Today I turned 40 years old with a bottle of champagne and my family on a summit overlooking the North Cascades. We kicked off the weekend on the Pacific Crest Trail at Harts Pass near Canada. The PCT was the first “big girl” trail I hiked after moving to Seattle in 2013. Spending time in complete silence (for hours) was a first for me. It truly changed my life. When I finally grew comfortable paying attention without immediately reacting, I was really able to listen and see life around me in a way I never had before. If someone asks what really led to the end of my career, it was an internal shift I have a hard time describing but ultimately resembles self-awareness, and it probably began on the PCT. I met several through hikers this weekend who started at the Mexico border and were almost done. I asked what they planned to do after such an accomplishment. “Go home and get back to work,” most said. At first it seems anticlimactic but I remember Trent Peterson, a young man whose story I told years ago, as he rode wild mustangs along the PCT. He used to say that the PCT is just a trail, what matters is that we slow down, pay attention and see clearly whatever path we’re on. I looked up a quote from that report to share with you all.
“This isn't to advocate for the PCT. The PCT is just a trail. Get out of the rat race and slow down. Pay attention to the little things, not just the big things, because it's the whole picture we need to be aware of," he said.
We buried "Lizzie" after a short friendship. Lily and Jack love lizards. They have become a true delight for them since our move to Florida. Lizzie did not look to be well after a recent cold front and we kept him (her?) inside overnight. The next day Lizzie was dead, belly up. Lily asked to have a graveside burial so she led the proceedings. Overall I think it was a respectful and joyous celebration of life. Maybe Lizzie needed some cod liver/butter oil? Don't forget to keep yours in stock for dental, immune, brain, gut health and more! Green Pasture also has so many other high-quality products. Link below. Remember to use "ALISON" as your promo code at check-out for 10% off.
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I haven’t posted in a few days because my life has been entirely consumed by leading the opposition to the 195-ft 5G cell tower planned for my neighbor’s property. Others have warned me that this is a full time job and they weren’t joking. I was knocking on doors Thursday night til 9PM. We are making progress and I hope to have a livestream this week with attorneys. It’s incredible what I’ve learned in such a short time - and nothing good about the impending onslaught of the technosphere into our lives. Anyway, one funny moment occurred yesterday when Lily came rushing into my office during a 3.5 hour phone call and told me that “Jack did something he isn’t supposed to do.” The kids have been incredible little troopers this week; going with me to notary meetings, waiting patiently for a late dinner, dealing with mommy on the phone all the time. Hopefully life returns to quiet soon and we enjoy de-stressing without a cell tower blocking the sunset behind our farm. DON’T ...
This federal law is a great example of regulatory agency capture by big industry. It must be amended for the future of our neighborhoods or we will see cell towers everywhere. My county commission cannot vote down this proposed cell phone tower on my neighbor’s land based on health or environmental reasons or they’ll get sued due to the protections afforded in this act.
