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

I am watching Foyle's War on Pbs. I think it was on once before but I never followed it through. What a fascinating picture of England shortly after the war ended. The tension between american and English soldiers, segregation of blacks from whites--with only our honorable Detective Chief voting against. It's offensive to hear the men called colored.

There is also a British-sanctioned covert action in alliance with Stalin's Russia to kill off all the Russian soldiers who fought against Stalin and know of a horrendous killing zone in Odessa of Russians who fought for the wrong side--red or white depending on where they stood back in 1917.

It has made me think, just mull over history, especially those parts I didn't really know about it.

I am also getting ready to move to the Coast. My leave is up June 30 and I have no cause to renew here for another year. I will be looking for a place to rent, month-to-month, until making a permanent decision such as buy a condo. I go searching this weekend so please help me with your thoughts and prayers. I would like to be comfortable, with easy access to the coast, as well as paths up into the east hills.

I am applying to schools there as well, so that's important of course.

Still, I know this is the right course. Sounds a little funny, but I have such peace that this is the right way to go forward at this time.

JoAnn (JD)

Guess what I got in the mail yesterday? My initial teaching license from the state of Oregon. I am thrilled and humbled and intimidated all at the same time. If you know of a teaching job on the Coast (in a low income area, which they all are), let me know.

My goal is the Lincoln County School District--Newport, Taft, Toledo, and Waldport. If (or should I say, when) I will rent for awhile. When that seems like home both as a person and a professional teacher, I'll buy a condo.

So much for my educational journey, or its start after three years of graduate school. I do have one last class and a few paperwork stuff, but this is it. I told Will that I am experiencing a little loss being in the last term, as if I have to start acting and being an adult. No more sweats, hoodies, and fun hats every day. No more running shoes every day. No more letting my hair grow way past the time I need a cut. That includes body hair in other areas as well. No more aggressively crossing intersections near the university , making cars wait or navigating the actual campus as if we were driving streets of Rome or some city in Pakistan. Bikes, skateboards, pedestrians in ones and sixes, some cars, and a lot of go wherever you want with reflexes not to hit each other. We rarely do. No keeping to the right or keeping anywhere specifically and consistently. But it makes me feel young, just part of things even though I triple some of their ages. I am also experimenting with some rec classess--fitness yoga, hip hop, yoga, and soon Zumba--whatever that is.

I look forward to your comments and your own thoughts.

JD (JoAnn)

Next phase of last class and final term

Tomorrow's class in Biblical Lit is our midterm with a sheet of study notes that was incredibly long for an estimate 15 minute objective class. After the rough treatment on the first round of papers the undergrads were required to do, we are all a bit sobered. Most of the class is English majors that want that "A." I feel the sense of challenge in thinking, writing, and discussing, but I think that some classes have been a little dumbed down. In any case, off we go with more class, first test that separates the greats for the goods or low averages.

Beyond that, I am starting to apply using a service called Ed ZAPP. More schools want it, although some schools still want the paper product. Prayers and thoughts are appreciated.

To all of you, happy Mother's Day or wonderful weekend, or read a book on your deck or in a bubble bath.

JoAnn (JD)

Catching up a bit...

I am enjoying a storm of various types today: windy, then rain and wind, and now just pouring rain. I have had the patio door open all day to sense it all, smell the freshness, take it the flotsam and jetsam whirling around...and just enjoying the natural sound of rain. It's almost like the roaring ocean offshore in a beach home.

Now I just finished up some easy solitaire (difficult towards the end), to clear my head before prepping for a midterm in "Bible as Literature." This quiz is defined as a 15-minute short quiz=like assessment with a full study guide sheet with 99 items on it, plus the assurance that there may also be items in the test that are not on the study guide. Oh well, we are all in it together--as amazed as we were are all in class.

I am starting to apply for teaching jobs along a slice of the coast--Florence (central) to Astoria (the uppermost north districts). Then I have a slice about 20 miles in that is not right on the coast, but not far away.

Will and Sarah are doing fairly well. As Kurt, Sarah's husband, is preparing for the Art Institute in Graphic Design, Sarah is still working the human services brokerage as well as teaching horse riding lessons and even small seminars on Saturdays.

Will and I are studying together in my living room which brings accountable to both of us, plus proximity is nice without talking a lot--except for really fascination psychology point from his textbook, or mine from the Bible.

That's it for now. Your thoughts and prayers for my new teaching position--on the Coast if at all possible--and for Will as he continues through school, works out his major, and learns more and more study skills, budgeting.... He is really doing great.

JD (JoAnn)