Portland

This last week, I stayed with dear friends I met through Bryan long ago–Darrin and Laura. Bryan worked with Darrin a couple of lifetimes ago at Standard Insurance Company. They shared a fondness for smoked salmon, nerdy science things, beer, and fine spirits. Laura is a force of joy and good in the world with a healthy side-helping of no bullshit. I love them both dearly. Darrin stayed with us for three weeks while Bryan was sick, cooking for us, giving me straight talks, playing with and cuddling the cats, and making us laugh. Laura had a milestone birthday alone because she knew her fella was where he was most needed. This kind of love and grace and care is what still fills and overwhelms me.

They fed me and took me around Portland to try tasty beverages and visit all kinds of haunts–new favorites and old familiars. They teased me and hugged me when I cried. They made sure I got plenty of rest and laughter. Trips to Portland were something Bryan and I did often so to do this trip without him physically present was hard, but also it was good and important. I got to visit with Erin and Mark who loved and laughed and fed us over Christmas after a long, chilly drive in an electric car. I got to spend time with cousins and their kiddos who had their own special bond with Bryan, too. Portland is a weird, wonderful city and I have such fond memories over the years, and I’m glad to have made new ones, too.

One thing I love to do when I’m in town is visit my favorite little boutique, Fuchsia, and its fabulous owner, Anne. Jewelry, curated second-hand clothing, accessories, art, and a loving, welcoming vibe provided by one of Portland’s very best. While there, Anne shared an abundant stash of crystal and gemstone beads that I have already begun to play/work (it feels more like play than work) with. This is the first time in a long while that I’ve been really excited about creating jewelry and it’s a good feeling.

While this trip was really great, I did have a pretty big worry this weekend. My sissy, Emilie, ended up in the hospital with a really bad allergic reaction to some oral antibiotics. Things looked pretty scary yesterday with some extremely high liver panel levels. Things are dropping and it’s looking better and as though she should be sent home tomorrow. After the last several months, I don’t take for granted how things can turn on a dime so I’m so relieved that the steroids and Benedryl are doing their jobs and that the rest of her vitals look really good.

I’m glad she’s going to be okay. I’m glad for the time with friends and loved ones. I’m glad to be home. And I’m so glad to get to see my kiddo today after a very full Pride weekend. And I’m glad she had fun and is safe. I don’t take that for granted either. We live in a world with endless precariousness. Love fully and stupidly. It’s the only way.