As I spoke for Press Publish in Portland, Oregon. 
In the most beautiful hotel. Telling them our stories – about you and me and our animals.
This man slept. Outside my window. 
And what a triumph we were. I told them the story of you and me. And these people understood.
But still this man slept. Unmoved.
Then in the night, like all animals of prey he awoke and stood guard about himself for the night. Visited. A-companied. Waving his flag. Announcing his presence. Gathering his herd. Standing Watch until the sun came around again.
I don’t know what this means. This man and I. But I do know that sheep and cows sleep in the daytime and are up grazing and watching in the night. Aware. And I also know that he is a popular fellow this homeless man of the street and he got a good breakfast. But I do not know much more. Cities are difficult.
And the other thing I know is that I loved this opportunity to talk with people like us. This conference was grand and rich and very personal. We have some new friends coming.. and I know their names.
The other thing I know for sure was that having you listening to me talk through the magic of the interwebs kept my back straight and my smile firmly attached. Once again you carried me. I know many of you could not tune in and Andrea said she would let me know when the tapes of the talks are released. Maybe late April. I will let you know.
Good morning. I am away again -Breakfast and bubbles with our Fellowship friend Chris, then off home later today. More cars, more planes, then blessed home.
Time to get back to the farm.
See you tomorrow
Love your friend
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
69 responses to “While we were talking”
Celi ~ I was so upset to miss you on the great stage ~ I had my computer all set up ready to go ~ half before you came on my fone rang and I had to leave ~ so I’m so happy to see that we will have to chance to see you again!!I’m sure you were the hit of the day~ and now everybody knows Boo, Sheila, Tima & Tune and the Kids and the accident chicks ~ the cowsies, kitties, Godot and the whole pack!! Now they’re world famous!! safe trip home and hope ya get rested up!!
Looking forward to listening to the recordings. So glad it was an enriching experience for you, after all you have given us. xx
I know the farmy, all the animals,your lovely face and you, but now that I have heard your voice, you are complete.
My hub is familiar with you, the farmy, and the Fellowship, because I’m always telling him things that have happened there, so he watched you too. He was impressed by the whole thing – and loved your voice and Sheila’s Tshirt! You still have your lovely strong NZ accent. You were brilliant, you had the audience in your lap, they loved you.
The Livestream was very good although the audio jumped about in a few places, but the vision was excellent.
You are probably back home now and looking forward to sleeping in your own bed!
Camera House. The trusted link that is so key to you and us. Sitting faithfully, obediently in the crook of your arm just waiting to be called to action. I have a new appreciation for Camera House.
Well, that was over quickly! Godspeed.
Thrilled to have caught 80% of the later panel discussion at least! Great to hear your voice and somewhat see your body language . . . even if only 20 minutes: an experience . . . and I’ll be lining up for the tapes! Clearly remember a summer seminar discussion here of what ‘home’ means by a very dear friend of mine, a Uni prof of sociology from the US: as he quietly put it: for some of us it is a ten million dollar home, for others a cardboard box into which to put one’s head on the side of the pavement late at night . . . . you pointed out how lucky each and every one of us in the Lounge is . . . .
I was able to watch the whole thing, and it was thoroughly enjoyable. It was indeed great to put a voice to your face. I am glad to be a part of the Fellowship. Thank you for doing that presentation.
I will have to await the tapes. Everything was ready. One of the neighbors had been busy with a chain saw most of the day, didn’t think anything of it until …. Yep, the tree fell and took down the wires, no power, no internet. No one was hurt and there wasn’t really much damage – other than the downed wires which I’m sure the electric company and the cable companies were not pleased about. They got it all fixed fairly quickly but it was too late for the conference.
Well I’ve been absent for a while, having a bit of a blog holiday while I get my new online course off the ground and am busy-busy-busy with hardly a moment to pick a tomato. No sooner do I look away, and the next thing I know, you’re in the city and you are famous! I don’t know, all this growth that happens so fast. To say nothing of the animals. Next step is to catch up with them. But seriously, congratulations. This sounds fantastic.
You are an absolutely extraordinary person and I feel so honoured to know you! Bravo for this post and for your blog and for your incredible kindness.
Glad your time away was fulfilling!