Valerie used to introduce me as “the excellent woman with whom I affiliate.” Our affiliation began with a trip to the beach, fifteen years ago today. It happens that I am going to the coast today, for the first time in a couple years. I might eat some seafood; haul out Continue Reading
death
the picture of the thing
My friends, I think I have a different face now. My eyes feel sad all the time. My face at rest is a sad face. When no one is looking I can feel my mouth sloping down at the corners like the limp slats of old window blinds. I can’t figure Continue Reading
mango spots
Hello there friends. I miss talking to you and I had a strange day so here is a quick note. Going back to work today was hard, although everyone was mellow and kind. (My peeps from the last few years really saw me through some of these hard times, but Continue Reading
if time ran all at once
My friends, it has been almost six weeks. It feels like a handful of days. I have been having a hard time writing, but I wanted just to let you know that the memorial weekend in Eureka was complex and healing, and drenched in the beauty Val so wanted this Continue Reading
order of service
My dears, For those of you who were not able to be there, I wanted to share with you the order of service from Val’s memorial. People came from all over: from Chicago, New York and Argentina; from Alaska and New Mexico, New Hampshire and Indiana; from California, western Montana Continue Reading
sometimes the best thing is to howl
My dears, One thing I shared at Val’s memorial on Saturday was this very abridged list of just a few of the things I learned from Val, or that we learned together. *** I spent fifteen years in the orbit of Val Garrison, friend of my heart. I learned a lot Continue Reading
A brief history of the life of Val Garrison
Portland, OR. 5/25/13 — The ineffable and extraordinary Valerie Louise Garrison died peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2013, in Portland, Oregon, in the company of many of those who love her. Val filled her 44 years with creativity, curiosity, love and delight. She relished life, and in her hands a Continue Reading
The Salvation Tree
This magical tree portal on the top of Mount Tabor was one of Val’s favorite spots in town. When you walk between the trees it always feels as though you might end up… anywhere. Val always loved climbing Mount Tabor to see out over the city, and when things were Continue Reading
blaze
My dears, I want you to know that Val’s passing was beautiful. We had a few hours to whisper our secrets and our love to her once more as she slipped deeper and deeper into herself. Some of the great many who love her gathered quietly ’round, sitting on the Continue Reading
flight
My friends, She is gone.