Rain and mist is why I came. Green fronds to remind me of my childhood Brittany. Ocean spray and heads of butter lettuce. Wide-brimmed tree upon tree is what lured me. The smell of salt beckoned. And so yet, my story meandered the peaks of the thunder belt instead. I like it here. I have found trust with those families whose stories spring up simply, and hold true at the edge of forgotten rainforest, once upon dairyland and lost fisheries. I enjoy those conversations. Still, I wonder sometimes how newcomers and tourist culture ruined what must have been so quaint and lovely. Or, was it? Would the elders call how it may have been “resilient?”
I first arrived in Pacific Northwest in 2009 to deliver a workshop funded by USDA Pacific Northwest Forest Service. I traveled by car and toured British Columbia before a short stay in Port Townsend. I lived in the Four Corners of Colorado at the time.
I’ve visited and lived in various parts of Oregon and Washington off and on since then, making the Olympic Peninsula my home since the summer of 2016. I worked in organic farming, community gardening, and trained in natural building making many wonderful new friends that I cherish.
Now after three years on the Olympic Peninsula, I’ve made my way to rebuild the nonprofit, create a viable home space and train in accounting and small business management. The time is right. I am ready to resume my work as an environmental mediator and researcher.
Today is the third day of 2020. I’m sharing this website with friends and family. It provides an overview of my research and experience in sustainability and environmental dispute resolution. Overtime, I’ll expand the content and share my personal journey in sustainability.
Photo: “Salish Sea Thanksgiving” creative commons @ 2019 by photopoet.earth