This may be the final letters from this land — maybe there’s one more. Smoke arrived yesterday and the birds are quieter, dogs staying closer. Whoa, the energetic haze landed
fast. Before the smoke, fire season was an idea, a thing to prepare for and exclaim about — now it’s an unwelcome and unpredictable force that will take us on whatever ride this year holds.
Being out of control is nobody’s strong suit. On the brighter side, learning
from fire seasons means being resilient is our new suit. I love that humans are eternally hopeful, we really are: person after person exclaiming in surprise and dismay that the smoke arrived, myself included. Maybe not this summer, our wishful wish.
The jasmine and mimosa, here in the driest and warmest time, are in wild bloom — so even brushing along the cracking bracken and grasses on the paths there’s this gorgeous
sensory experience, every waft of mimosa such a joy. Just interrupted my writing to help someone haul off six pieces of furniture. Lightening the load, sizing down.
How many times have you heard me say “we are here to grieve — it doesn’t matter what.” I am practicing and still preaching. Grief is potent, it is always close, it is necessary — not
something to miss in the busyness and grind, at least for me. Grieving with each path walk and mimosa whiff.
And — I feel the call of Wonderland Lake and that vast trail system right across the street from my new home. I feel the thrill of being able to send Lily around the corner on
foot for a dozen eggs or some milk.
And I want to be sure to tell you when I’m coming back. I’ll be in town October 26
through November 4th and available for in-person work. My October event is
thoughtfully placed at the thinnest veils time of year, the time of year when gathering and working with our ancestors isn’t just great, it’s important.
We will spend a weekend at The Old Siskiyou Barn — gather, go home, gather, go home — and find our way into a deep and spacious territory. I have special guests coming and will share more about them soon. This is going to be such a rich time. Please put October 30, 31, and November 1st in your calendar.
