“That was a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck.” – Jake Tapper, CNN

I had seen some signs that we might have a raccoon visiting the back deck, so I set up the trail camera to see if I could catch him wandering through. I was really surprised to find we had a whole “Gaze” of them. I suspect it is a little family of three. I love raccoons and wanted to share in the hopes it might make your day a bit brighter.

This morning was awesome and so very apropos given today’s date. So, in celebration of my own liberation I say to you –

“Vive la liberté en cette journée de libération! Je vous souhaite le meilleur!”

** (Long live freedom on this day of liberation! I wish you the best!)

PS – I don’t speak French, so please forgive any grammatical errors… 😉

After much introspection during my recent sabbatical, I’ve decided to embark on a new journey. On August 11th, I will step down from my role as IT Director at the city, a position I will have held for thirteen years and one day.

This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals, learning invaluable lessons (some of which were very unexpected), and contributing to my community and those who needed me.

Now, I find myself yearning for a fresh start, a new challenge. What that looks like, I’m not entirely sure yet. But what I do know is that it must align with my deeply-held values – the belief in the transformative power of technology, the importance of diversity, the courage to question the status quo, and above all, the practice of kindness. I’m seeking a role that excites me, nourishes my spirit, fuels my creativity, and allows me to share the wisdom I’ve accumulated over the past three decades with a people-first organization whose mission I truly believe in.

As I stand on the precipice of this new chapter, a quote by Lao Tzu resonates deeply with me:

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

I am thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.

We’ll keep a candle in the window to help guide you home.

Esta oración es para todos los viajeros.
Para los que comienzan en la belleza
y caen de la gracia,
quienes caminan tímidamente,
buscando la manera de volver.
Y para los que nacen en los márgenes,
viajando de un lugar liminal a otro,
cruzando fronteras
en busca del centro.

“Every single American — gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender — every single American deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of our society. It’s a pretty simple proposition.” — Barack Obama

Sharing some pictures that show the really beautiful 1864 Huntington Wagon Road near Maupin Oregon.

You won’t find any signs or trails leading to this part of the old road, but there is a more easily accessible section of the road closer to Bend Oregon. You can find more information here on the BLM’s site.

Exploring the hidden (lost?) sections of the old “Huntington Wagon Road” that was built in 1864 to connect The Dalles to Bend Oregon, we came upon some beautiful spring flowers that I wanted to share.

Updating your resume and project portfolio is really exhausting… How the heck did we get all that done over the last few years?