My Favorite Thanksgiving! (A VERY Non-traditional Thanksgiving)

My favorite Thanksgiving

We all have favorite memories of the various holidays. Usually they revolve around tradition, or family. Years ago, I stopped trying to do the family thing, or gather at specific holidays. I got to the point that I would rather spend the holiday alone, rather than go through all the stress that the holidays usually mandate as “something that we are supposed to do.”

I have a very wonderful memory of a Thanksgiving that began as one that I would purposely NOT Participate in. As November 2001 approached, there were the usual invites to join assorted family at other family-members’ houses. I made it a rule to almost always politely decline these invitations. No matter how many times I explained why these gatherings were not a good place for me, it did not seem to matter. Every time one of these gatherings was planned, they seemed to think I would want to join-in. As the month went on, I successfully wriggled my way out of having to attend any of these.

Sometimes, the accomplishment of having succeeded in getting away from the pressure of the invite, was quite rewarding. I was quite pleased that only a week before Thanksgiving, I had managed to steer clear of every one of the bombs lobbed at me in disguise of holiday invites.

I was living in Gresham, Oregon. Thanksgiving time, for many years was not something I felt happy about because that was when I had gotten married... And Divorced. This particular Thanksgiving was the one-year anniversary of the end of my marriage. It was exactly one year prior that I had walked away, and gone to live in my van. I chose to live in my van during an ice storm in Oregon, rather than stay in that bad situation. I had applied to a couple of apartments, but at the Holiday season, none of the processes were very fast. After two-weeks living in my van in the ice, and cold, I got this apartment.

Now it was one year later. I had gotten to know many of the tenants who lived in this complex. I was happy to choose this apartment for a couple of reasons. Some of those reasons included location, cost, and ease to get into. I was aware that this was not exactly the best neighborhood, but at the same time it was not the really bad part of town. It was convenient to my work, and by comparison, it was quite nice, compared to some of the other options I had to choose from. When you are homeless, sometimes, any place you can afford is a good option. Many of my neighbors were not there by choice. It turned out that this complex was mostly state-funded housing. Those who were on state-aid, or in state-run programs did not have much choice in where they lived. They were often given two choices, and The choices were: 1- Take it. Or 2- Leave it. Most chose to take what they were given, so they could remain in the system. Needless to say, having a job, and earning an income was something most of the tenants were not doing. Most were put on state-disability, and then told they could not work, or they would lose their benefits. It was a horrible system, and a vicious cycle. The state managed to keep people down by forbidding them to actually attempt to earn an income, to possibly better their lives.

Many of my neighbors were extremely nice, caring, and wonderful people. They were poor, but they did not act like that was what defined them. I was poor, too. I was working long hours just to afford to pay the bills I was left with after my marriage. I was living in a really cheap apartment, because all my income went to the debts I was saddled with in my marriage. Similarly, I was not any different than any of the tenants on the state-run system. I had the privilege of having earned a really decent income previously, so I knew the difference. I was currently living poorer than I ever had in my past. But that did not mean I had to act in a bad way. I still upheld my quality of life. I still always helped those I could help. It did not always take money to help others. As I got to know my neighbors, I found some amazing friends. The lack of money, job, or status, never once created a single divide between those who worked, and those who did not.  The complex had 30-units, and I had gotten know many of my neighbors.

Just like any other home I have ever had, I always had an open-door policy. Everyone knew that if they needed help, needed an ear to bend, needed a safe place to escape to, needed a bite to eat, needed anything at all, they could come to me. I welcomed anyone, and they knew that as long as they were not dishonest, or disrespectful toward me, they were always welcome. If I was home, Anybody could walk-in anytime, no questions asked. When I was home, My door was always unlocked. Everyone knew God was the keeper of my house, and all who entered, also entered His house. It was never expected that they also believe, or even acknowledge God even existed. It was expected that they Knew I trusted God, and that was all that mattered. Not a single person ever did wrong to me or my home. Being able to help others has always been a cornerstone of who I am.

A few months before Thanksgiving a lady moved into the unit upstairs from me. Her name was Lori. From the moment she moved-in, she had desires to make me her boyfriend. I made it clear I was not interested in having a relationship. We became pretty good friends, and she always hoped I would give-in. This was actually kinda funny to watch how much she would work to try and impress me, to win me. I never fell for any of it. But still, she was fun, and friends was as far as I would go with her. In early November, she tried every approach she could think of to get me to join her for a traditional full thanksgiving meal in her apartment. Hers was one I politely declined. She was appalled at the company I chose to allow to enter my home, and made her views known to any who would listen. If she happened to be at my home when another showed-up, she would leave. She at first attempted to get me to have the other leave. It did not take long to teach her where I stood. The idea of helping these people was appalling to her. I often explained that I would be willing to see more of her, if she was willing to not be a heartless bitch. She understood this, but was set in her ways.

By trusting in God, and allowing those who he sent to my home to come freely, no questions asked did indeed have many wonderful rewards. Along with the rewards, there were also many times when I was suddenly in the middle of events, or situations I could have never imagined possible. It was not uncommon to wake up to find a complete stranger asleep in my hammock in the front room. I often would come out of the shower, and find someone standing there who I did not know needing a safe place to be. There were times I would wake to find someone depositing a baby next to me to be kept safe through the night. I had a guy knocking on the door one night, and was kinda bothered that someone would knock and wake me, rather than just walk-in. I opened the door, and was facing someone I did not recognize, and he handed me a gun. Turned out he lived in another complex, but had heard about me, and wanted to turn the gun over to me, so he would not harm somebody. He told me he did not walk-in, because he feared he would do wrong inside my home, and he respected who I was, and what I did too much to enter. I did not ask any questions about the gun, or who he was. I Did ask if he was alright, and if he needed anything. He said he would be alright, now, and asked that I turn the gun in to the police. The police also knew me, and knew what I stood for. I could walk into the police station with the gun, turn it over, and they would not ask further questions. I could call the police for help when someone was battling some drug-side-effect that I did not understand. Everyone knew that if I involved the police, they would not be in any kind of trouble, but would be helped by the police. The police understood my tactics. I worked to keep my neighborhood as safe as possible, and was well-known. I found people would come to me with their drugs, and ask me to flush them. They wanted someone they trusted to take care of it for them. Not all of the apartments had bathtubs. Some only had showers. It was not uncommon to have someone pop-in just to use the bathtub. Often, I would be reading in my hammock, and someone I barely knew would walk in, climb into the hammock next to me, lean against me, and instantly fall asleep. When they would wake later, I had already gotten out of the hammock, covered them in a blanket, and gone to bed. They would realize they were safe, and stay sleeping there until morning.  If people who lived together had a fight, and one left, they usually ended up at my place. When the other person had calmed-down, and was ready to play nice, they would come and find the one who fled safe at my home.

Ummm, Perhaps your todler might not

wish to view this Thanksgiving feast...

