Life. Love. Happiness.

"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life."

                                                                                                                           - Albert Camus

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In a squarish state...

 somewhere in the Pacific Northwest...

Jaida finds a town to call home for the next year.
This place is called- Nehalem. Or Manzanita...both are accurate.

Spending her days in shop, or in garden. In rain or shine.

Discovering friends. Creating memories.  Manifesting happiness. 

And so it is.

Well I do owe some kind of apology for the basic fact that I have not offered completion on the summer's events and results. This blog started out as a journal for the details of my summer, so that my friends and family could keep track. 

 

I just now reflected to the first of my posts. I had said my intention was to find a career-specific employment opportunity or internship. This would likely be within the area of photography and/or nutrition. Yet here I sit in my room in Oregon, with several jobs, and none of them directly contributing to my pursuit in photography or the like. And this is perfect. All of it. 

I did choose my little nook on the north coast. Manzanita, where I work and spend free time, is just the most gorgeous and inspirational location when you want it to be. The sun comes out, and I jet to the beach or some other vista, camera in hand. So in a major way, my skills are certainly not being neglected. I take many photos, as most of you have seen lately. None of my experiences will be of waste or regret. Nehalem, even though it is elbow-to-elbow with Manzanita, is entirely different in landscape. The setting is along the river and bay, with access to highway 53; which harbors multiple farms, dairies, and knitter folk.

Which leads to my job and some of what I do in my social life. I have learned to knit, as a way to communicate more effectively in the yarn shop I work at. I also enjoy attending the twice a month "knit nights". The dynamic of that group of women every sitting is usually a unique experience. Most conversation turns hilarious, and I am beaming as I listen to stories. The community in general is extremely blessed with artists and other talented people. I am really impacted by the beauty that is produced here, on canvas or on stage. (What a spot to be for creative sparks!) We even have some spectacular food options, and an amazing health food store. I dont think that I would have thought I could fully survive and thrive in an area this small (<1000) without going into the big city. Amazing. 

I keep finding additional interests and fascinating people to occupy my time span, and I am sure it will only get more interesting as the year moves on. I am an official resident of the state of Oregon on or about October 10th, 2013. (As rental agreement certifies) When this is settled I can acquire other legal ID and apply for my schooling in-state. And I only look forward, with the most curiosity, to viewing these notes in a year and actually knowing what I have chosen to do. 

 

Until then- I'll just BE.  With Love, Jaida