the desert fathers. Take a look at the first video on the top of the blog that says "update, I found the entire program online" It is an interesting look at the struggle with inner demons, silence and with what we would be confronted if all of the distractions of the world were erased for a time, would we want to return?

The Freedom of a Christian- Martin Luther

I was thinking this morning about all the ways in which I travel through this world. That my physical movements and mental meanderings are not the only possibilities for roaming in this life. A particular reading for my course invigorated my spiritual growth. One of the happy side-effects of travel, in any form, is growth! I have felt that not only with moving from country to country, but also within me and my relationship with God and with the way that God lives in us and our world. I was particularly struck with a reading for our Living Traditions class.We read "The Freedom of a Christian" by Martin Luther (Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings, Second Edition)and whilst reading it I felt like I was rediscovering, redefining and refining in turn my personal theology on faith and belief.

“The Freedom of the Christian” by Luther states in the introduction that the document is for the “unlearned.” However, I would argue that the simplicity of the representation of ideas and the accessibility of the metaphors and similes used does not make the thesis less crucial and central to our lives as Christians...Here and Now. The main thesis that is reinforced throughout the piece is the advocacy, and in fact, insistence on a faith first Christian life that grants us both righteousness and freedom. Luther says succinctly: “That a Christian has all he needs in faith and needs no works to justify him, and if he has no need of works, he has no need of the law, and if he has no need of the law, surely he is free from the law” (396). I began to reflect anew on the reality of what it means to be truly humbled and reduced to nothing, finding nothing to justify salvation in me. The word "grateful" seems almost inadequate to describe the feeling associated with the realization of receiving God's saving Grace.

I have often struggled with the idea that "God takes away our sinful nature." Though this idea was repeated in my christian education since I was putting pennies in the offering birthday box at Messiah Lutheran it still seemed an elusive and airy concept. It was an idea and not much more in the way of real life application. I don't claim to now have a completely actualized understanding of my belief in the saving power of faith in Jesus Christ, but the image of bride and bridegroom hit home for me whilst reading Luther. I enjoy that Luther states, and I will also emphasis that our idea of marriage here on earth is an imperfect example of the divine and complete marriage with God through our belief in Jesus, but it is the best we have! I was thinking about the human and God combo in terms I could relate to here and now. The idea that the sinner, or person in debt, or me (or you) could marry a billionaire that would absorb all of our debt. All my debts he would then absorb and my debts wold be replaced with great riches. Though money is a piss poor example for the amazing grace-filled righteousness that belief in Christ brings us, it is the most visual one that this newly aspiring theologian can make. But enough apologies for my literary lacking... how incredible is that reality of the saving grace given through our belief? (really incredible!) our faith that unites our souls with Christ and that in that unification all of our sin, death and damnation are replaced with grace, life and salvation for Christ takes our wicked nature upon himself with his death on the cross. That is agape; that is a God of love.

Luther reiterates this idea stating: “There is nothing so good and nothing so evil, but that it shall work together for good to me, if only I believe” (399). This term... work.. works... such a slippery slope to use that loaded term in the discussion of salvation and righteousness. Luther gives the example of works when one first has faith being like Adam in the garden, entirely pure and his works are only to please God and not to obtain righteousness. It is then a question of where our faith and heart are in our actions. We can not obtain righteousness with works, but through faith we are already given righteousness through our belief and union with Christ; the good and evil work for the good in me because I believe! It is unbelief that damns a person. (403) . Luther emphasizes that humans do not live to argue within oneself but in community. That is to say, because we embody the Grace and righteousness of Christ we should become a Christ to the other so that we are then Christ to one another and Christ may be the same in all and we may truly be called Christians. (406) .Amen.

Edna St. Vincent Millay

One of the ways in which I like to make a mental escape from my studies is to delve into those poetry books that are always strewn around my room so that where ever I sit, there is one within reach. This morning, I was lucky enough to steal a few moments with Edna St. Vincent Millay... On most morning, Ms. Millay, I enjoy your poetry. This morning, I love your poetry. I would encourage anyone to pick up her poems, and highly recommend her biography, Savage Beauty-well written story of an intriguing life.