One of the most unexpected surprises that happened in that complex was Thanksgiving 2001. As Thanksgiving week arrived, I started realizing that most of the tenants did not celebrate, or even recognize Thanksgiving. They did not think they had much to be thankful for. They could not afford to do a special meal. They did not have any place they were invited to. They did not have invitations that they could choose to decline. To most of them, it was a day that only rubbed their noses in their already bad situations. Some mentioned they could go and get a food-box that was designated especially for this holiday. But they did not like being treated as a publicity-charity-case. Some were offered full turkey-dinners if they would first come and serve at the organization’s function. They felt they were being made fun of, when these wealthy functions used them as servers, just to say “look how good we are for taking these people in”.

I was kinda caught off-guard. I had a choice if I went where others were gathering. They did not. I chose to be alone, they were stuck being alone. This really tore at my heart. I wanted to do something that would show these people what they truly had, but did not understand. I had already planned to have a take-n-bake pizza from Papa Murphy’s for my own Thanksgiving. And I was going to bake my cookies. My cookies are special in their own way. Many of these people had already enjoyed the magic of my cookies. The more I thought about thanksgiving, the more I really wanted to give a Thanksgiving to the entire apartment complex. I knew without a doubt what I wanted, and needed to do. I needed to give them a Thanksgiving… JOn-Style! I would feed them pizza, cookies, pie, coffee, and brownies! I would do this in my own apartment, open-house-style. It would be open from 8 am until 8 pm. Everyone could come when it was comfortable for them. They could bring others with them, too. I needed to have enough pizza for the entire complex! But I knew I could barely afford my own pizza, let alone two, or twenty pizzas! I already had the ingredients for one batch of my cookies, but I would need to make four batches! I could not afford that. I had planned to have one Marie-Calendar’s Razzleberry pie, but I could not afford three or four. I certainly could not afford the soda pop, or coffee to feed close to a hundred people.

Then the idea hit me! I would ask for donations! Not money, but food. Just like any place that feeds people on Thanksgiving. I knew I would be able to do this! I went to the local police department to ask for contacts that could help with this. They were more than happy to help. The police already knew what I stood for, and how I loved to help. I was assigned the community-relations officer as my contact. I would go to the local vendors, and hand them the letter showing his involvement for added credibility. I then went to the apartment manager to get him involved, too! He was already well-liked, and an active part of this complex’s happenings. He also wrote a letter for me to take along. Then I went to Papa Murphy’s Pizza, and met with the manager. She was so impressed with this that she called the owner, and had him come right down to meet with us! They liked the idea so much!  Now it was my turn to be impressed! They not only agreed to donate the pizzas, they also added the soda-pop, and cheese-sticks, too!

I then went to The Fred Meyer store just down the street. Every single one of the tenants shopped at this store. I met with the grocery manager. He then had me meet with the general manager. Freddies agreed to donate the several pies, the coffee, and brownie-mixes. They suggested they would also contribute fruit, cheese, and veggie trays, chips, dips, paper plates, napkins, and cups, too! They asked if there was anything else I needed to pull this off. I was overwhelmed by their generosity, and hesitated to ask, but decided to go for it. I mentioned that I could not afford to get the ingredients to make all my cookies. They gave me a twenty-five dollar gift certificate so I could buy all of that!

I was so excited! I went back to the Police Officer, and told him all the good news. He just smiled, and then said “I know. They called to tell me how excited they were to be able to help their neighbors, and absolutely love your spirit!” He said there would be more surprises to come, but would not elaborate.

I then went to visit the manager. I used his computer to create a flyer to hand out to every tenant. We printed one copy from his printer. He then took them to the property-management company’s office to print up a hundred-copies in assorted colors.

I handed out the copies to every tenant, and also left a second copy for them to give to someone else they knew who could use a blessing. The flyers made it clear that it was totally-free, no-obligation, no-strings-attached. It was a come-as-you-are celebration. All ages were welcome. Even their relatives were welcome. We also made it clear that this was not in any way connected to the owners, or property management of the complex. We made it clear that this was just what I wanted to give them. The flyers also gave special thanks to Papa Murphy’s, and Fred Meyers.  The flyers listed all the food and beverages that would be served. The flyers made it clear that it did not matter if I knew them, or not. Everyone was welcome, and I f I did not already know them, I would soon. It was made clear that all they needed to do was show-up. It was not even mandatory to be sociable.

I took some flyers to Papa Murphy’s, and to Freddies, and made arrangements to pick up all the food Wednesday evening.  Then I dropped some flyers off at the police department. 

When I got home Tuesday evening, I was greeted by Lori, the love-struck-neighbor upstairs. Lori had a copy of my flyer in her hand, and was insisting this would never work. I had already learned to ignore her ideas of what she insisted could not work. Then she shoved another flyer into my hands. This one was advertising her own traditional turkey dinner that she would make available to any and all on Thanksgiving Day. Her flyer stated that “If you do not want to settle for pizza, come upstairs to get a Real Thanksgiving meal.” This gave me quite a laugh. She got upset with me for laughing, but then asked me to explain why I found it funny, and why I disagreed with her. I explained about how I have connected with everyone here, I understand them. I KNOW the traditional Turkey Dinner is a Sore subject for them, just like it is for myself. Pizza is casual. Pizza is celebratory. Pizza crosses every social divide. Pizza is a stand-and-eat food. Pizza is happy. Pizza is finger food. Pizza makes everyone happy.

I encouraged her to go ahead and hand out her own flyers, but to change the wording, so it sounds inviting, and welcoming. And advised her to embrace my offering to the masses, rather than try and make it sound second-rate, or she would quickly have a lot of this complex against her. I explained that she already looked down her nose at most of them, and with that approach, even if they were starving, they likely would not go to her home, just like how they won’t go to the churches, etc.

She understood this. I finally got that point across to her. She came downstairs later with a new flyer, and asked if I would help her hand them out, and introduce her as we went to each door. I was very happy to join her now. We handed out her flyers. Almost everyone greeted me with a hug when they opened their door, said they were happy to finally meet her, but would be having pizza. Many of them asked if she would come and join them for pizza. This surprised her. They politely declined her invite, but then turned and asked her to come and join them for the pizza. By the time we finished the whole complex, she had learned quite a bit about these people, and my approach. A few people said they would have both meals.

Wednesday night, I went and gathered all the pizzas, food, beverages, plates, etc. I had already arranged with the manager to bring an empty fridge over to my apartment that evening, so I could store it all. We put the spare fridge in my bedroom, and loaded it to the gills!

I went to bed early that night, so I could be up early to do all my baking, and get everything set-up.  I got up at 4 in the morning Thanksgiving Day. When I went out to the front room, there were two young ladies asleep on my living room floor. I could not see their faces, so I was not sure who they were, but I was used to this sort of thing happening, so I just left them asleep.

