We woke to the smell of fresh asphalt. The highway north and south on Whidbey is under construction. The smell of hot petroleum -- this is not a normal smell. Opportunity to make a new choice: the yin to the yang of a vehicle mobile life, and the reality of being mauliauhonua, a person intimate with their environment.
Mapped with an alternative driving plan which would avoid any new pavement we headed for the ferry via the back roads in the early morning.
Before 7 am, we were parked at the Watering Hole, a public artesian well, on 164th Street in Snohomish County. Pete was on a 'water run' filling the car with bottles of unfiltered spring water.
Standing in lines to fill their bottles before we got there, the parking lot already full.
I remained in my nest -- the passenger seat of Scout the Subaru. Most of the folks are heavily scented with laundry product or other fragrance. A medicine story has begun to feed me remedy. I wrote and drew onto napkins. N-Art.
Years ago, when the steep learning curve of life with Environmental Illness was fresh and we lived in the Subaru, it was onto napkins like this one, that I began to find a way through the unfamiliar territory; and art slipped in. I showed Pete the drawings I'd done. We stilled ourselves. "Time to give thanks to the Water." We did, acknowledging Kane, Giver of Life, Ka Wai Ola. Mahalo nui 'o Kane. And then we moved on.
The Crows were busy at that hour of the morning. Busy getting dizzy.
Rather than return to Whidbey after the water run, we had to decide: "South to Seattle? Nope. East to Wenatchee? A'ole. West to Whidbey was already out. We heading North stopped for take out breakfast of veggie omelet and biscuits and gravy. La Conner has a new slough side park, we pulled up, and found park benches to enjoy our meal while the water and cool morning air moved swiftly past. Ah, the fresh cold air was delightful. Then we wound our way through the Skagit farmland where fields of potatoes were in blossom.
This barn. So beautiful in it's wear. We have spent many hours visiting this farm land. When we leave for warmer wintering, and Hawaii, we will take this memory with us.
Bright portraits of brown-skinned people were on many walls. Tribute to the people who gather all our food? I finally found the answer to this question: "Peace In, Peace Out"*
Road trips are risky business for people like us with Environmental Illness. We avoided the road work on Whidbey, but could not avoid construction on other roadways. The uncontrolled addiction, or collusion with Monsanto, and the use of Roundup for roadside cleanup was part of our yin yang road trip yesterday. My mask, and oxygen tank helps. Pete has his personal ginger root remedy that helps a little. Sharing the driving eased the burden for him who does SO MUCH. And, at the end of the day it was the safety and comfort of the small wagon, the well worn cotton bedding, the futon, in Vardo for Two that are the heart that matters so much to us. Restorative sleep is the key for us.
I'm at the keys now eating between words. I kilo, I noticed and noted, the oatmeal sending me love notes as the oats cooked. "I heart you," it bubbled. I took it as an auspicious and positive message. My body is fed. Oh delicious! We slept deep and sound last night, with more appreciation for the love that is coming in messages from the many people of Whidbey who tell us of their aloha for us.
Earlier this morning, I woke to catch up with our Hui `Aimalama Group Lecture (a private group event), that took place Wednesday evening on FB. I was exhausted that night, but checked in to say I'd be back when I could. Kalei Nu'uhiwa wrote, "Yep, yep. We await your thoughts." We are in recovery mode, operating with the spoons we do have. Diving back into this online interactive learning for Pacific Islanders focused on traditional practices to survive and thrive with climate change, I was re-charged. The give and take back and forward commentary is awesome current event making. It by-passes the risk taking that happened on the asphalt; confirms why heading home is so vital, now.
My immune system (Nene, the rare Hawaiian goose) says, "No this is not a test. Just rest." To read the medicine story that is writing itself through me click here.* I envision writing and drawing a comic book medicine story as part of the journey to create safe passage for us, and will keep you all updated as more unfolds.
We're getting closer to choosing a Crowdfunding platform, three of our supporters are helping with the story right now. xoxoxo Mahalo Joan, Kawika and Jude!!!
Aloha nui loa dear 'ohana near and far. We do so appreciate you. xoxoxo
Moki and Pete
*The link has been corrected:)
Mapped with an alternative driving plan which would avoid any new pavement we headed for the ferry via the back roads in the early morning.
This barn. So beautiful in it's wear. We have spent many hours visiting this farm land. When we leave for warmer wintering, and Hawaii, we will take this memory with us.
"Peace In, Peace Out is a project of multi-cultural journalism, painting, and a weaving exchange between families within our Skagit community. Through this project, youth tell personal and community and the value of their experiences through art." Read the entire description of this project on the "Peace In, Peace Out" website. Wow, how great that road trip really was. Journey is adventure and unfolding understandings.
Road trips are risky business for people like us with Environmental Illness. We avoided the road work on Whidbey, but could not avoid construction on other roadways. The uncontrolled addiction, or collusion with Monsanto, and the use of Roundup for roadside cleanup was part of our yin yang road trip yesterday. My mask, and oxygen tank helps. Pete has his personal ginger root remedy that helps a little. Sharing the driving eased the burden for him who does SO MUCH. And, at the end of the day it was the safety and comfort of the small wagon, the well worn cotton bedding, the futon, in Vardo for Two that are the heart that matters so much to us. Restorative sleep is the key for us.
Earlier this morning, I woke to catch up with our Hui `Aimalama Group Lecture (a private group event), that took place Wednesday evening on FB. I was exhausted that night, but checked in to say I'd be back when I could. Kalei Nu'uhiwa wrote, "Yep, yep. We await your thoughts." We are in recovery mode, operating with the spoons we do have. Diving back into this online interactive learning for Pacific Islanders focused on traditional practices to survive and thrive with climate change, I was re-charged. The give and take back and forward commentary is awesome current event making. It by-passes the risk taking that happened on the asphalt; confirms why heading home is so vital, now.
My immune system (Nene, the rare Hawaiian goose) says, "No this is not a test. Just rest." To read the medicine story that is writing itself through me click here.* I envision writing and drawing a comic book medicine story as part of the journey to create safe passage for us, and will keep you all updated as more unfolds.
We're getting closer to choosing a Crowdfunding platform, three of our supporters are helping with the story right now. xoxoxo Mahalo Joan, Kawika and Jude!!!
Aloha nui loa dear 'ohana near and far. We do so appreciate you. xoxoxo
Moki and Pete
*The link has been corrected:)
I imagine you making trial runs like the Canada geese that used to stop on our lake in North Carolina on their way south. Each around dawn I would sit in our hot tub and watch as they would take off make a circle around the edge of the lake and land as tho' practicing maneuvers for the big trip. So, I see these little adventures as flights around the lake, getting the feel of the wind beneath your wings as you prepare for your long journey home. I love the geese, they always make me cry when I see them in v formation helping each other along so that they can make the trip together.
ReplyDeleteIt surely does feel like practice. All the elements of flight, a day trip to feel that wind. That's such a sweet way to put it. Thank you, Eileen. We circled the lake, and are back at the edge of the driveway ... resting up.
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