olympia.

i have no clever titles for this post. it's only to say that i have spent a day and a half in olympia with Kim Stamp and family. it's been five years since i've seen them, which is hard to believe. kim's kids have grown up so much. her oldest son, garrison, used to be this adorably nerdy, thick-spectacled 10 year old. now he's a 15 year old heartthrob. the older garrison is a stand up dude, for sure, but i miss the cute nerdiness of his 10 year old self. i only got to see it once.

Kim and i spent much time talking. i really love this woman. she is so wise, and yet will take counsel from someone half her age. she is a fireball, and full of great ideas. she is ambitious, and disciplined. she loves coffee, and is excellent at making people feel at home. she is constantly seeking to make You the center of her life, even through some devastating trials that i could hardly imagine living through.

i wish we were closer.

the stamp family has an australian labradoodle named Tegan for a dog. this dog looks like Fonzie from the muppets and has the most hilarious dog-personality. if you point to anything and say "go get 'em, Tegan!", he will run unreservedly after whatever it is he thinks you are pointing at, even if it is a wall.

it is really beautiful here. less crowded than seattle, with so many tall, tall, trees. and mountains everywhere. the horizon reminds me of how i painted my room every time i see it.

i'm leaving on a train for redding soon. this should be fun. i've never taken a train for longer than a couple hours before. i'll let you know how it goes.