Five Gallon Bucket

Mark and I had a field trip today, out to South Jetty, where the Big River meets the sea.

the ocean side.

It was great ankle exercise, and wonderful windy…

On the way home, I saw this incredible thing:

We almost stumbled upon a wounded seal.

maybe shot by a fisherman?
We had a long talk about compassion after that.
Not that I am, particularly. Compassionate, that is.

Went to ballet class last night, after a far-too-long break, some of it holiday dictated, some of it self-imposed. I have to regain all that I lost. sigh. At least I know what can be lost.
At class, I learned that one of my fellow students found me on the internet. On ravelry. She is quite an accomplished knitter, and a good dancer, too. A shout out to noodleknit!

Sometimes at dance, I feel a bit disconnected from the rest of the group. My skill level is so low, but why whine? I am clear about not being there to become ballerina, but rather to learn coordination and discipline, and in that I am succeeding. when I go.

Anyway, I definitely don’t feel disconnected here!

My pub.

which gets a bit in the way of my developing that “dancer’s body…”
Ha ha!

I have been taking quite a few photos, many of which don’t make it outside of flickr. Go check them out if you like!

Upcoming is a wonderful passage by the composer Christian Wolff in which he describes how improvisational music can act as social change!

Until next time…

from work that is. I am feeling a bit dragged down by this cold, which I have not been babying. As much if not a bit more beer drinking than usual these days. ah, the perils of working in a pub…
We have an old Martin Mull comedy record with a funny bit about how to meet musicians if you want to start a band or something. In the sheet music store of course! Then they launch into 2001 Polkas…
anyway, my recent trips to Joann fabrics have been much like this. The last two forays into that mega-store, to buy thread et al, have resulted in fantastic visits with fellow stitchers that have led to home visits and even stash reduction! I have been going through my fire damaged yarn and fabric stashes, and the whole lot needs some serious culling. I guess more was saved than I had originally thought, but really, I am working, ever working, towards greater selectivity.
Good-bye, kidsilk haze!

I was framing pictures yesterday but didn’t have my camera with me. (I so rarely do.) Last night I got home from work and found my camera in my bed. I guess when I laid down for an afternoon nap, I took it up with me, as if I would find moments that begged to be snapped! Anyway, I’m about due for another long perusal through soph’s stitch blog in search of more photo tutorials. Her DIY art and photography schools are truly an invaluable resource. Mmmm, and she sent me a lovely mix cd post fire, too. Thanks, Soph!

Speaking of thanks, I must publicly acknowledge receipt of a lovely addition to our family, from jude of Spirit Cloth. this little fellow!

It rode around with me in my pocket for weeks after it’s arrival.

Sunday was an amazing dance day in Portland at Performance Works Northwest. We were doing further work on the Tuning Score. Lisa Nelson, who developed this means of exploration, is coming for an intensive in not too long…
Sunday’s whole experience deserves a lengthy elaboration, one that I do not have the inclination for in this moment. I should like to get back and make a post about it soon. Perhaps I will.

Here is a postcard for you all.

without further ado, I re-enter. Again.

I must say, I hope I won’t be leaving it for some time now. I do like blogging, and I have had my fill of impediments to said activity!

As of yesterday, I have broadband in my home, and while I am still using sweet Alice’s computer (with her blessing), I intend to participate in that which has brought me so much joy in the past. It has taken me a really long time to make certain commitments that would ferry me back into polite society, like getting internet service, partly out of budgetary concerns, but mostly just as a result of the traumas that the last 6 months of Total and Complete Rootlessness have heaped upon me. I spent a solid 7 weeks feeling extremely detached from most things. (I was told I would make a good bag lady, and the commenter was right.)
I look forward to really going off with my new camera now I can post pictures to flickr any damn time I choose.

I wasn’t actively seeking new cat company, after the demise of my pets in October’s fire, but I inherited this pesky fellow when I moved into my new house. he was named One-Eye Willie after the pirate in the unfortunate 1985 release, the Goonies, which was, unfortunately filmed here in my hometown, and which is, unfortunately, apparently a huge tourist draw for fans of the movie. Much misfortune in this story. Not that I really mind. As long as they (the tourists) tip well.
Anyhoo, this fine fellow does a great job of shredding my new IKEA rug and new IKEA chair (and if you would have told me a year ago that I would have so much IKEA furniture I would have scoffed, but when I must admit it is a decent place for instant decor if you have lost your tried-and-trues) and he loves to sleep on your face. cats. sheesh.

My new house is finally a Home (that is the tagline to December’s movie) complete with table and dustpan (neither from IKEA) and I must say I like it better than the last. A bit more expensive, it’s true, but cozy. You can witness a small slice of my current obsession with primary colors in the above photo. I like to say I have earned my fire colors, but I suspect it is just my inner pre-schooler coming out to play.

Expect more from me in the future. Alki, as the say in Chinook jargon. I am back, knitting, dancing, sewing, parenting, and just tripping out in general.

I’m back…
I just processed a few photos I took a week or two ago down at the foot of the bridge that crosses the Mighty Big river (call it Columbia if you will). Mark and some friends had gone out to surf the clapotis (no, it’s not just a scarf) and I wanted to see if I could capture some of the fun with my new camera.

now there’s a happy Mark.

more on my flickr.

I do think I will start in on the 365 days diary. I have been enjoying pictures that much.