Vashon

I'm about done with my time on Vashon Island, after two months spending time with a kid with bipolar disorder. It has been fun, and hard, and then not so hard....at least a lot easier than most of the autistic and behaviorally challenged kids I've spent time with this year. That is in large part due to the context I get to spend time with him on an island, on a large piece of land that surrounds his house, including a bunch of chickens, goats, cows, and turkeys (I forgot how much I like animals). After tutoring (which is the hard part emotionally during the day), the second half of the day involves planting on their small farm, water balloon fights, airsoft guns, forts, and painting among others. I also really enjoy riding the ferry over there every day. I will really miss this place. And most importantly, I'll really miss this kid (have to be ambiguous for the case) who I've just really started to get to know. Both in our connection when we laugh and play and in the recognition of his despair and hopelessness; the tough times when I get a glimpse into the war going on inside. Again, that's probably all I can say legally, but I am thankful for the time and sad it will end.

I Love Summer

Looks like I've found my home for the summer: the beach at Golden Gardens. After our hip-hop class we got something to eat and headed over to the soft sand and surreal views. I don't think I could ask for much more than sand volleyball on the water with sun setting on the mountains as a backdrop. I guess waves and warmer water would be even more of a bonus, but this more than works for me, and spending my whole weekend there was a telling of the many times to come this summer.
(Though I have to say that I have not tried Alki beach, located on the other side of the Puget Sound, which instead of the mountains, has the Seattle skyline as the backdrop.)