Beautiful Silver Falls, Oregon

Several people asked me what I did over the weekend, and when I said worked, they gave me that 'what? why?' look, and then said sorry.  But then I told them it was out at Silver Falls, drinking wine, eating yummy food, staying in adorable little cabins and hiking the falls, they asked me how they could get a job where I worked. I love that!

On Saturday I trekked out to an area in Oregon just east of Salem, up rolling hills to the Silver Falls Conference Center to hold a retreat for my hard-core volunteers that I head up to make plans for what they wanted to work on this year.  

In the dining hall we made plans for world domination by the fire in the huge fire place, drinking wine and eating yummy food.

The next day, after sleeping in and having a late breakfast, we took a hike down to the water falls.  So full right now because of recent snow, we enjoyed hiking behind one of the falls and feeling the spray hit us.

How awesome (in the true sense of the word) is that?

And, to top it off, I will be visiting the area again next week for another retreat for work.  Hard knock life for me.

Ash

Rebooting Day 2-

Just a quick update on the conference I have been attending.  It has been great to see friends I have not seen in some time, as well as current friends and to be surrounded by people that are like minded!

Here are a couple photos from today:

A great view of the river just outside the conference rooms.  There is also a kayaking practice course set up here, so we got to watch kayakers!

Viola!  I think this is the first time I have posted a pic of myself!  This is me enjoying a break from the conference in the sun, watching the kayakers.

And finally, a not great photo of the keynote speaker at dinner tonight, Lawrence Lessig.  He had a very impressive presentation and I was glad to have been there for it.  I am such a nerd for this stuff that when he showed up at an after party this evening, I wanted to run up and ask for his autograph....lol!  I didn't though.  Another man that I would highly recommend following what he works on.

Tomorrow is the last day of the conference, and the last day in Bend for this week.  Then back to Eugene and my sis and animals!  Miss them already!  Thanks sis for watching the animals! 

Bend, Oregon and Rebooting Democracy

My hubby and I arrived in Bend yesterday.  It had been pretty normal, until we got to the pass.  There we were met by this sight.

After having been in close to 70 degree weather, this was a surprise to me.

When we rolled into Bend, it was pretty nice out.  The sun was out and it was not too cold.  But then this morning I woke to this...lol.

I did not pack for this weather!  But by noon, most of the snow had melted.

Today was also the first day of the Bus Project Conference 'Rebooting Democracy'.  It is one of those events that can really get you re-energized to get involved in people powered politics!  It was a great evening, but the best part of the event today was the Keynote speach by Rev. Lennox Yearwood from the Hip Hop Caucus.  It was awesome!  He was a great motivational speaker. Here is a photo I got from the event.

If you ever have an opportunity to hear the Rev. Yearwood speak, be there!

More tomorrow!

Ash