As an adult I have not been compelled to create a resolution on the first of the new year. About 20 years ago a friend of mine who has had a public radio show talked about a word that invokes a focus for this time in life. I’ve borrowed this “word for the year” practice from him. Over the years it has included words like “now” and “grace” and “equanimity”. I like this as it has helped me stay in the now more often than not when life throws distractions my way. This year I have added another layer. My resolution for 2017 is to complete goals by December 31, 2016 so that I can start off 2017 with a proverbial clean slate. Is that term even in Proverbs? Probably not, but you get the point. Or, more importantly, I get the point. I’m knocking through those tasks well enough that I will be where I want to be on January 1st. Setting up this blog, and blogging daily itself, is one of those tasks. So here it is.
Music. At this time in my life I am creating new music with a group of friends. We have been playing together for over two years and the music is fantastic. We are recording and will release an album by April 2017. If you haven’t checked us out yet, open your browser and type in Skamokawa Swamp Opera. We are pretty darn fun to listen to. I’m also in a musical duo with a wonderful musical partner and am playing solo when I tour. How could life get any better?
Cheesemaking. I have the coolest little dairy I ever could have envisioned. Best business partner and friend, best staff, best animal partners, coolest renovated barn, and most magical island-in-the-middle-of-the-Columbia-River location. Most important, most tasty milk, cream, butter, and cheese.
Exploration. The past couple of years I’ve been lucky enough to start exploring Mexico, in a kayak, on a mule, on foot. I’ve also gotten to explore more of the Lower Columbia Pacific Region. This has given me the bug to go farther. A couple of years ago I had a dream I was paddling the Inside Passage. I am going to make that dream a reality. One day I am going to travel from Ketchikan, Alaska to our farm here on Puget Island in southwestern Washington. None of this would have manifested if I hadn’t started working with the coaches and guide-owners of Columbia River Kayaking in Skamokawa, Washington. Grateful for life leading me to this place and these friends. A real time lesson in being open to whatever life presents. Now the deeper planning and training begins…
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