Oh, Oregon is such sweet earth beneath such sweet people that eat the earth. The colors are warm, the food is flavorful and real. Julie, my Mother of the Northwest, cradled my instincts as I adapted to the Northwestern environment. We cooked, danced, decorated, celebrated, and gossiped about the world's treasures and sorrows like mad. When I accompanied her home to Bend, Oregon for Christmas break we stopped at Smith Rock, a renowned rock climbing destination. We ascended the cliffside in cowboy boots and farmer boots, velvet blazers, and embroidered sweaters. The sight was divinely impressive.