I made coffee, then went to shower. While I was showering, they each came in, used the toilet, and left. They did not say anything, and looked like they had each had a hard night, and were struggling to function. I had seen each of them around the neighborhood previously, but did not know who they were. When I was done with the shower, and came out, they were gone. They had each left a duffel bag in the corner, and there was a note for me. It said “Thank You! We will be back to eat later.” This was something that had become normal in my life, and it made me smile.

I put on some good music, and got started with my baking. (Cookie Dough makes a wonderful breakfast!) I had mentioned in the Flyer that the open house would begin at 8. But everyone always knew my door was always open. People started coming by just after 6. They helped themselves to fruit, veggies, dips, cookies, and coffee.

My Famous Cookies!

My Mom was heading from Portland to Bend to spend the day with her mom (My Gramma). My Mom stopped by in the early morning on her way out of town to get some of my fresh-baked cookies for the road. (She knew they made a wonderful breakfast, too!) She took several in baggies for later enjoyment, and sharing with Gramma.

Just before 8, I put the first pizza in the oven. Lori from upstairs came down to get some items she needed to finish preparing her traditional meal. Right at 8, the first one to walk through the front door was the Community Service Police Officer. He helped himself to coffee, and cookies. Then a couple of minutes later, the two young ladies who had slept here last night came in. When they saw the officer, they each hugged him, then looked at me and smiled. He was grinning. Then he said, “You are wonderful, Jon!” He then introduced the two girls, and told me a little of their story. He had brought them to my place during the night, so they would be safe. They were 17-year old young ladies, homeless, and tended to settle for anything that would take them off the streets for a night. He had a long history with them, and happened to see them climbing into a car of people last night that he knew would lead them to drugs, and they would be harmed before the night was done. He stopped the car, and came up with reasons the two girls could not go with them. The girls were then taken to my place. He told them the rules, and told them if they stayed and did not go wandering during the night, he would help them get off the streets. I offered them food. They were eager to accept. They seemed like they had not had a safe environment for quite some time. Their clothes were not real clean, and looked like they had been worn for many days. Their hair was matted, and messy. I asked them a few questions, to learn how to best help them.

I called the manager, and asked him to come over. The officer already knew him too. When the manager arrived, I introduced the girls, and asked if he could pull some quarters out of the laundry machines. He grinned, understanding where I was headed with this. He left, and went toward the laundry room. The officer looked quizzically at me. I just smiled. I asked the girls if they would object to having a hot shower, and clean clothes. The officer was still looking like he was confused. The girls’ eyes lit up! I pulled some sweats and sweatshirts out of the closet for them to put on.

They emptied out the dirty clothes from their duffel bags, stripped, and put on the sweats I had offered.  The manager returned with a handful of quarters. Then the officer realized what we were up to. One girl headed to the shower, and the other one helped us gather their clothes. I got my laundry basket, and soap. While one went to shower, the other went with me to wash the clothes. The officer stayed with the manager. When we returned, other people had started showing up. I put more pizza in the oven, and everyone was happily talking. The girl disappeared into the bathroom with her friend. While the second one was showering, I transferred their clothes to the dryer.

When I returned from the laundry room, The owner of the Papa Murphy’s had arrived. The Officer, and Manager both already knew him, so they were all chatting. Lori from upstairs had also come down, and joined in all the excitement. When the two girls emerged from the bathroom, they were greeted by many people all talking excitedly at the same time. The girls looked a bit overwhelmed. As all this was happening, many people were coming and going, and my apartment very busy and slightly chaotic. Lori offered to take the girls upstairs where it was a little less crowded, and they could relax without all the commotion. This shocked both the manager, and myself, because we both knew how Lori looked down on people such as these girls. They went upstairs. Among all that was going-on, The Owner of The Papa Murphy’s was handing out coupons to each person for a free pizza. They were truly free, nothing needed to be purchased, just a free pizza. He explained how impressed he was with how much I wanted to give these people the best thanksgiving they had ever had, and wanted to make it even better.

After a while, many had come and gone, and said they would come back throughout the day. The officer was happy to meet every one of them. Not a single one of them flinched when they saw the officer in my apartment, because they knew my relationship with them was a good thing. They also were able to see that they could relax, and even enjoy being around an officer. Many asked his advice “off the record”, and he was very willing to help them.

When the girls’ clothes were done drying I brought them back, folded them into piles for them to sort, and put away as they saw fit. The girls came back down for more pizza, and soda. They beamed with enthusiasm about what was happening. The officer pulled them aside and spoke quietly with them. When the girls disappeared into the back to put their own clothes back on, the Officer, Manager, and Papa Murphy’s owner disappeared upstairs to Lori’s apartment. When the girls came back out, they asked me about Lori. I was not sure what exactly they were asking, so I asked for more clarification. They were excited, but looked a little unsure. Then the Officer came back down and asked to talk to me alone. It turned out that Lori had offered the girls a place to stay in her apartment. He did not know Lori, or her intentions, so wanted my opinion. I was shocked! Had Lori’s hardened shell been cracked? The officer told me how the girls needed a safe place where they would be treated with respect, and not made to feel inadequate. I knew Lori well enough that I knew she could be a loving caring sweet person when she wanted to. I also knew Lori was safe. The Manager, and Papa Murphy’s owner were still upstairs. The officer liked what I said about Lori, then grinned. He had the girls go back upstairs with him.

As the day went on, there was good fun, good cheer, good food, and plenty of things for everyone to find to be thankful for. When everyone finally came back downstairs, the two girls did not. Lori smiled, gave me a hug, and thanked me for opening her eyes. The Officer shook my hand, and thanked me, then left. The Papa Murphy’s owner handed me a stack of the coupons to hand out, and told me to make sure every one of them was given away. He shook my hand, thanked me and left. The Manager ate some more, and said he would be back later. When it was calm, I asked Lori what was up? She just grinned, and said she would let the girls tell me. So I asked where they were. She said “Asleep upstairs.” Then she hugged me again and left.

Lori was spending time with many of the tenants in my apartment, and enjoying their company. She was beaming, and I really wondered what she was up to. The girls came downstairs after their nap, and were hungry again. Lori asked if they would like some turkey, because it was about to come out of the oven. One girl wanted the turkey. The other wanted pizza. Some of the people in my apartment decided to go have turkey. So, Lori took many upstairs to serve her traditional meal.

The girl that stayed downstairs looked like she wanted something to occupy her mind. I showed her the bookshelves. Her eyes lit-up. She found a book and snuggled into the hammock.

After about an hour, all the people that had gone upstairs came waddling back down. Lori was happy, and had learned how to connect with her neighbors. The other girl joined her friend in the hammock, and they shared the book.

Later in the afternoon, The officer returned, and behind him was The Papa Murphy’s Owner, along with the Papa Murphy’s Manager. She had not yet come to join the festivities. She was introduced all around. She helped herself to a slice of pizza. A little while later the General Manager, and Grocery Manager from Freddies showed up. The Officer was beaming as he introduced them all around. I was surprised! I never imagined these folks who donated so generously would come and visit me! Everyone was enjoying this Thanksgiving, and they all wanted to make sure I understood how proud they were of it.

