I recently went on a quick trip up to Portland, Oregon!
More on that later, but here's a little hint:

I've been to Portland twice in my life. The first time was for LINEWORK NW, and the second time was the Flora at Land group show way back in 2016.

And 8 years later, I found myself back in PDX.

Eden was my co-pilot this time around. She's now journeyed with me to Utah, Michigan, all across the Midwest, and now we're adding the Pacific Northwest to our travel adventures together!

Sometimes, I get this itch to "run". Especially when I get big feelings, or something big happens outside of my control. And ever since the morning of November 6th, that feeling started to grow and grow. I was already planning on this trip to Portland, but it started to feel like a great moment of synchronicity that this trip and complete change of scenery would help me find some sense of grounding and stability amidst the news.

I originally planned on visiting Pacific City to finally see Haystack Rock. But with the way things unfolded during my trip, I ended up not having the time to drive out to the coast. In the moment when I realised I wasn't going to make that plan happen, I knew and accepted that what was truly needed for me during this trip was to spend time amongst the trees and greenery instead of water and stone.

Interestingly enough, I believe I walked through this same forest 8 years ago when I was here for LINEWORK NW which had me thinking about how my life (and myself) has changed over the past 8 years.
I've changed in so many ways; the world has changed in so many ways; and I imagine this very same forest has also experienced some change itself.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how the trees, mountains, and land itself that the United States sits on is far older than the country itself. They were all here before any of this started and they will be here long after we've returned to dust. And I felt that sentiment as I walked through Forest Park experiencing the peace and stillness within these woods that have been here for possibly over 10,000 years.

Nature and wildlife don't know what's going on in our human affairs. The natural world just continues living on in its cycles and order—changing and adapting when necessary—regardless of who is president.
And this thought has been comforting to me during this in-between period before we transition into The Winter that is to come.

I still remain utterly baffled at how—despite all of the evidence showing that Trump and his administration are hell bent on taking this country down a regressive path towards fascism—the American people did not do their part in this group project to prevent this unqualified, convicted felon who literally tried to overthrow democracy from once again having the position of POTUS.

Much like whatever has happened in these woods over the past 8 years, I think this election changed me in some ways that I can't yet perceive. And I'm not sure how—or if ever—I'll sort out my feelings when it comes to my fellow Americans and what happened with the 2024 election.

I had hope and faith that people were smarter and better than that.
I had hope and faith that people would stand up for what was right.
And I feel so let down.

As I made my way back to the trailhead, I ended up crossing paths with this beautiful Barred Owl.
Spotting them literally took my breath away and I couldn't believe my luck! I don't think I've ever seen an owl, clear as day, in broad daylight like this before.
Judging by the squeaking of a squirrel that was at the base of the tree, they were in the middle of catching breakfast. But this owl was kind enough to pause and wait a moment allowing me to take a great picture of them before I left.

We only have this one life to live. And though I'm concerned and worried for the safety and well-being of so many people, I also know that this time around I am not going to waste anymore of my one life on this beautiful little rock we call home stressing out over the whims and behaviour of vile, insecure people who are so afraid of progress and are incapable of dreaming bigger and better.

As Alfie Woodard said:

"I don't care about other people in their small lives and small minds. I am just here to groove and be one with the celestial beat."

And I will wear that mantra like a thick coat to keep me warm in this coming Winter. I am going to continue living my life as big as I can, and keep my mind and heart open to wonderful possibilities.
No matter what happens, or how far back we end up going, I will still remain hopeful and dream that we can have—and deserve—a better world and a better way of living for ALL of us.