land of the beautiful...people

Here I am in Portland, OR and completely happy. This place is beautiful (read rainy which means it's bone chillingly cold, but still warmer than Indy or Chicago) mostly because it's full of beautiful people. Maybe it's that J. C. said hello and thank you to every single person we met downtown and because we were theologizing on the 45 minute bus ride (yay public transportation!) that makes it beautiful. Or maybe it's B. M.'s most wonderful job in which she is saving the world, one kitty at a time, and absolutely loving it. Might be H's lovely smile and fabulous southern accent (and her particular excitement surrounding an ultra marathon this summer). Could be C's exuding happiness and energy which is present here, even though she is not. It is definitely J. Z. and B. B.'s persistence in finding the right job/placement that meets their greatest passions and the world's greatest needs and stripping down wall paper while waiting. It's also Peace Church (whose building I haven't even entered yet, but have had the privilege of encountering its hospitality) for many reasons, I'm sure, but right now simply because it's called Peace Church and I think it's the most glorious name ever ("Hi! I go to Peace Church" what an easy, self explanatory name!). This place is beautiful because BVSers get taken out to lunch and trucks are shared and temporary jobs are found by church friends, and fruits, veggies and apple cider are served at snack time. This place is beautiful because there was love in the double chocolate chip cookie I ate, and garlic in the guacamole.

It's only day two, but I am happy to report that when it is time for my wings to set me free I have found another place that could feel like a home. And even though it is also aesthetically beautiful here (especially when the fog lifts and you can see Mt. Hood), I have learned that, like Richmond, it is not entirely about the place, but the people (for me) that makes a place beautiful. Although, the mountains help. :)

So that was a lot of lovin' in one post. Somehow I feel if I post it here instead of saying it all out loud it makes me less weird and less over-the-top. Although, I'll probably share it with people via my external processing self who can't seem to find any outlet other than the people around me.

Today's agenda includes market, Tuba Christmas, dinner and Christmas cookie baking at B. M. and J. C.'s and more smiles, I'm sure.

Happiness is embodied.