The workshop is over. I feel a sense of fullness in leaving, not deflation. I have much to process, so more than two days would be too much.
I packed up and caught a Lyft to the airport, LAX this time. Pretty uneventful flight to SF and then seeing my aunt again as she picked me up. We spent some time at home eating an amazing dinner she'd prepared then off to her recorder group. She plays the recorder and they do these amazing, early music songs from bygone eras that I am ignorant about.
She hasn't declined much in her muscle disease and as always, I feel relaxed and happy to be here in her life for a few days.
Times like these, having special relatives feels wonderful and enriching. She's a treasure.
SF and LA are pretty different. In his book American Nations, Colin Woodward indicates that the dividing line between El Norte and the Left Coast is San Francisco. SF does have a vibe that is closer to PDX and Seattle to the north though SF is by far the most grown-up of them all :)
I'm hopeful we can take in a museum and get in a little culture. I miss that in Spokane, but I also don't pursue it like I could. Too easy to stay home.
*****
Why do I want to spend time w/ my aunt and not other people in the family?
- She doesn't push her views on me
- She's smart and has a deep love of the arts
- She is open-minded but has solid values
- Though often faced with obstacles, she's faced them. She's strong and not full of fear
- She is aware of your needs and is caring without being overbearing or pushy
- She isn't needy for your time and attention. She loves having me here but doesn't get weird when I leave.
- She has a lot of common sense
- She has managed to create a house of art on a tight budget
- She is consistently present for big, family events even as she's faced pressure and bossiness from all her siblings
- She knows how to buy gifts
- She's an awesome cook and gardener
- She's well-read
- She loves me