This photo may ignite memories of a bygone-era, of “The Price is Right”, or some kind of rugged sales pitch for “life is great!” on the range. And yes it is, Summer of Fun 2014. Thank you to my photographer and fellow CLM intern, Brittany King, for getting the lighting, angles, and wardrobe just so. Hair and make-up, yeah right!

Couldn’t have used my time on the land this season in a more engaging way. Worked in 11 Eastern Washington counties and countless ecosystems including Ponderosa pine forest, interior Douglas fir forest along the Canadian border, the rolling hills of the Palouse, Juniper Sand Dunes, steep canyon lands, riparian coulees, countless lakes and wetland margins, and the remains of functioning sagebrush steppe. In addition, we had the worst fire season in WA state history which translated to far less road access, more hiking, and some uneasy moments with fire spotting. If that weren’t enough we wrestled with two flat tires, a badger, black bears, rattlesnakes, and getting caught in a lightning storm. I’m exhausted!

All that travel, all the logistics, and no one hurt. No major bumps in the road. Our rare plants were found and we gratefully contributed to efforts to conserve and restore them. If that wasn’t reward enough a last ditch search effort was made to recover a field friend of ours (Olympus Camedia C-5060 5.1 Mexapixel) last seen while hunting a rare pink, the federally listed Silene spaldingii (Spalding’s silene), near Spokane WA. Goes to show you that “not all cameras who wander are lost,” for long…(yes that is an original quote).
Wishing all you big and bright stars many blessings and transformations, the ability to see the path, know yourself, and always keep pushing out your greatness, your brilliance, your gifts in whatever form. Love and light!

Not All Cameras That Wander Are Lost.

Moving is made easy by cleansing on many levels. Loaded up “Little Red” (my Nissan pickup) with my down-sized life and moved to Wenatchee, WA last Sunday afternoon. Went to work on Monday morning. The Bureau of Land Management, Wenatchee Regional Field Office is situated on the beautiful Columbia River in the center of town with access to a lovely riverfront park and some of the most welcoming, easy-going, knowledgeable staff. Not to mention humorous. I felt at home immediately. Beginning this season for the BLM is a radical shift for me in comparison to the last handful of years in academics, work load, schedule, climate, plant communities, etc. but if there were a definition of a calm transition I might at least come in runner up. I’m so thankful for this, for the chance to gain new perspective, for the opportunity to work for a federal agency managing a beautifully, fragile ecosystem, for the opportunity to expand my heart and my mind. I’m thankful to know that whatever occurs, however long the days, whatever the conditions in the field, I am always capable. Strength and grace always. Best of luck to all of you in sharing this year’s adventure!