Paul Fosselman

Educating myself about freeman on the land.

Well, it didn’t go quite as envisioned, but then again it never does. We did show up and create a space for anyone who wanted to participate in the EarthDay celebration. Four dogs found new homes, we created a chalk mandala together, played with a silk parachute that was used for tanks in a previous life, shared information regarding sustainable living, and experienced the magic of storytelling complete with a Buffallo dance; all within the space of our local walmart superstore. It was a bit surrealistic at times.

Every Thursday night my better half and I get over the “I don’t wannas” and motivate each other to get out and play with others. We jump in our car and set our NAV unit for Hope, a small village nestled in the banana belt of NorthIdaho overlooking the cosmically charged Lake Pend Oreille (that’s French for ear). It also looks similiar like Bucky’s Dymaxion map of the Earth if you rotate it 90 degrees.

The sixteen mile drive down out of the foothills and into the mountain valley below is always an adventure. Rapid Lightning, the name of our road, is often referred to as SUV proving grounds especially during Spring breakup. Just last week we passed a lone tire standing up on a side street. Where was the rest of the car we asked each other with wordless expressions on our faces. It’s also not uncommon to be “delayed” on the way down as we wait for a Moose, Bear or Turkey to walk across the road, they were there first after all it’s the least we could do. A spine tingling feeling often accompanies our visceral experience.

Once we traverse the 8 or 9 miles to the Highway, it’s all mountains, lakes and mind ogling rock formations. Bald Eagle counting is a favorite activity along the way. An ADD sufferers challenge course to be sure.

After another timeless drive we arrive at Little Bear’s IceHouse Pizzeria and Bakery. Smiles and hugs are always the first order of business as we step in to ye ol’factory of delights. After making the rounds it’s time to choose a tasty beverage from the help yourself cooler. Arrogant Bastard ale from San Diego is a local favorite – a brew that’s fun to drink and fun to read.

With promptings from my reptilian brain I slither over to the all you can eat buffet. Thankfully Bear loves delicious and healthy food too. It’s all good. Organic flour and veggies on the pizza. Tasty meat toppings are available as well for those raptor moments. The Tai-chicken is my current fave. Bear spends winters hibernating in Thailand where he absorbs and appreciates the local culture. We were all relieved that he made it back to us again! Pasta and tossed salad are kept in abundant supply. Once the gardening season starts up, it’s direct from Bear’s hand tended organic garden to my mouth for some DNA production and back into the Earth to complete the cycle. Gotta keep those nutrients flowing.

We flow among conversations in search of a place to park while we please our palettes
with familiar friends and some we just met. The three piece jazz trio is usually setting up in the room amidst the buzz of community catchup. Before long the familiar BlueJazz sounds send us on our way into the beginning of another looong weekend. Sixteen Tons is always a crowd pleasing sing and bang along.

Around 10ish it’s time to for one last round of see you soon hugs. We begin the journey home under the comforting glow of the MilkyWay and star lined dome above. The still fresh memories linger as they slowly build neural pathways which will help guide us back in Hope of returning to the village to experience the familiar for the first time again.