I shall forget you presently, my dear,

-Millay

I shall forget you presently, my dear,

So make the most of this, your little day,

Your little month, your little half a year,

Ere I forget, or die, or move away,

And we are done forever; by and by

I shall forget you, as I said, but now,

If you entreat me with your loveliest lie

I will protest you with my favorite vow.

I would indeed that love were longer-lived,

And oaths were not so brittle as they are,

But so it is, and nature has contrived

To struggle on without a break thus far,—

Whether or not we find what we are seeking

Is idle, biologically speaking.

Welcome!

Well after a the first month of Seminary is coming to a close I can say that I am glad I came. I can also say that I am glad that the sign to which I am pointing was changed to not use text speak shortly after my arrival. I can also say that I am grateful there were other metaphorical signs which pointed me to this school... that didn't use text speak... :)

Berkeley is a beautiful city and it is growing on me. Our seminary is part of the Graduate Theological Union which means that we have the opportunity to meet, mix, and mingle with classmates from other christian traditions and other religions as well.

Strawberries. I missed this about California: such good fruit.

Outdoor worship service on the Pacific School of Religion lawn. I think one of the best parts of being here is the opportunity to worship, and to participate in the planning of worship services on a nearly daily basis. There is a lot of freedom and joy in listening to God through prayer about planning a service to facilitate deeper relationships with God. It is... awesome, in the fullest sense of the word.

Almost as cool as being serenaded by two friends on a sunny afternoon. This was before we had a chance to delve into our school work, you can tell because of the relaxed smiles and sunshine. We still have the sunshine... and the smiles... and every so often we sing a song or two and dare to relax.

It was the worst of times.

I've been meaning to work on this post for ages, but you know how life goes and it seems that the more I have to blog about, the less time I have to do it... so it goes. Bonus points to the person who can name the book that the title of this blog bastardizes (without looking on "the" google.) In interest of keeping things interesting and probably because I have had a lot of coffee and tea this morning in preparation for a long day of studying I am going to regal you with the story of how my bike fell of the free way from the end of the story to the beginning...I uploaded the pictures in that order and I am going to just roll with it... :-) The story ends that my bike is now fully functional thanks to the nice people at Mike's Bike's in Berkeley. I highly recommend them, not only are they a competent bunch of folks when it comes to bike mechanics, but also pretty nice people in general.
And finally, the best part was that the magical unicorn bus that was following us on the freeway that day also pulled into the same rest stop. I am not sure what the occupation or destination of these people might be, but my educated guess is that they were likely headed to burning man. Erik and I were really pleased to make face to face contact with the people responsible for bringing so much joy to our highway driving by virtue of their colourful vehicle, which he and I had passed a few times that day.

This is my face after we took the wheel off my bike. I can't believe that it happened, but after swearing a bit, including dropping a few f-bombs I looked on the bright side that it was just the wheel! The frame was completely fine and no one else was hurt.
So while I was bemoaning the loss of a wheel and thus my literal wheels (as the kids say) once arriving in California, Erik strapped my bike to the car secure as can be where it would ride safely all the way to Berkeley.

While cruising down I-5 my eagle eyed brother said to me "that bike is moving too much" and pulled over immediately. Looks like we hit a bump and the bike rack shook and the back wheel bounced on the free way at close to 70 mph.... ouch. I am so glad that Erik saw it that quickly, because it could have been much worse. When I brought the bike in to have it repaired and looked at the shop worker told me that it was the most messed up wheel he had ever seen!
This is my bike safely strapped to the back of Erik's car with the new hat I gave the seat so that it would be safe in the rain! Also I wanted to get a photo of the giant mushrooms on the top of Oregon Gifts. God bless you Oregon, bunch of nutters.
After a few hours of driving, Erik and I stopped in Portland to have coffee with our friend and my old housemate, Mike. Mike and Phoenix lived with me and others in Tacoma and it was great to stop in and see them! Erik is giving a thumbs up because I was a little worried that my bike would be stolen whilst we were drinking our conversation cup of coffee... it wasn't.
Ready to go!! Outside my parent's house before the long drive down to California! Rock and roll!

