If ever this was the way to start a new year, the Wild Kingdom Rhumba V was the way to do it, in Portland, Oregon. On the way from Seattle, I stopped at a coffeehouse in Olympia and had my farewell coffee, one of my resolutions for the year. I met my friend Jillian in the distant Portland suburb of Tigard, where her and her brother live.New Year’s Eve was spent at the Tiffany Center, a five story building with two two-story grand ballrooms. Everyone was dressed well, including me and Jillian – it felt like going to a ball, something I’ve never done – and the lower ballroom was set up for a live band and – karaoke! We signed up: I sang a classic Diamond tune: “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show”, Jillian sang “Blister in the Sun”. Everyone was dancing, and when we later went up to the upper ballroom to see Pink Martini, we had the chance to rhumba, salsa and meringue to Latin beats. Tonight I start with a clean slate.
Gaviotas
Class felt more inspirational today. We’re discussing the Colombian experimental village of Gaviotas, our last reading. It’s nice to know there are alternatives, and leads me to a conclusion that we must offer mainstream America a realistic alternative if we are to succeed in changing people’s minds. It won’t happen quickly, but the key seems to stay away from emotions like bitterness and cynicism, and genuinely hope things get better. I’ve seen some heavy sadness occasionally during the weekend seminars. It’s warranted, but it reminds me that we have a life to live, and that while we undertake any mission, we have to take a step back once in a while to really enjoy the beautiful things that life has to offer.