21/06/2025
The artist is the child who survived.” (and thrived!)
-Ursula K. Le Guin
As I’ve been working on this piece, I’ve been thinking of the phrase “when wand’ring turns to wonder”.
Throughout my story, what stands out the most is a constant thread of childlike wonder, woven through joy, trauma, purpose, pain and a faith which is sometimes challenged, yet strengthened more and more each day.
If you know my history, you know this is an unending, unfolding miracle. Each June is worth celebrating these victories.
During walks on trails surrounding Cowiche Canyon, my past, previous view of what seemed a monochrome landscape, turned into one vibrant & filled with color, either literally or in my imagination.
I look at swallow nests & basalt shapes through a telescope (varying shades of brown to the eye), and see forms & shapes which ignite my imagination and remind me of the deep river pools in mountains, like those in Ohanapecosh, which are born of storms and eventually water our rich, fruitful Yakima Valley.
Our amazing, challenging & transformative stories can water and feed the world around us if we are trusted, safe havens for each other’s shared stories. We can change the narrative 🌱🌳🫶🏼 and our world through conversation & connection…one person at a time…one moment & day a time.