Berkeley or Bust

After a few whirlwind days with my family, my lovely brother, Erik, and I set off for the sunny south. We left early Saturday morning. I highly recommend this as it makes for much less traffic and then by the time we got to Oregon a few hours later it was time for a coffee break!

Our coffee break plans were with my old housemates Mike and Phoenix. Mike and Phoenix were getting married the following weekend. I was unable to attend the wedding, so Erik and I made a point to stop and catch up. It had been since the preceding November that that we were able to hang out, after all. Plus Mike had taught Pheo a few more tricks, that alone was worth the Portland stop!

Mike's place is full of wedding presents. One of them is a cupcake making kit that includes this apron. Mike refused to model it for the camera, but I reckon that is just because he already wears the apron so much and he doesn't want his fiance, Mandy, to know that it is his favorite gift! Congratulations to Mike and Mandy! :)

Erik got really excited about this motorcycle. I like the colour and am impressed with the fact he is wearing a backpack whilst riding the bike down I-5. cool factor? 100.

en route... we had great weather and a great mix of music for sing along; artists including but not limited to: Pearl Jam, Regina Spektor, Dispatch and Chicago.

We had to stop here. Mostly because of the super sized American Flag but also because of the only slightly less large psychedelic mushrooms on the roof of the Oregon Gift Shop. wow.

I bought these. I actually was in the gas station and I said to myself: "You know what sounds good? Hostess Snowball cakes." REALLY? Readjusting to American culture by fire!

Good bye Oregon! See you soon!

There was so much rain that we had to drop the speed down to 30mph in an 70mph zone. Holy sudden flash floods batman. But I think Erik and I both agree that north of Redding and into southern Oregon is some of the most beautiful scenery on the drive.

I never though I would be back to California. I actually said many times that I would never live here again, but I have to give it to you Cali... you do make some of the most gorgeous sunsets. Thanks for having me back :)

Repatriation August 2010 Style

Kelly, Beatrice and I walked down to Victor's for coffee and a cinnamon roll! DELICIOUS! One thing that I miss about the USA and I noticed now that I am back is cake-for-breakfast. It is a little too sweet and oh-so-tasty. If you are in the Redmond area, give Victor's a go, they have rice milk! Below is Kelly making me and Beatrice smile. :-) What a good mom!

Kelly, Beatrice and I also made a trip to IKEA and it seems that Beatrice's favorite toy that day was the empty box of elderflower juice. Can't blame a girl for having good taste! :)

Beatrice and I hanging out in the McPherson kitchen. Beatrice was wanting to stay away, but her body was wanting her to fall asleep. Eventually she slept, but not after drooling all over me. Though I may not say this for all babies (or adults for that matter) Beatrice is welcome to drool on me anytime, look at that face. :)

Have I mentioned yet how cute my niece is? Very. Very, very cute. She liked it when I blew air in her face and then stuck out my tongue. This is her copying me. :)

What a beautiful baby, and so tolerant of having flowers in her hair and hats on her head.

This was maybe my favorite part of family pictures; watching Erik and Kelly jump around in order to encourage a tired Beatrice to smile for the camera. :)

The folks and Beatrice. I like Beatrice's expression, especially if you not the picture directly above this which kind of captures what she is watching.

hmmm... seriously, my mom makes the best pie.

Eryn and I in my folks backyard during the lovely shindig that my folks coordinated. I am really grateful to have such a loving family.

Brother.

How did I forget about redvines!? They are so delicious, I love every red dye number 1 through 100 that they might have in them. I am glad that my parents have the 5.5lb bucket! Welcome back to the US of A. Next stop? California.