who’s zoomin’ who

Thank you to you as my subscriber. Knowing you are out there means a lot to me. I genuinely appreciate it.

Wednesday morning I had this long and cogent conversation with Gina, largely about possible homelessness, and she gave me clear suggestions. I started taking them. Then when I walked back into the trailer I saw an email from a guy in Portland responding to my post on Craigslist looking for a room – which I may add here for further enjoyment – and we talked for maybe 45 minutes – he lives exactly where I have dreamed of living – and by the time I fell asleep Wednesday night I was moved in in my mind and scheming all the places I could and would meander out from my new address on SE 17th.

Later in the morning Wednesday I asked Craig, a friend of mine who’s offered to be “eyes” for me up there, to please check it out, and on the way down to Arroyo Grande yesterday to have my taxes done for free by AARP, Craig called and said the place was quite dirty and not worth $900 a month. I could barely keep my mind on W2’s and credit unions thereafter. I texted Gavin while there about feeling so suddenly lost all over again.

When I got back here I walked out and called the Portland guy, who was surprised to hear the assessment of his apartment home (for 20 years), and I said if I do agree I can’t commit for more than one month – which I’ve been close to begging the Universe to find me a place to do just that – crash awhile so my own eyes and ears are entirely in the 97202 zip code.

Then I came back to throw laundry in, and I’m leaning right now (Thursday pm) into just saying no. Me and Nancy Reagan. There’s likely a most important question here for me to give my attention to on this emotional amusement ride. I suppose, if the creek don’t rise and there ain’t no meltdown, more will be revealed from this mountain bench Monday.

And I know this is super long, and it’s Friday, and you have important stuff to do, but as I said I might, here’s the post I’ve had up on CL the last month:

Please consider me for a private room to be rented in your home. I’ll be a responsible, respectful, and great tenant and housemate. I’m moving back to Portland, where I lived 12 years previously (’09-’21), from southern/central California. — This is me: I’m older (though endlessly hip and soulful) and something of an introvert. I’ve had a long career in human services. I’ll be leaving a part-time job I have now, and already have leads for another when I arrive. I am a writer (12 self-published books) and a sometimes artist. I publish a weekday blog, which I created in 2018. I’ll add links to my writing/art website and the blog. — Of primary importance in my life is my Zen practice, which colors everything else. – I have two grown sons, in Montana and Idaho respectively, my youngest with Down syndrome. I have long-term sobriety. I am a big reader, a regular walker/hiker, and a crummy guitar player (through headphones). I’m quiet, kind, and fun in a goofy way. — I am looking to rent a studio/room, it’d be great with a private bathroom, in a price range of $700 – 900 a month, including utilities. I am also open to a short-term rental so I can be in Portland to actually see where I want to live in Portland. And be seen by you. I’m hoping to find myself living in the Southeast, say between Burnside, Johnson Creek, the river and 50th. I will always pay rent on time, or early, and have and maintain deep respect for your life (lives) and space. — This post is a bit early, I’m planning to arrive early March. Thanks for any consideration. — 148curiousthings.com — fromamountainbench.com

Subscriber note — If you have any feedback – any at all – please offer it before 9:30a Friday this 13th as I may call Portland with my decision before the 11a Portland job interview.