Fall, 2011, in Portland

It had been a late start to fall, in my opinion. The trees are just starting to change color and spill their leaves. I had forgotten how beautiful and peaceful this season really is, that is until i had walked downtown, and saw hundreds of yellow leaves float above and around a public sidewalk where people had walked. Eventually they would make their way down to the pavement, pile up, and later get swept away by a public worker. However, we'll see how I feel about Fall, now that the rain has started, and doesn't want to stop...

I've reunited with my old friend Joachim a little bit ago. I had lived with him in San Diego my senior year of university, and being from France, he found a job in Portland (of all places). What a great coincidence and person to have around this time of year.

On other thoughts, I've been working for over 1 year now and everyday, my inner self reminds me not to be complacent. An 82 hour week can induce zombie like conditions. Good thing there are things to look forward to, otherwise this state would be almost impossible to get out of (without deep scars of self guilt, reassessing how you may have not gained, nor consciously desired a better path for yourself, during your time of lackluster submission). I owe thanks to my friends (far and near), the changing seasons, and the inspirational feats of others for helping me, slowly but surely, to survive and to keep the flame alive :)

I've had the past four days off...what a treat, and Baker's back in town! But a 4 day break doesn't compare to the contingent lifestyle the road brings.. Here's some pics from a hike in the hills of Central Oregon.

Chillin w/ Wren

Wren and I scan the web for cheap flights to another shade of life. Free of mind fucks. She wants to sail from Spain to Israel. I'm willing to head in any direction, as long as trees grow near.

Let's dance, let the wind pick up, and blow us off into the sweet undiscovered places of our reality.

One day, soon. Halləluya!

September is Ending

Nothin' new to write
Just gotta hold tight
..and prepare for my flight

Smmer Session

At last! After many long years and failed attempts, the brothers, minus a couple, + Jack were able to return to their most religious spot to experience one of their most religious activities.... Boogie boarding at Shorties! Yes, i called it boogie boarding, and what a time we had.

The sun was low, and its gold warmth shield warmed the surface of our wet-suits. We were brown boys + a whitie, like a couple of islanders defending their turf, warriors preparing to battle the surf. As we walked towards the uncertain future, towards the blue abyss, towards our planet's black hole, we held our boogies steady, strapped on our fins, and prepared for the ocean's violent wrath.

Charging into the surf with the most tactical concentration, picking out the line of entry, judging the best time to step foot, we were surprised to be greeted with an eerie calmness of slow rolling mounds of water.. There was no challenge, there was no sign, the set had passed.

Once passed the break, and an easy pass it was, what little rest did we have until the battle had begun. Out of shape and out of breath, I hold back while Baker charges forth. I watch as he disappears in front of the wave. A moment later I see him near the shore fighting his way back to the mother ocean like a baby sea turtle fights to escape its beach. However, Chris being a smart sea turtle, he avoids the gulls, and the surfers, and directs himself past the break. At the same time, I push the turbo button and expel all my energy. I kick and paddle, kick and paddle. Before I know it I'm flying through the water, breaking right, away from the direction Chris is headed. I look back and see him throw up a warrier cry and tribal 'owwww owww' (hang loose) with his paddle hand. That's what it's about, living in that section of reality, in the surfer's eye.

***

It all starts with a spontaneous decision. The morning commenced with Chris making a mess of my roommate's down mattress cover. I won't get into detail, but when brothers reunite after a long part, the good times begin to roll, and so does the whiskey. And Jack and Chris, being the true and genuine gentlemen that they are, they deserved a good night out, and a lot of whiskey.

Luckily, the day ended with an amazing boogie session on the most beautiful section of coast on planet earth. It's times like these that keep the flame burning. It's people like this who will always keep that flame lit.