Decorah

Sometimes I worry too much what other people think, which is why I hesitate to write this entry.  But I've been dealing with a desire to leave Seattle ever since I gave up acting.  In retrospect, buying the condominium was not a fortunate decision.  Now I have a strong desire to return to my roots, like a salmon, not to spawn, but to reconnect with my family, and to spend time writing in a slower paced environment that doesn't have such a high cost of living.  Living in Seattle costs $50,000 a year minimum.  Eventually salaries will catch up with that reality but it just hasn't happened yet. 

My father is aging, and he is now the sole caretaker of his invalid wife.  It would be nice to be around to help him out.  I want to be of service to the people who mean the most to me.  I needed these two decades in order to establish my own identity, but now it's firm.  I can return without becoming mashed potatoes.

I spoke to my sister about this and she doesn't think it's crazy.  Knock me over with a feather.  I thought for sure she would think it was nuts but she was actually supportive.  Big check in the "pro" column.

Found a wonderful online I-Ching.  I asked the question, "Should I leave Seattle and move to Decorah to write and reconnect with family?"

Lin-Approach.  Above: K'un-the receptive, Earth.  Below: the joyous, lake.  The judgment: approach has supreme success.  Perserverence furthers.  When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.

About the clearest positive response one can possibly receive from the oracle.

I plan to hang on here at the minimum, until we discover whether the Supreme Court will take the Exxon appeal.  I'll sell and move in the Spring, after profit sharing.  Either 2008 or 2009.  Probably 2008 (that's about 8 months though.  I may wait until after the window of misfortune according to the oracle).  Next June.  Maybe I'll be back in Decorah for my Dad's 75th Birthday celebration.