I woke up this morning in Canyonville, Oregon with the curious sensation that everything was going to be okay.
I’d driven from Sacramento to Canyonville in pitch black, so this was my first time actually seeing Oregon. I’ve decided that Oregon is good for the soul. It’s impossible to stay mad at God when you’re surrounded by such majestic natural beauty. I think Charlie’s puppy heaven looks a lot like Oregon.
I stopped in Eugene and walked around the University of Oregon, where I found both the people and the campus to be wonderful. I have never met a nicer fucking parking attendant in my life. In fact, everyone I talked to in the whole state of Oregon went out of their way to be kind and helpful. At this one rest stop, a local church sponsors a booth out front where they give free coffee and cookies to the travelers. Not, like, on Christmas. Just on a Wednesday in April. Just to be nice. Cutest. Shit. Ever.
I then drove through Washington, which is also gorgeous, and check out what was waiting for me as I approached the outskirts of Seattle:
An actual rainbow bridge! It stretched clear across the horizon. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that in my life. I decided it was little Charlie letting me know we were both okay. And I also decided I’m going to stay in Seattle for awhile.
I spent the evening hanging out with my friend Trish, who is also good for the soul, and at some point I need to start looking for a furnished apartment around here. It’s funny; I visited Seattle a year ago, and at the time I didn’t like it one bit. I was like, “Oh my God. No one cares what they look like at all. How tragic.” But I’ve changed so much as a person in the past year, and especially in the past few months. This time, I’m like “Oh my God. No one cares what they look like at all. How refreshing.” I think that’s probably a good sign.
Okay, I’ll get back to the gossip now. :)
Aaah Beet! That’s wonderful! I’m really happy for you. :)
Seeing that rainbow must have felt special.
Yes! I live in Eugene and it is the most lovely place. The pace of life in the NW is SO different from anywhere else in the country…and in my opinion, it’s the best!
Thanks for the nice words about my home. It is lovely here.
I was so sad to hear about poor Charlie, how wonderful that rainbow must have been. I dont really belive in God or anything but those kind of symbols always get to me to..
Stay strong!
Hey Beet, search on “Bobby Sherman Seattle” if you get a minute – youtube has a Seattle montage with the song playing – cheesiest song, ever maybe, but it sounds like where you’re at right now…in Seattle!
Hey Beet, that rainbow WAS Charlie make no mistake Beet, he’s telling you he is OK!!! (jesus I am in tears writing that)
yay for travels, friends, oregon, and rainbow charlies! glad you’re feeling more upbeat! keep on keeping on. we love you, beet! :D
welcome to WA beet. i would never live anywhere else in the world again and i’ve lived ALL over the world. there’s something special here, but don’t tell too many californians, please….
aw, that’s beautiful!
Beet – you’ve made me cry all week! I am so glad you feel some peace there – and I think that rainbow was God & Charlie saying you’re going to be ok! Stay strong!
i think i’m jealous of the fact that you can just pack up and go somewhere different, even when you’re in the middle of a emotional breakdown. if i could do that, i think my emotional breakdowns could be a lot more tolerable.
but enough about me, and yay for your peace of mind!
Oregon is the most beautiful state. I usually visit there once a year, and I definitely know a rest stop where the volunteers give out free coffee. I wonder if it was the same one. The flowers in the valley are going to be GORGEOUS soon, you should go back and check them out in May.
Good luck, Beet!
I’m sorry to hear about Charlie, there is no easy way to deal with the loss of a companion. I had a cat named Charlie as a child and after my mom and dad died, I had to go live with my crazy aunt Jodie and her evil son and one of them let Charlie run loose…..I never saw him again and it was horrible. I eventually moved and yah…..But I wish u the best Beet and I know he has to be in a better place. :)
I love Seattle! I’m so glad you find it refreshing. If you think Seattle is pretty, drive two hours north to Bellingham. I never want to move away….
Absolutely perfect. ‘Nuff said :)
Things are looking up Beet! The rainbow was definitely there just for you from Little Charlie.
Something good is going to happen to you in Seattle. I just know it!!!
Right on kiddo!! You’ve got a lot of people caring about you….always remember that, love! Yay!
Oregon really is a one of a kind place. I feel lucky to have lived here my whole life ♥.
P.S. I am going to be in Seattle on the 16th for the KANYE WEST CONCERT!!!! HOLLA!!!!!
Hey beet, I have been following your blog for a while now without ever leaving a comment, but I had to do it now. What happened to little Charlie really touched me. I wish you all the best and hope that Charlie dances with you in your dreams! (That’s how I always think of my dog that passed away).
beet!! you’re so close to where i live!! we hould hang out.
I live in seattle and I hope you like it up here. There are so many great folks, great pubs, and great places to explore.
you’re going to love it.
Hey beet, I’ve been reading your blog for forever but never commented. Your experience with Charlie really touched me. As someone who considers her 9 month old puppy her child, I understand how horrible this must have been. Your blogs about him brought me to tears and he’s been on my mind for the last couple days. I’m glad you’ve found some peace. As someone who’s had a rough year too, just remember it’s only up from here. :) stay strong!
the rainbow comment about charlie made me cry! awww im so happy you are able to find happiness in the beauty of nature. Keep your head up and know that you have a million fans who love you.
Yes, everything is going to be alright! Enjoy your new experiences. Charlie is looking down and happy to know that you are feeling better. I have cried all week reading your blog-first, out of sadness, now out of happiness. You are great Beet.
Welcome to Washington =)
right on, beet- you are on your way!
and god damn those puppy pushers for all the agony they have caused. I wish that NOBODY would buy puppies from them and then they would go out of business AS THEY SHOULD!
No doubt about it, that WAS Charlie that made the rainbow appear. You are going to be just fine babe, I know it. I hope lots & lots of wonderful things happen to you-♥!!!
I like all places I know in the US, for different reasons
from Minneapolis to Nawlins
from NYC to Frisco
I don’t know Seattle yet
but I hope it’s a good place for Beet to enjoy
I usually don’t write comments on blogs – but I’ve been interested in your ever since I saw that you adopted that cute guy of yours – so sad what happend to that poor little guy.
My hats off to you for picking up and going on such an adventure. I wish I could do that.
I hope you find what you’re looking for!
WA sucks
Hey, so sorry about Charlie. I recently lost my cat Bob after a long 15 years, and I was still completely gutted. I lived in Eugene for 3 years and Seattle for one – beautiful area. I had to adjust to all the rainy days though – I started to get that seasonally affected disorder. Decorating with bright colors and staying really active helped. And the summers were certainly worth it – paradise!
Just don’t go wander off the path into the mountain men’s territory where they are hiding from the feds and keeping big foot company and you will do alright!
Welcome to Seattle! I love reading your blog… funny I used to intern for film.com and never realized they picked up such good celeb gossip until much later. Hope you find happiness here!!!
DrBamlah, she’d have to wander 350 miles to the east to North Idaho and Western Montana. I’m sure she’ll be o.k. over on the “west side.”
Hey There,
I’m fresh off the boat so to speak and living in Eugene.
It’s a great place. Glad you’re taking some time to yourself after your loss of Charlie.
Welcome to Seattle. Queen Anne is one of my favorite neighborhoods. I wish you well and hope that the sunshine today will help heal your ailing heart.
I must say, the very best cure for the loss of a pet is to go out and get a new one immediately – if not sooner.
I know it sounds strange but if you don’t have someone new to love on, you’ll greive for Charlie forever.
Warmest Regards,
FM