Ben, Monkeys, Sasha and Joanna

How danged cute can a kid be? I know you are asking yourself that because that's what I say every time I see him.




We have a routine whenever Ben's here with us at night. It includes a bath (a word we can't say until it's time, or we'll hear "agua, agua, agua" again and again). This boy likes his baths. He must get it from me. I always loved baths, even had a baby in one. But that's another story.




By now you are seeing that there's a family theme to this posting. My mom is nearing the 300 mark on the number of sock monkeys that she's made. In 1999 she and my dad moved from Pacific Grove to Fredericksburg, TX, and the next year she started making monkeys. She's sold some but mainly she gives them to family shelters, people with new babies or sick children, and any child who inspires her to ask "Would you like a sock monkey?"





She also knits children's caps, so then the monkeys get matching caps. You would think she'd have a house full of monkeys, but all she's got left are the ones in these photos. The rest are spread around the world--hopefully all in loving homes.





And who you may ask is that--burrowed into our comforter?! Surely not the cat we said would never sleep with us. Yes, the cat for whom Courtney and I both act as cat butler. It's almost a full-time position--opening and closing the sliding glass door every few minutes until she tires of that game and takes a nap. When she's outside and wants in she raises her little paw and taps urgently on the glass, meanwhile glancing nervously over her shoulder. It's dark woods and danger out there. So we open the door and she leaps in quickly, makes a dash to the food bowl, wolfs down some grub and returns to the door--ready for more adventure.




All around us there are continuing signs of early spring. So much to be grateful for, and at the same time, so much suffering and sadness in the world. The other day at work several of us were talking over lunch about building strawbale homes. A couple of people talked about their neighbor who had been working on her house for years. A day or two later we learned that she had just died--fell off while working on the roof of her house.

When I read her obituary I wished that I had known her. I was so impressed with how she lived her life, that I'm sharing this description of her, a total stranger to me, but a woman loved by many mutual friends:

Joanna Karl was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 18, 1951. She received a degree in mechanical engineering at UC Santa Barbara.

In 1986, Joanna moved to Portland, Oregon, to work at Metro (Portland area’s regional government). She completed a master’s degree in environmental engineering in 1993.

An accomplished woodworker, she built harps, banjos, and hammered dulcimers, among much else. She also made clothing, outdoor gear and beautiful quilts, most of which she gave away as gifts to friends and family. She enjoyed photography, collage, and other graphic arts, most of which, again, she gave away. Gifts were wrapped in beautiful used fabric.

Joanna loved outdoor activities such as hiking and cross-country skiing and frequently took backpacking trips with her friends and loved contra dancing.

In an autobiographical sketch written in 1993, Joanna wrote, “I try to live simply, respect life, and to impact the natural environment as little as possible. I attempt to be consistent between my personal belief system and my lifestyle choices, [including] vegetarianism, bicycle commuting, and war tax resistance…I am also an activist…(hopefully) teaching by example…It feels good when someone seeks me out for information or to excitedly report on their own lifestyle changes.”

To a rare degree, Joanna truly did walk her talk. And she did it with a big smile!

In 2001, Joanna and her friend, Peace [John] Helm, purchased a dilapidated house in south Corvallis. Their plan for rebuilding the house included strawbale insulation, earthen plaster, sustainably harvested lumber, recycled metal roofing, and an adobe floor with radiant heating. Friends and neighbors joined in the project at a number of work parties. Joanna died on Friday, February 29, when she fell while working on her house.

Joanna is remembered as an exceptionally warm, generous and loving friend to many. Joanna’s loving heart, wide smile, and outspoken concern for the earth will be greatly missed.

Because Joanna was so widely known and loved, many different memorial celebrations are being held. Among them:

On Saturday, March 8, a tree planting in Joanna’s memory will be held at Kings Valley Gardens anytime after 10:30 a.m. They plan to plant 300 trees for habitat, clean air and beauty. Bring a shovel and memories to share.

A celebration of Joanna’s life will be held at the First Congregational Church on Sunday, March 9, at 5:00pm, with a vegetarian potluck at 6:00 p.m. A special memorial contra dance will begin at 7:30 p.m. If at all possible, please ride your bicycle. If not, please carpool.

A simultaneous celebration of Joanna’s life will be held on top of Mt. Tabor in Portland. Donations of money or time in Joanna’s name may be made to the War Resisters League (www.warresisters.org), or to any organization which supports peace, social justice, or a healthy environment.

But the very best way to honor Joanna’s memory is to be generous and kind, ride your bicycle...and smile!

Well, thanks be for Joanna's life. I feel grateful just to know this much about her through these memories. And I'm setting my intention to follow that good advice and honor Joanna's memory.

Happy beginning of spring,

Valori