The two girls were introduced, then the Officer asked Lori if they could all meet upstairs. So Lori, the two girls, The Officer, Both Papa Murphy’s people, and both Freddies people went upstairs.

When they came down again, they all stopped in to thank me again, and left. The General Manager of the Freddies gave me another twenty-five dollar gift certificate. He said this was for my own use, and his way to thank me.

The girls came back down later. They ate some more, and looked like completely different people than they did at 4 this morning! They looked safe, comfortable, and alive again. I was dying to know what was going on with all the meetings, but would wait until they decided to tell me. As Evening came, many of the early arrivers came back for more. Some of the people who had been peeking out their windows all day at all the activity finally ventured on over. I baked cookies, pies, brownies and pizzas all day long. This was The Absolute best Thanksgiving!

Finally, as late evening rolled around, I made sure to send large amounts of food home with each person so I would not have tons of leftovers. I always manage to make the kitchen a complete disaster when I am baking. Usually, I clean it all up before the last cookie comes out of the oven. But this day, it was still a disaster, because I had gone non-stop all day. I had been going solid for 16-hours. The two girls offered to clean it all up, and suggested I relax in the hammock for a bit. They were sincere, and looked like they had waited all day to be able to give back after having been given so much today. I usually do not let others clean up for me, but this time I agreed, but made them promise they would tell me what everyone was so excited about involving them. They agreed, but said I needed to rest, and they would tell me later.

Almost as soon as I lay in the hammock, I was out-cold! I did not hear another sound, until my alarm clock went off the next morning. I was disoriented. I was in my hammock, with a blanket over me, but my alarm clock was in my room by my bed. Once I stumbled around and shut it off, I went back to the kitchen to make my coffee. Then I realized what I had missed. As my coffee was brewing, I turned on a light. The house was spotless! The kitchen was cleaned, the trash was taken out, the food was all put away. Everything in the entire house was as if there had not been a huge party here yesterday. I could not believe it! Nobody ever got my place as clean as I would, but it was spotless! I knew there would be one place that had been missed. The toilet. It is one of my pet peeves, and I cannot stand when others make a mess in my bathroom. But for yesterday, I ignored it, and allowed everyone to use it. The last time I saw it, it was a complete disgusting mess. But it was actually clean! The girls even cleaned up the bathroom last night! Now that I was thoroughly shocked at how clean those two girls made everything, I realized they never told me what was going on. They were not here, and the duffel bags were gone.

I was kinda confused, but had to get ready for work. I showered, and cleared my head trying to grasp what happened upstairs, and still in awe of how much the girls cleaned when they insisted I rest.  They even put a blanket on me, and turned out the lights before they left! As the hot water did its thing, I began to reflect on what a wonderful day it had been. I left for work happier than I could recall in many years. All day I wondered about the girls, and what happened. Then I finally remembered that I was told Lori had offered them a place to stay.

When I came home from work, Lori’s lights were on. I went into my home, and showered, figuring I would go upstairs afterwards. Before I got out of the shower, Lori, and the two girls were in my apartment and trying to get me to hurry up so they could tell me everything. Lori would never go where she might see anybody naked, but the girls had already figured me out, and were very comfortable around me.

The girls did not care that I was in the shower, they piled into the bathroom, and were both talking at the same time, and were so excited. They both continued to tell of what happened simultaneously, and kept saying how I changed their lives, and how they would always be sure to tell everyone about how important Thanksgiving is! I was the only one not clued-into what was happening all day yesterday. But, now they were spilling it all out faster than should be possible. I heard it from both of them, both talking really fast, and excited, and at the same time. The echo in the bathroom, and the running water made it even more hilarious. It was kinda fun as I put the pieces together. I finished showering, and went to the bedroom to get some clothes. Lori had been waiting just out of sight of where I was in the shower. When I entered the bedroom, she got all flustered and ran into the front room. The girls laughed, and only then did they connect that they had barged into a naked man’s bathroom while he was showering and not even asked if it was a problem. They stopped talking for half a second, giggled a bit, then waited until I finished putting on some clothes to continue telling all that happened.  

It turned out that Lori had offered them a place to stay. But by the end of yesterday, they would not need her place. They would stay with Lori until Monday. Monday they will enter a teen-housing program where they will be safe, and have access to resources for finishing their education. One of the girls got hired at Papa Murphy’s, and the other one got hired at Fred Meyers. They both hugged me and thanked me. I congratulated them for being in the wrong company the night before. They got the joke. Lori asked what that meant. Lori had not heard all of those details. Lori was quite used to finding strangers inside my home, and never asked how they arrived here.

The girls told the story to Lori. It was fun to listen to them tell all about how my home is perceived by the police department. They explained how they thought the officer was pulling their leg when he explained where he was taking them after he picked them up. When he parked in front of this apartment, they began to believe him. They expressed concerns about being dropped-off in a man’s dark apartment, but The Officer assured them this was not a normal man, and they would be perfectly safe. He showed them the flyer about the Thanksgiving day festivities, and they decided he made a good choice in bringing them here. He even walked them to the door, opened the door and let them in. They explained about how much trust that showed to have my door unlocked while I slept. The Officer told them to go in, lie down and go to sleep. They did exactly that. They said they slept solid until I came out and started the coffee.  They heard the shower start, and both had to pee really bad, so decided from what the officer had said, it was safe to go use the toilet while I was showering.  They also expressed how when I offered to give them clean clothes, do their laundry, and let them shower, they did not hesitate a moment to strip and get out of their filthy clothes. They both laughed as they said they could tell they embarrassed the Officer by doing that, but noticed it did not embarrass me. They also mentioned they noticed I did not even flinch when they walked in while I was showering. (I have written before about my nakedness, and openness, especially when it comes to showering. For some reason if people see me showering it never bothered me, even when I was at my “hiding everything” phase, such as I was during this event.) Lori Blushed at the mere mention of this. She made it a point to Never see a naked human, and just the thought of it embarrassed her.

The girls continued telling everything that had happened in the past day. The details they retained were incredible. While it appeared they were half-dazed and partially checked-out, they were really paying attention to every detail of everything that happened yesterday. Lori was a bit overwhelmed with all the details. I loved it! They would say some tidbit they had noticed about me, and Lori would ask how they learned that, because she had been trying to figure out everything about me for many months. This made me chuckle. Here were two scared, homeless, troubled teens and they happened to grasp more of their surroundings than Lori did. Lori looked at them with a look that said she could learn a thing or two from these ladies.

We gave each other hugs, and I offered them some pizza. This made everyone laugh. Lori actually wanted pizza! We had pizza, cookies, and pie. They went back upstairs for the night.

I could not plan to make a Thanksgiving as wonderful as this one. Everything always happens for a reason, and I just have to remember to trust God, and Let Him work through me.

