Life on the beach

Actually I walk on the beach almost every day. Sometimes the wind makes it really cold. Still a little jetty from the "D" river flows under a bridge and sweeps through the sand into the surf. The water is quite warm, a haven for children, and a wonderful place to make sand castles or fill tonka truck with sand then dump it out to start all over again.

I, who vowed not to bring "coast-y" things into my home as I already live here-not a tourist--have started collected hard black stones with holes in them. I believe it is a symbiotic relationship as the holes appear appear to be dug by clinging fauna. Some are quite large and sturdy. Others are very small, as if they chipped off, and dissolve into tiny pieces if handled too roughly. Anyway, they are beautiful in an elegant black way. The holes often make the rock resemble a key or hook or other common element in our lives. I have them decorating from my from garden areas. I also have an array decorating my old Nike shoes--one of the first pairs over marketed to the public--blue with the yellow swoosh. In fact, the postal woman slid my graduation certificate behind the shoes so that it would not bend!

I am getting to know my neigbors, who are by and large women over 50. We do have two young couples, and a divorced guy who is very nice. The most affable tenant is Kay, a traveling nurse practitioner, who will be with us for 3 months. As we have so many medical professionals in my family, she and I relate quite well. I also am the bearer of the extra set of keys for a month, which compels me to meet everyone. Kay is a delight and I will be sorry to see her go.

Nothing too prosaic this time. I have found a fourquare church on 22nd--about 25 blocks from me. On good days, I can walk in under an hour. Very strong sense of faith and I have made some female friends already. The church has dipped in attendees so that I am about the only new person which brings me lots of attention in the meet and greet time. One new friend works in the same school district that I hope to and has invited me out to lunch.

One of my neighbors wants to see Eat, Love, Pray, or whichever the order is with Julia Roberts next month. A local theater still in the period of an organ for silent movies is the site. It is a rare experience, and one I recommend if you ever come visit me.

Happy Sunday!

JoAnn

"JD"

A time to think, read, and "remodel"

The comfort of being at the beach everyday is incredibly soothing. In the evenings, I read a broader range of titles--in bed. That has always been my dessert--reading in bed. Our little library has an eclectic assortment of dvd's and even vhs's. I have been able to enjoy some of the most well produced BBC series, such as Foyle's War, Inspector Lynley, and Ballykissangel.

At present, I am watching the A & E version of Pride and Prejudice. I could almost state the dialogue word for word, but it never ceases to amaze how rich the setting, the plot, the acting, and the web of characters that Jane Austen created.

In the "remodel" or rather decorating, I am making good progress. The loft which is to be my office is a bit of a challenge, but a afternoon here or a morning there seem to make the project less daunting.

This is a "Faithful recording of all my dealings with 248 SE Keel Ave., Lincoln City, Oregon"

JD

One goal down

In my profile I mentioned that after completing my teaching degree, I wanted to live and work on the Oregon Coast. I have graduated. And I am sitting in my little townhouse in Lincoln City, Oregon. I am up the hill about four blocks from the main highway-101- which stretches up and down the whole of our west coast. But when I step outside my door is it so quiet--no highway noise at all-just a hint of ocean waves. My back wall is all windows with a sliding door to the deck. We have a two adult deer, and two twins--spotted identically and adorable. Of course, we don't feed the deer or we would attract goals, which are fun to look at buy raspy and indecently "droppings" all the time.

The position I have applied for is still open as this district, as well as many across the country, is grappling with balancing its budget. Special ed openings have to be filled by law so that door is still open. Interviewing should be happening soon as school starts Aug 26--for staff. I am also applying for subbing both as a teacher and an aide. That can be a good way to become part of the staff also.

As for the other goals in my profile, I still love God, my kids..., but that Hummer H1 still has not shown up. However, I did spot a picture of one splashing through a creek in a magazines devoted to lovers of cigars--mainly men as you can imagine. Quite glossy, sexist, and irrelevant, but that ad was great, plus a column by George Plimpton almost helped to zero out the negative effects of all the other articles and ads of every sort of person minimizing their lifespan by smoking cigars. I couldn't get all the way through by just skimming.

I've been checking out dvd's from the local library, which is about a 5 block walk away. The nearest beach is about 7 blocks. I love to walk as much as possible so its fun to have things close. Anyway, I have been enjoying bbc television shows like "Foyle's War" and "Ballykissangel." Not all of the segments are available but both are worth the characterizations, plots, and drama/comedy depending on the show. The BallyK has wonderful writing and I laugh out loud so much.

The library also has hbo films and some Sundance. Not much new or fairly new, but I am enjoying this eclectic selection. I do have to say that I have rented "Leap Year" from the RedBox 4 times--once when my 20 year old son was here--he liked it also.

Nothing too profound this time. I am endeavoring to decorate a bit differently this time, and I am looking forward to using my loft office for school stuff, writing this blog, etc. It is a very peaceful and thoughtful space. I am very glad to have it.

JD