Life at Ashland Pace

I arrived in Ashland yesterday, leaving the rain and clouds of Seattle behind for the warm, blue skies of Southern Oregon. My intent has been to work hard here because, after all, I can look for a job from anywhere.

But there's something about my dad's and Lou's place that makes work feel out-of-place, superfluous, and unnecessary. Of course nothing could be further from the truth, so I've been forcing myself to hop on to the various job sites and job boards I frequent, connect with networking associates, and follow up on a few possibilities. But, to be honest, I'm discouraged and unmotivated and I'd just really like a break from the incessant "gotta get a job" chatter that constantly bounces around in my head these days!

Ashland feels like home to me, although I've never actually lived here since my parents moved here when I was in grad school. People here are very present, very deliberate. Minds and bodies are active, people seem exceptionally creative, but they don't take themselves too seriously. It feels a bit like Berkeley used to feel to me as I was growing up.

We won't spend time with the people of Ashland until tonight when we go into town for dinner and then to see the play Distracted about the 24/7 lifestyles of the Y generation. Should be interesting!

Until then, it's a very non-people day, just relaxing, working a bit on Learning Friends (which I'm enjoying... man, I hope they get funded!), a dip in the pool, and a nap. The nap is because Dad knocked on the door of the cottage at 7:15 this morning -- after I stayed up till 2:30 teaching myself how to edit movies -- inviting me for waffles and blueberries!

It's so good to be "home." Alone.