I Hope Your Thanksgiving was something to be thankful for. How many things have you got to be thankful for? I have more than I could list in a lifetime!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Jon~=:-)

Even though I do not get traditional long holiday weekends, I still managed to find plenty of time this Thanksgiving weekend to get some much needed writing done. The funny part is, This year, I worked Thanksgiving Day, Then had Friday and Saturday off, then again worked on Sunday. Today is Sunday, and the end of the long weekend for most people. I wrote this one on Saturday, but did not get a chance to post it until today. I am really glad I got the chance to post it as a wrap-up to another wonderful Thanksgiving!

I have mentioned before that I write these mostly for my own benefit, but finding out that they help others, too, makes it even more rewarding! That is what I thrive on... Helping others. When I learn that having written about an important event in my life somehow touched even one other person, I know my time spent was more than worth it!

Again, I Thank you for stopping by, reading, and hopefully laughing, too! I Hope your day is blessed, and there is always an open-door when you need a safe place in life. ~=:-)

Happy Thanksgiving!(or Living in a Tent..) HUH!?

It is Thanksgiving weekend…

But I am Thinking About Life in a Tent! :)

This was my home in the summer of 2009.
(before I got the protective tarps hung-up)
To the right is where My Hammock hung :)

I find it hilarious that I am choosing to write about the joys of having lived in a tent, rather than all the other things associated with Thanksgiving . But There really is a connection...

The reason living in a tent is on my mind, is because the temperature has finally gotten cool in Vegas.  I find it interesting that the Vegas temperatures in late November feel like the normal spring and summer temperatures in Oregon. The temps reach down into the forties at night, and in the seventies day time. I love the feeling and memories these winter temperatures are creating, just like when I lived in my tent in Oregon. I like the feel of the crisp, clean, cool air. I Absolutely love the feel of sleeping in the cold air, but completely snuggled-up in my cocoon of blankets. (I have written about My Favorite Blanket Here: http://enterwithanopenmindorclosedeyes.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-favorite-balnket-came-out-of-storage.html )  At the time I wrote that, I was still using my chair outside. Since then, I have had to retreat to the indoors. This is not so much because of the cold, but because of the fall-rains, and wind. I could not keep my chair, pillows, and blankets dry. I would much-rather still be using my chair on the balcony, but a wet, moldy chair is not at all comfortable. I now use my chair indoors, but keep the window open.

I sleep very soundly, and when it is cold all around, it is even better! I love the feel of the cool all around my wonderful cocoon. I live as much of my life as is possible completely naked. You would think that because I get cold easily, that naked would not be an option when the air is cool, and even down-right cold! For some odd reason, it is the exact opposite. I am funny like that.

Most people associate colder weather with needing to bundle-up, and even to sleep in more winter-like costumes. I learned early on in life that when it is cold, you actually can sleep warmer if you sleep naked. It is kinda funny how I learned this, but that is a story for another post.

Of course, I sleep nekkid in any weather, but when it is cold all around you, it is a feeling that cannot be matched in any way of connecting with nature. Even getting out of your warm bed, and into the sudden chill is not at all a problem. By sleeping so comfortably, the body is amply-warm, and when you instantly feel the cold, in helps in greeting the new day. I am still warm, but enjoy the feel of the cool morning air. Sometimes I will wear socks, and a hat. (Everyone knows that covering your head and feet are the best ways to preserve body-heat!) :)

In May of 2009, I chose to go and live in my tent. The reasons, and events which caused me to wish to live in a tent are numerous, and that is a difficult road to re-visit. Eventually, hopefully, I will be able to write about all that without getting too upset.  In short, the main reason I wished to live in a tent was for my sanity. Some of the tangles I had found myself entwined with had turned very bad, and I had to break those ties. The economy had turned, and I found myself working for the lowest wages I had in twenty years. I could not afford to get an apartment, and another roommate situation was not a good idea. Also, due to some of the events, I needed to be alone to sort things out.

 I was in Portland, Oregon at the time.  Portland is not known for having the best weather for living in a tent. I also found out that finding a place where one could legally live in a tent was almost impossible. I searched every possible place one could imagine, and found nothing but roadblocks. The designated camp-grounds were extremely cost-prohibitive. The few I found that were actually affordable had limits of only being allowed to stay for 14-days. Even the national forests, BLM Lands, and other such places, had limits on the few number of days you could stay. The permits needed were extremely expensive. Even the few I found where I could afford, they were extremely unsafe. If I had set-up, and then left to go to work, when I returned, all my stuff would be gone. So those were not an option. I needed to find someplace I could live that was safe, not terribly expensive, and I would not have to move every two weeks. It also needed to be fairly close to The Portland Metro area, so I could still come and go to work daily.

I finally decided to place an ad in Craigslist looking for a place I could safely live on someone’s private property. I made it clear about my values, need for safety, peace, and mutual respect. I got hundreds of replies. They all saw an opportunity for what they perceived as easy extra income. Sadly, almost every one of them was what I would consider an extremely unacceptable living situation.  I even had people trying to get me to pitch my tent in their carport inside trailer-courts. I was about to totally give-up, and go live in another bad roommate situation.

Then I got an email from Kelly. I could tell right away she was seemingly a good-fit to what I needed. We exchanged a few emails. I gave her the links to my online activity, and she gave me hers. We both decided this seemed like a good fit. We set a meeting to see if it was going to work for each of us. She was seeking a roommate, but needed someone safe around her daughter. She had property in the hills southwest of The Portland Area where there was plenty of space for a tent, but not crowded near anything else. I had to pass three tests once I arrived at her house: First was her dogs: Everyone knows animals can tell about a human’s true intentions. The Second was her Daughter: If I was in any way a threat, or made her uncomfortable at all, obviously I would not be a good fit. Third was her father: He lived at the adjoining property, and came to interrogate me. We all agreed it was a good fit.

Kelly tried to talk me into taking the room she had available, but I really wanted to be outside. She was fine with this, and even insisted I could still have access to the house facilities if I chose. I am extremely comfortable with everything nature, so living completely outside would not be a problem for me. She had no problem with me existing solely outdoors, but also insisted I could use the house facilities and it would be no problem. I agreed that the bathroom, laundry, and freezer in the garage would be good.

We walked the property, and decided the spot she had chosen for me to put my tent was ideal. It was about 75-100 yards down the hill from the house. It was in a fairly sheltered section of her property. I could be under the trees, with a place to string my hammock, and heavy brush, trees, and shrubs to the sides. It was an ideal location. I could live a in a camping-type environment, with a few conveniences inside the house. While it was fairly secluded, it was also not hidden. This would allow me to exist, and go about my daily living without feeling like I was intruding on others, nor me feeling like I was in a fish-bowl. We would each exist, aware the other was there, but not so close that we were lacking our own privacy. I also made sure she was aware of my purple toenails, completely shaved body, and naked (when appropriate) lifestyle. Since I would be using a shared bathroom, and my tent-area would be visible from the house (If anyone chose to look down there) I did not want there to be any shocks, surprises, or things she was not aware of that could possibly make her wish she had not allowed me to live here. She was fine with all of these, even saying: “What each person does is their business, as long as they do not affect the others around them.”

