Oregon Roadtrip Part 2

WWOOFing has led to incredible experiences for me.  In my two experiences I have met incredible hosts who have become friends, learned about running farms for profit, and for sustainability and to be less reliant on the food culture in the US, and have challenged myself by leaving everything I know daily behind for a new way of living.

Nagdeo Farm in Gresham Oregon felt like a totally different world even though it is just a bike ride to the town of Gresham and a 30 minute car ride to Portland.

If you know me you know how much my life is focused around planning, schedules, and the need to know.  When I go into a unique experience I am calmed by understanding what is expected of me, and how that relates to the bigger picture.  This is not how Nadgeo Farm is.  In contrast I had a few tasks to do during the day, but what I put in and got out of the experience was up to me (and the schedule of those around me).  The need to take care of oneself after a bad night sleep for example would take precedence over putting in physical work the next day.  Simply put, taking care of yourself takes precedence over everything else.

It took me a week to understand that, and to start to do the same.  I was concerned at first that I wouldn’t learn what I wanted to learn- farming.  But thankfully I did, alongside another way of living.

This is of of my hosts Tracy watering the garden area of the farm.

While at Nagdeo I learned how to make planting beds and plant seeds and seedlings.  This is some of the completed beds, and some sweet pigs I was in change of bringing water too.

One of the draws of Nagdeo Farm was all their animals- horses, goats, pigs, alpacas, a sheep, ducks, and a chicken.  My favorite was the super friendly goats.  Now I know I want chickens and goats when I have property.

I plan to return to the farm and hopefully spend some more significant time there.  Hopefully with my move to Oregon in 2014 I will be able to visit often and get a better understanding of how to live a lifestyle that could be really beneficial to me physically and mentally.

(F)unemployment

I have only been unemployed now for a week now.

So far I have learned how to play croquet surrounded by a bunch of dapper dressed individuals; gave my kitty Quin a new home that I am confident will end up being the best place for him of all the homes he has had in his four years; ate abalone my friend dived for himself; contacted a farm in Oregon for August that is a self described homestead community that has a shared interest wood survival, and a farm in Hawaii for a season next year; and went to the coast to play at the beach while my friend ab dived.

 

 

Outline of a year

It is wonderful how a path of uncertainty can become so clear.

The more I plan for my upcoming year the more things fall into place.

My number one concern was my cats, and thanks to amazing organizations and incredible friends I know my cats will be taken care of.  This is allowing me to further focus on my year plans and take steps for everything to come together smoothly in the way I need.

The following is a loose outline for my year…

May- After attending some amazing bike events in the bay, I will travel to Morgan Hill to work at a small farm learning new skills.

June- After leaving the farm, I will embark on a 3 day backpacking trip in Santa Cruz county.  The mid to end of the month I will be going to Portland for their yearly Pedalpalooza event.

July- I will be volunteering in the bay area including trail maintenance and Habitat for Humanity. 30th Birthday celebrations  will include mead, sushi, and Angel Island camping.

August- I am still looking for a farm to spend the month at. Hoping for one with animal husbandry preferred.

September- Attending the wedding of close friend in the Bay.  Mid month I will be traveling to Idaho for Rabbitstick (primitive learning), and possibly a trip to Boulder at the end of the month.

October- Attending the wedding of a close friend in Sonoma.  Then the much awaiting vacation time in Okinawa to visit a friend!!!

November- return from Okinawa.  Then….?

November and December are up the air.  Possibly go to Bend, Oregon…

TILT, again

Ouija Boards

There is a childhood curiosity related to spirits and ghosts- the unknown lurking under your bed or in your closet that the ouija board holds for me.  It reminds me of sleep over parties with my girlfriends, and moving the oracle to see your friend’s faces overcome with fear and disbelief.  And on top of it all the hope that maybe there really is something more than meets the eye.

Cats

I have had a pet cat since I was 3 years old.  Shadow, my first cat was my best friend.  Always there to comfort me when nothing else would.  Her meow upon entering a room always put  smile on my face.  To this day, even if my cats are meowing aggressively for food, I smile at their vocalizations.  They are the ultimate cuddlers, greeting me at the door when I come home, and purring in my ear when I go to sleep.  Truly, the best type of pet around.

Book Shelves

They are the perfect combination of organization and the display of something you love.  Set into a home it speaks of someone who is read and wants to be reminded of knowledge and creativity.

But cats hate water

Savannah is a very quiet cat who meows at most once a week when she is about to be fed.  Recently she has gotten in the habit of meowing excessively after the shower gets turned off, and darting into the shower to drink the water from the bottom.  This week twice she ran into the shower when I was in there, scurrying under foot before exiting covered in water.  Her eagerness for the shower makes me happy in my decision to get her, which was originally for Quin not for myself.

Coming up every Thursday, TILT- Things I love Thursdays.

Valentine’s Day

Kicked off today venturing out through the rain to Oakland to visit a friend for lunch.

Part of me wishes it was sunny out so I could go for a long bike ride, while the other part of me thinks nothing is better than cuddling up with my kids while it rains outside.

 

 

Lucky Duck

Pictures say it all.

Savannah

After watching Quin play with the dog next door I was swayed towards getting a second cat.

After skowering the internet for various sources- SPCA, Humane Society, and lastly Hopalong, I found the perfect kitten.  A 3 month old female described for her energetic personality, love of other animals and cuddlebug tendencies.

I have had her two days, and the kitties are already playing together and sleeping in the same bed (with me).

Savannah is very reminiscent of Quin as a kitten.  High energy and playful.  The differences, Quin would meow at any possibly moment, while Savannah’s meow is silent.  Quin would jump on the back of animal with a swift swat, Savannah lays on her back or runs at the sign of aggression.  They are pretty damn cute playing together.

Admission

I love being single for many reasons.  Probably as many reasons as I love being in a relationship.

I do know a couple people who have amazing relationships that I look at with envy.

That being said, I don’t crave a boyfriend or a husband.  What I crave is a best friend.  Those few people who have amazing relationships all have one thing in common. Their partner is their best friend.  Not that easy to find.

At least not easy to find outside of the 4 legged furry variety.

Quintin Catintino

I almost lost him today.  I don’t know what I’d do without his nightly cuddles, dog-like obedience, and unwavering acceptance.