A Letter

Recently we had a young girl leave Rain Rock to go home and finish her last year of high school. She asked me to write her a letter, and this is what I wrote.

My Friend,
You are embarking on a wonderful and dangerous journey. I know that you are aware of all the traps and pitfalls, so I will speak to you of the joys.
I have seen your amazing ability for friendship and connection. I believe that t his is your greatest tool in this battle. Strive for self reflection and inner peace, of course. But never isolation.
Acknowledge and appreciate your strengths, but do so without arrogance. See others with eyes that do not judge, and just so do not judge yourself. When you sway from your resolve do not be downtrodden. Know that this is a part of your journey. Take the experience; make peace with those you have wronged; learn something about yourself; precede without guilt.
And always, my friend, seek Truth, Virtue, Beauty, and Wisdom. Through these you will find fulfillment, through that epic search. Remember those who love and support you. We will always be here for you.

Five Friends

I met you last week, and you said we connect. I see your value, I love your soul. I wish you knew your beauty, I wish you weren't killing yourself. Your heart needs love, your body need food. You allow yourself love, but not nourishment. I hope you don't have to die to realize that you want to live.

I met you two years ago, this month we became friends. You take care of everyone, the eternal big sister. Your soul oozes art, and you give it expression. I've seen your pain, I know your struggle. But know, little one, that you will find peace. You will fight and you will win; your prize will be safety. And know, sweet girl, that I will always love you, no matter the distance between us.

I met you five years ago, we were not instant friends. But now you are the world to me, you have been my salvation. Your path will change, our friendship will change, but I'm so happy for your new life. You have grown so much, with such keen growing pains. But the product is breathtaking, and you are beautiful. I will be there for you as you have always been for me.

I met you seven years ago, since then we've been friends. I admire your calm, it gives me peace. But don't be deceived, you have strength under the sweetness. You know what is true, and you fight for what is right. You will always feel like home to me, you will always be safe.

I met you twelve years ago, I haven't seen you for seven. We have seen the world like in a house of mirrors. The truth is evasive, and we have not agreed. Under all our love are layers of misunderstanding and distrust. I will always love you, but I struggle to believe you. I hope we can clear the fog, for I want to support you. I hope we can find what we had as children.

A weekend's Repose and an Old Hobby

After a stressful weekend culminating in a stressful friday night, I decided last week to take off work and take off for Reno. A delightful weekend was spent filled with sushi, music, a good friend, books on tape and a little gambling and absinthe, mixed with some GRE studying. I have to say that the opportunity to get away from Eugene and responsiblity was wonderful.
The next 6-8 weeks will be filled with new adventures, like taking the GRE, applying for nursing school (again), starting my last term of pre-nursing classes, and hopefully taking a sailing trip around the San Juan Islands.
The next 6-8 months might be filled with adventures too. I haven't ventured to dream for a very long time, but picking up on that old hobby is quite delightful. If I had my way my near future would involve vising orphanages in Africa and Asia, buying a sailboat, getting in to nursing school, and moving. Big dreams, but it's better than no dream.