The corner of the property where I would set-up my camp :)

I moved, and set-up camp the following weekend.  The trees and bushes provided shelter from the rain, and wind. I also set-up a tarp-system and drainage trenches that could withstand the storms Oregon can deliver… especially living on the edge of the coast-range mountains. I know how to keep dry when living outdoors. I set up so the sunrise would shine in through the tent doors, but the rain could not reach the tent. I could sleep where I could easily see the stars from my bed, yet the rain could not come inside. My tent was large enough to make a kitchen inside, along with sleeping space, and all my clothes to be organized. Outside, I set-up a cook station, because I won’t cook with flame inside a tent. I also hung my hammock between a couple of trees, where I could enjoy the morning sun, but have the afternoon shade. The only thing that was not ideal was I could not have a camp-fire here. It was technically in the city limits of the small-town of Laurelwood, so fires were not allowed.

While I had full access to the house, I was camping (sort-of), so I would do as much like camping as was practical. One of my greatest joys, is being as connected with nature as is practical, and possible. To me, connecting with nature would include being naked as much as possible.  Camping in complete wilderness, it is not at all unusual to be completely naked for days at a time. Camping within view of houses, there are a few limits to how much you can be naked. But if done without attempting to attract attention, it is wonderful how much you can do naked without causing alarm by those around you.

Other than the very first day, when we agreed to the living arrangement, we never discussed the complexities usually found in a shared-living environment. This was one of the most comfortable, accepting homes I had ever shared. We each came and went as we needed. We each used the house-facilities, without concern or worry about what the others were or were not doing. We all went about our daily lives without concern. When one of us did happen to see another in what would be an uncomfortable situation in most homes, it was treated as though it were no big deal here.  Nobody ever cared what anyone else was or was not wearing. Nakedness, privacy, respect, seeing others, sharing house facilities, etc were treated as if we had known each other all our lives, and it was not an abnormality. We all had a mutual understanding of how to exist in the same space, but not feel the need to be in each others’ lives. We respected the others, and were comfortable, safe, and relaxed.

 When I am camping, I wake-up just as the sun would come over the horizon. I Love lying in the cocoon of the warm blankets, feeling the cold air outside, as you let the sun shine into the tent, and warm your face. Then I would brave the cold air, put on a hat, socks, and boots, and go to hurry and build a fire. If you have never greeted the brisk morning air while naked, then built a fire, it is something  so magnificent, you will cherish it forever! Sure, you shiver a bit, but that is what makes the fire so much better! As soon as you get your fire started, you place your shivering body in the path of the warm smoke. Then you slowly feel the warmth of the growing fire. After getting your body sufficiently toasty, then you can make your hot water for your coffee. After you have had some coffee, then you would brave a shower in the cold-brisk morning air…often done as close as possible to the warmth of the flame.

It was May when I moved into my tent. It was not uncommon to still find frost on the ground in the mornings. The day-time temperatures were just beginning to warm up as summer approached. I loved this! I would wake-up just as the sun would come over the horizon. I could not build a morning fire here, so I would have to put on some clothes until I had made the coffee. I would heat the water the night before, and store it in thermoses and hotpots. The water stayed scalding-hot over night without a problem. While my coffee was brewing, I would go and set-up the blankets in my hammock. By now, I was sufficiently warm, and would strip down again. Then I would grab my book, and cup of hot coffee, and go relax in my cocoon, swinging in the hammock, watching the day come alive around me.

The View across from my tent...

or "My Living Room" :)

I have a different favorite blanket I use to make my cocoon than I featured in the above mentioned “Favorite Blanket Blog”. The one I use for cocoons when it is cold outside, and I need to keep the cold air completely out is a down-comforter with micro-fiber shell. It does more than just keep me warm. It always has a little bit of her love wrapped around me, too.  This one was given to me by a special young lady for Christmas many years ago. Aly felt it was so important, that she even battled black-Friday madness to be sure and get it for me. At one time, Aly was one of the most important people in my life. (She still is, but circumstances have made it so she must go other directions.) From the moment I returned to Oregon in 2007, she made sure to grab every opportunity to be included in my life. She did not care one iota that I was always naked. She just wanted to spend quality time with me. She had lost me once before, and wanted to get as much time again before life took us separate ways again. She told me as long as I had this blanket, I would be warmed… both in physical warmth, and in the warming of my heart. She included her love, and care in this blanket.   

As the summer came, and the temperatures got warmer, there were so many wonderful experiences living out there with my tent as my home. The deer, birds, and assorted critters acted like I was not at all intruding in their world.  As the summer temperatures came, I seldom wore any clothes down there, and only occasionally needed the warmth of the blanket in the early morning hours. Sometimes, I would wear clothes, sometimes I would be naked. Eventually the bordering neighbors got to know me, and we would chat across the fences. (The fences were wire-grid, farm-style fences, not wooden, or solid.) So My tent, and my activities were never hidden. When they would wander out to the fence, to chat, they never once questioned my nakedness. They were friendly neighbors, and happy to chat. It always amazes me how open, welcoming, and friendly people can be. It is times like these, I am always reminded of how nice people can be, and I try to treat people the same way. It baffles me when I meet people that are mean because I do not do things the same as they do. I have seen both sides, and always look for those who like to be nice.

This was not far from where my tent was...
This is the what the hills all around looked like,
and I could see these views from my hammock. :)

As The end of August came, the temperatures were once again frosty at night, and I needed to cocoon myself again in the early morning hours. Kinda funny, because it is the same right now in Vegas. The crisp cool air is invigorating in both morning, and evening. I cocoon myself in my comfy chair, just like I did in my hammock.

I lived in my tent the entire summer of that year. It was mostly perfect for what I needed. I stayed there from May 15^th, until the end of August. (The reasons I finally left the tent are numerous, but not a single one is because I did not feel welcome, or that it was in any way a bad place to live.) There were so many wonderful things that came about that summer because I chose to live in my tent. As the thoughts come to  mind, and I have time, I likely will write more about that summer of 2009. Hiking in The Red Clover fields, Skinnidipping at Gales Creek, exploring Bald Peak, Meeting many wonderful people, Lee Falls, The Tualatin River Headwaters, The Wildlife, Bee Hives, Fresh-picked Fruit, and so much more, are all things I eventually hope to write about. 

In many ways, writing about living in my tent is very appropriate for a Thanksgiving weekend writing.  Thanksgiving is all about what we are thankful for. The cold weather that comes to Vegas much later in the year than in Oregon, just happened to create the feeling that was so prevalent in both the beginning and the ending of that summer. It happens to be those feelings are happening while it is around Thanksgiving. This writing about my choosing to live in a tent, also brings up many of the things I am Very Thankful for.

