Seven To Eight and Mabon Blessings

late summer rain

It's been well over a year since my last blog post, though my drafts are littered with random ideas, and personal posts that just never quite made it online. I guess a general update is in order due to my lack of presence.
In 2016 we had moved to Florence, Oregon out on the coast, we eloped out there in 2017, and this year, as we get ready to say our goodbyes to 2018 we are back in the valley. It was a difficult decision to make-- I love, love, love being out on the coast. The rain forest feels so different, out where it meets the ocean, and I, personally, could never get enough of beach combing.

Washburne District

However, we eventually got to a place where I knew I needed to grow. We had been stuck in the same crappy, moldy apartment for some time, and I felt strongly that while in school I needed to be closer to my friends and family. Not to mention, being physically closer to actual school.

So, now, I am working as a Certified Nursing Assistant a half mile away from our little place in Springfield. I am gearing up for school to start in a couple of weeks, and I am determined to do well in the hopes of being accepted into a Nursing Program when the time comes to apply.

And, for the first time since being back I have started feeling an ease as we slink our way into Autumn.

I've gotten into the habit of randomly wandering my neighborhood feeling the familiarity of it all: this is my home. It's that indescribable comfort of knowing a place, because you are from there. It's the sights and sounds. It's the old mixed with the new. It's getting a library card as an adult at the same library I got my first ever library card.

Today, and yesterday were both examples of being able to let go some negative feelings, and feeling grateful as my lungs breathed in that cool, crisp, not-quite-Fall air. 

Along the walking path at Island Park

 I've been dealing with Financial Aid headaches, and yesterday was an extremely emotional and difficult day to get things done. Once Bradford was off of work we ran some errands and had a little Springfield date-- which can either be terribly fun, or just terrible.

 We ended up at Giant Burger, where Bradford attempted to eat a 1lb burger, and I ate a Krusty Burger, because why wouldn't I eat a beer-battered hamburger?

Afterwards, we went out for some decaf, and Bradford noticed I was dressed as Wesley Crusher in the first season of Star Trek the Next Generation. Eventually we ended up at Island Park, because its one of the many places Bradford has not been, as he has learned to really dig living in Springfield.

And, naturally, he loved it. We went walking for well over forty minutes as we walked alongside the Willamette, and I pointed out quirky things, and Bradford and I talked about our plans for over the next year.

And, that is just one example of how we have enjoyed being back in the area. There is also the proximity to people. Bradford is not super social, but he LOVES having people over at our home. And, that actually happens with some regularity now that we are back in the valley! Plus, I have actually been able to see people, which is amazing, as I get ready to kiss spare time goodbye and hello to full time work and school.