Smoky House
Greetings!

Happy 11th. I'm writing to you from my office which is also my bedroom. It's not unusual for me to write you from here, but right now it's the place in the house that has the least amount of smoke in it. Due to wildfires (but really the cause has been clear-cut logging and a lack of response to climate change) Western Oregon is covered in smoke. I've heard Portland has the worst air quality in the world right now, but I'm sure many places on the West Coast could get that distinction. Anyway, it's downright freaky - and I'm not one of the 500,000 people who've had to evacuate across the state. I am really understanding what quarantining means right now.

One thing I've been highly focused on is the health and safety of Breitenbush Hot Springs. It's the place on the planet that drew me to Portland in the first place. I started going there in 1995 (Thank you, Shelley Glendenning!) for the Summer Solstice Healing Retreat. I've been returning for that event and much R&R time over the years and I find it's a sacred and healing place for me and many others. I have many friends who have lived there over the years, too. I was hoping to visit this week, actually, as I've been advising the staff on their email newsletter and they were going to host me for a couple days.

Right now there are 5 people who are part of the Breitenbush Fire Department who have stayed behind while the rest of the community has evacuated. The latest news I've heard is that much has been saved (the lodge, forest shelter, staff housing), and much has been lost - guest cabins are all gone and the sanctuary. Also, there has been significant damage to the nearby summer homes, though I haven't heard a detailed report.
Summer Camp
On a much happier note, last weekend I got to take part in a delicious weekend away at a friend's summer camp (pic above) near Vernonia. There was a pool, trails to walk on, and friends around the campfire at night playing music. Quite ideal and magical and it feels a thousand miles away right now. But it still happened and I smile thinking about the many beautiful places I got to visit this Summer. And I know that we will make it through this challenging time - fires, Covid, tRump - a trifecta of awful.

One thing that keeps me sane through all of this is the writing of Robert Hubbell. I've been sharing a link to sign up for his newsletter in the last few 11's and I'm going to do it again. And this time, please join up. He's putting out about 5 newsletters a week and he's doing a great job of clarifying all that is going on and how we can work together to get rid of tRump, Republicans and move things in a better direction. Even my co-counseling world, which has never talked politics has decided that this year they are backing Biden/Harris for President and putting everything they have into the effort. Let's all get busy and change the direction this country is headed in! Here's something Robert Hubbell highlighted in a recent newsletter:

   Blueprint by Swing Left is a political giving platform built to elect Democrats and strengthen our democracy. Each quarter, the Blueprint team curates a portfolio of Democratic candidates running in the most critical races up and down the ballot, as well as high-impact civic organizations working to expand the electorate, combat voter suppression, and increase voter turnout in battleground states. Targets are updated frequently to ensure that every contribution goes where it’s able to make the biggest impact at that point in the election cycle. Beyond maximizing your impact, Blueprint offers a smooth, streamlined giving experience: you can build a giving plan based on your preferences, donate to candidates and organizations with one click, and get the information you need—thoughtful impact reports and political insights—without inbox clutter. You can sign up and start giving at blueprint.swingleft.org
Need Masks?

My brother Mask Man Dan has been pivoting his imprinting business in the direction of masks and other protective materials. Take a look.
Well, I hope you and yours are doing well and staying safe. Thanks for joining me for this month's 11. I'll probably do an interim newsletter about the election or one on 10.11 on that topic. My friend Robin sez:

"Call folks you know in these critical states: MI and PA are essential. So, if you know people there - please call them and make sure they are registered and ready to vote - absentee/by mail, if possible.
❤️One final note. I'm single. I've been trying out dating apps for a bit, but they're not really leading anywhere. I am ready for partnership. If you know and love me, or even just like me - and think of someone who you think I might be a match with, please let me/us know :) I'd prefer someone in Portland, but I'm open to someone from elsewhere. I'm happy to share my online dating profile for your reference and feedback. Thanks! ❤️

Go forth and do great work and take care of your personal and emotional health!

Love, Albert

Below: Today's theme song: Stayin Alive :)