I am extremely Thankful for all the wonderful people who manage to enter my life at the times when I seem to most need them. I often do not seek people when I am most needing them, but they somehow happen to be there, and do not even realize what an important role they play. I am blessed to have had the pleasure of meeting Kelly, and all her family. I am happy to still have her and her daughter still in my life through Facebook. They accepted me, welcomed me, and made a lasting impact on my life, and in my heart. That summer in my tent was one of the most wonderful, and most-blessed summers. If Kelly and her family had not reached out to welcome me in, I would have gone a completely different path.

Happy Thanksgiving! Jon~=:-)

I Finally Got To Church Again

I finally got to church again…

This may come as a surprise to many.

I Know Most people have a certain vision of what church is. I am different from any you will ever meet. Life has been hectic, and for many reasons, I just have not made it a point of getting to spend some quality time in church. It has been too long. I visit church every day, but just not enough. Yesterday, I finally went to church again for an entire day. Yup, it was not a Sunday. It was Tuesday. There was most definitely The Blessing of The Water. There was definitely some Mud Slinging, Some devastation, some restored hope, some cold-chills, and even some hot air. There were slippery-slopes, and even those who slithered a bit. I even saw the scared, and the joyous. I saw some struggling for life, and even those who are happily feasting. There were bright moments, and even very dark times. I saw some searching for shelter, and those who were content even if their home had just been wrecked. I saw those of every color, and from every age group. Even The Lighting and Sound were impressive. The show was spectacular.

Everyone has a different reason for why they go to church. Some go for the ritual. Some go for fellowship. Some go for spirituality. Some go for reasons nobody else would understand. Some go to “be in God’s House”. Some go to hear God’s words. Some go to be told what to do. Some go to learn. Some go for social reasons. For every single person on this Earth, there is a different reason why they go to church.

I know most churches exist within a formal structure, or building, and while they are supposedly barrier-free, they are in fact full of barriers. The very nature of most churches is all about barriers, fitting-in, and acceptance of only those who fit the description desired by those who run the church. Too many churches force their members to fit into certain beliefs, or even certain behaviors. This is why there are so many various types of churches. Each one caters to a different group of people. Most people are not allowed to be themselves, but must act like something they are not in order to be accepted at a church. Most people need to dress a certain way to attend church. Most churches ask their members to pay for the privilege of attending. Many churches tell their member when and where they can attend. Many churches tell their members when to stand, when to sit, when to say hello to their neighbor, and when to pray, sing, or applaud. For those who find pleasure in these sorts of churches, I am happy for them. I am glad they find what they need, and would never attempt to discourage them from finding that joy, or attending their church. That is not the church for me. I have attended many, and even found joy in various parts of each of them. None I have attended have given me Totally what I need in a church.

Why Do I go to Church? I have many reasons: Spirituality, stress-relief, and to uplift my soul. The Most important reason I go to church is to spend time with God. Do not misinterpret this, because I can, and DO Spend Every single moment of my life with God. By going to church, I can forget everything else happening in life, and Only focus on God. When I try and focus on God while immersed in everything else life throws our way, it is easy to focus on life, and not on God. It seems too much of our daily lives are not about God, and especially the people we are forced to be around on a daily basis. Very few businesses make God a priority, let alone recognize there Is a God. When I go to church, I can see exactly what God wants me to see. When I go to church, Nothing else matters. When I go to church, I can be free. I can be Myself. I can be the Unique Human God has created Me to be. When I go to church, I can forget everything, and everyone else. When I go to church, God is THE ONLY ONE who judges ME. When I go to church, I can wear whatever I want to wear, or be as naked as I choose. To God, it does not matter what I do, or do not wear. God welcomes me. God created me. God does not care how I spend time with Him, only that I DO. My church does not ask me to pay for the joy it offers. My church does not ask me to attend only at certain times, on certain days. My church does not decide for me when, or even where I pray. My church does not decide which music I should listen to, or when I should sing along. My church does not even ask me to praise God. When one is in my church, there is never a moment that one could possibly forget you are in God’s House. My church is never heated or cooled by mechanical means, but it is always a perfect. My church does not need to worry about if the roof will leak when it rains, because when at my church, you would expect to get wet if it rained. The lighting in my church is always perfect…sometimes extremely bright, and often extremely dark…but never so dark I cannot see what I need to see. The sound-system is the oldest style known to man, never malfunctions, and Always delivers the most pure sounds. My church does not even ask that I bring others along with me. In fact, it seems to thrive with less people. I often am all alone when I go, but it hardly feels lonely in such a wonderful place. Occasionally I will find another who wishes to attend with me, and they are always amazed at how magnificent it is.
One might wonder where this wonderful church is that I can be free.

This Wonderful Church is not a secret, nor is it hidden. It is widely advertised, and even known by all. Every human is aware it exists, but not many choose to go there. This church is not new, nor is it trendy. This church has existed as long as humans have on this Earth. This Church is NATURE. Nature is my church. It is not about religion, but about spirituality.

Nature is known by many names: Mother Nature, The Great Outdoors, Outside, and sometimes Mother Earth. There are easily hundreds more, but they all mean the same thing. Whatever name one wishes to call it, it is all the same. Some wish to claim God does not exist. That is fine. Those who enjoy all He has created, and still deny he exists have Waaay more faith than I do. It is really easy to accept, and acknowledge God than to go through life denying one exists. Some of my greatest friends do not believe in God. We can still enjoy Nature together. We each go for the same reasons, yet call it something else. Literally, we attend the same church. Nature does not care of you believe, or not. It exists, we enjoy it. Call it what you want, you are still enjoying it, and getting the benefits of it. I can take my most adamant “There is No God” friends out in Nature, and they always love it. I do not have to tell them I am taking them to My Church, but they get the same thing out of it as I do. Often when admiring nature, you hear the non-believer exclaim, “Oh My God, This is beautiful!” I do not bother to remind them that they claim to not believe.

If I could live solely in nature, instead of in a society-deemed necessary dwelling among others, I would. It is virtually illegal, and almost impossible in most of today’s world to be allowed to live with nature. Our world has deemed it necessary to live a certain way, and attempt to block-out all of what God has created. I thrive in nature, and enjoy every moment I can outdoors. Often, living in today’s “indoor-world” I find I do not get out in Nature enough. Living in a large city is also a hindrance for enjoying nature. I must work daily just to take time to enjoy the sky, air, weather, and all that is natural around me daily. While I hate the living requirements in the city, I also willingly submit rather easily to the creature comforts created by indoor-living. I moved into this apartment in March. By mid-April, I had set-up my comfy-chair on my balcony so I could use my computer outside. I was on my balcony every chance I got… until the September rains drove me indoors. Now I have my comfy chair set-up just inside the open window. I can still see the sky, feel the fresh air, and feel the breeze, just not get as wet while using the computer. You might ask why I am using a computer, if I would rather be in nature? Simple. I admit to having adapted to many of the creature comforts. You can bet that if I lived in nature, I would find plenty to do, rather than be on a computer. (And You would not be reading this blog, because I would not have created it.) When in nature, I can find a comfy log, or rock to sit, or rest on, but in our society, I am forced to buy a chair which hardly comes close to the comforts provided by nature. Apartment complexes frown upon things that occur while living in nature. I cannot chop wood, carve great walking sticks, or even have a fire for outdoor cooking. I cannot keep deer, birds, and raccoons as pets. Nor can I live amid the high limbs of a tree. If you even climb a tree in the city, you risk arrest. Forget living naked in the city. Just the mere sight of a naked person freaks out most people in the city. In nature, there is seldom anybody else around, and those who happen to be never have a problem with seeing a naked person. In the city, I cannot wash in a stream, or waterfall. I am forced by society to wash in a walled-in room without even a window. If you have ever had the pleasure of showering in the open-air, you know nothing compares. Growing your own food in your own garden is such a wonderful treasure. Gardens in a city are not easy for one to do. I cannot sleep under the stars, for fear of being mugged, beaten, and robbed in my sleep. I am forced to sleep indoors, keeping a radio, or fan on to drown out the ruckus created by society outside my walls. In nature, it is hardly silent at night. It is often a cacophony of sounds, but they are so peaceful, and easily lull one to sleep. While lying down, you can watch the stars, and often not even realize you have drifted off to sleep until you hear the morning birds greeting you. I am forced to close, and lock doors to keep others from taking what few things I actually do have. Yes, I would happily live among bears, rather than among the humans in most cities. With bears, one knows what they want, and why. City humans are a different kind of creature, and one never can understand their reasoning. If I had the chance, and did not have to work, live, and survive in a city, I would take that in a heartbeat! Yep! I would gladly attend Church Every single living moment of my life.

Yesterday, I finally got to go out in nature for an entire day. It was a stormy day, and looked to be cold, wet, rainy, and full of thunderstorms. Nature delivered exactly that… and more! I got all the storm I had expected, Plus a bonus of sunshine, and slight warmth after the storm. I saw flooding, and devastation. I saw many critters who looked scared, soaked, and homeless, and at the same time, I saw many critters thriving under the conditions. The ground was saturated, muddy, mucky, and treacherous to traverse. It was Wonderful! Lakes, rivers, and puddles suddenly appeared where normally only dry sand would be. I saw rivers magically appear, creating their own path as the water, mud, rock, and sand surged downhill, finding the easiest path. It was amazing to watch as something that would be almost impossible for a human to move was transformed in minutes by nature. As fast as the desert can be torn-up by the storms, it seems to regenerate itself just as quickly. One area which had been burned bare in early spring was as lush and thriving on this fall visit. I could not walk among the burned trees because of the thick brush which had grown in the area. The birds, insects, and lizards were thriving. The rain turned all the desert-brush brilliant-green in a matter of hours, compared to what would normally just be shades of brown, grey, and dust. I saw trees that had been uprooted and deposited elsewhere from the floods, yet magically, there were the most delicate wild-flowers still rooted in the same spot. Even after the thunderstorm passed, there were cold winds, and even a few threats of more rain. The clouds were incredible, and danced, changed color, shape, and size in mere minutes. The shades of blue created were spectacular! A Painter with a vivid imagination could not create skies the way nature does. Even the color of the ground, which is normally grey, brown, and sometimes slightly red, was more colorful than I could have painted myself. Every dust-covered rock now was washed-clean, glistening, sparking, and wanting to be noticed.

I saw a lizard that had gotten mired in the muck, and almost gave-up from exhaustion. I helped him to higher ground. He shook off the muck, and went on his way. I saw birds, insects, and fish of almost every type, color, size and shape. As the sun set, I saw the bats come out, and heard the cries of the coyotes all around. The colors and magic in the sunset was breath taking! As the flood waters receded, I saw herons, ducks, and egrets go back to their reeds to settle in for the night. The fish and frogs were happily dining on the surface of the now-calm waters. Not one of these wild critters worried about me. They went about their life as though I was part of it.
How about you? Will you attend Church with me? Would You live in my church? I will always treasure what little bits of church I can get daily, and look forward to the few days a month when I can spend an entire day there. Every time I see the sun rise, I am in awe. Every single storm is an amazing experience. Every plant that grows is a wonder in itself. Every sunset is just as impressive, if not more so than the last one I saw. Every rock, critter, or cloud leaves me wanting more. I will never give up the dream and hope of one day being able to live in My Church. I have, in the past, lived in my tent for months at a time, and if the opportunity arises, I will gladly do it again!

I Often, and Mostly, go to church alone. This is not because I Always Want to be alone. It is because I have given-up trying to get others to join me. I have wasted too many days of my life waiting for those who say they want to go, but never do. The invitation is always open… If You want to join me, please do! I would treasure your company, and enjoy spending quality time with you. I need to go. I do not need to wait. I will go…. There is never a set route, path, destination, or time. I let God lead. Where I end up on any given day is always a mystery, and even a surprise to me. I am never disappointed, and often find joy where I would not have looked for it myself. I make sure to pack enough food, water, clothes, and supplies for whatever may come up, and for however long the day lasts. I often end up not coming home until very late into the night. While I am sometimes tired from a long journey, I am Always rejuvenated, and My Spirit is fully-alive after a day at church. Would you join me? Would you like to meet My God? Would You like to see My Church? It may be easier than you first think. Nature is world-wide. Nature is everywhere. Even in the middle of a big city, all you have to do is look up. The sky is nature. Watch the sun rise, or watch the sun set. Weather is nature. Notice how the weather behaves, how it feels, and how it affects you. Feel the sunshine, or watch the rain. Go for a walk, and look at all that is around you. Fall is fast closing-in…watch as the leaves change color. Watch a bird, or a squirrel. Watch any critter. This is Nature. See? You Can Join Me at Church. Nature is not about religion… It Welcomes Everyone. Oh, and You say you have not yet My God? Yes, you have… AND You HAVE FELT IT. Everything I just listed is IT. You might be surprised if you got to know IT… Welcome IT.
(A footnote: When I originally wrote this in 2011, all references to "GOD" were also listed as "HIM" ... Today, Feb 7 2018, when fixing the photos that had no longer shown, I changed all "HIM" Referneces to "IT" ... I have grown, learned, and realized how limited my views used to be and how I also allowed myself to label the spiritual power of the Universe to be a specific gender in label. I no longer limit any being to a narrow lable of any gender. I no longer limit my own thoughts to placing ANYthing in boxes by societal prescribed genders.) Usually when fixing blogs that photos have disappeared from, I leave the entire blog intact, since those were my thoughts at the time of the writing ... This one was too horrible to leave as it was.

Every one of these photos was taken when I was at Church Tuesday. (A note about the day of the week... I wrote this Blog Wednesday, but did not publish it until Thursday.... In case anyone notices the difference where I mention "yesterday" as Tuesday at the top) :)

I HOPE You Have A Wonderful, and Blessed Day! Jon~=:-)