Namaste All,

So there are those who might say driving a motorcycle is too dangerous wherever you are. There are others who would say driving anything at all in India is maddness. Me, I say no time like the present. Before renting my little Bajaj 100cc I'd never been on a motorcycle before in my life, and I was pretty nervous about driving it in general. But after a few days of stalling and jerking on starts, I've got the hang of it and I love it. Honestly, there is something about the lawlessness of the Indian traffic that makes it simple and elegant to just weave through a path of least resistance. There aren't really "lanes", sounding your horn is a matter of polite necessity, and no one stops at intersections rather they just go through and dodge eachother. The main rule of the road is "Might makes right", so if it's a bus or lorry coming into your lane, you better get out of the way. I've made some excursions out to the country, and the freedom I feel cruising with warm winds in a foreign land is something spectacular I wish I could share with you all. I'm definately thinking well of everyone back in Oregon, and missing the mighty Cascade ridgeline, but with respect I think I'll stay here for now =)
Much love and peace to you all,

Ethan

The 2nd Annual Housewarming Potluck

Hello, friends--

 

Well, it's that time of the year again isn't it?  The weather is warmer (sometimes). it's time to do some spring cleaning, we're all looking forward to outdoor escapades in out shorts and sandals...and we at the Goodness Collective are celebrating over one year in so-called existence!

 

It's our 2nd Annual Housewarming Potluck/Crazy Hat Party, March 15...this Saturday!  Yes, I know it's St. Patrick's weekend and some of you have solemn family events that you're expected to attend, but let this be just one of your weekend outings.

 

Yes, it's also coming up on finals week...you weren't going to be studying Saturday night anyway were you?  Relax...study on Sunday, or bring your study group and talk about O-chem and physics on the porch if you like.

 

You, our friends and members of our community, are truly appreciated.  As another year passes, we routinely recognize the significance of our wonderful community.  Thank you so much for everything.

 

Bring some food if you can and instruments if you please!  Please, no disposable dishes, silverware, etc.  Starts around 6:30-ish and will likely wind down very slowly until we're reduced to a pile of happiness by the fireplace singing ourselves to sleep.

 

See you this Saturday!  Much love; take care--

 

--Trav--

One thing to say

I have but one thing to say this beautiful day:

If you finish a weekend outing covered in paint and chocolate...it was probably a good weekend.



Now...are your calendars marked for the March 15th 2nd Annual Housewarming Potluck/Crazy Hat Party?

--Trav--

The Badlands need some Goodness...

Hello to all...
As many of you know, I work for the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) as the Wilderness Coordinator, and thus spend almost all of my time focused on getting the Oregon Badlands designated as Wilderness. So I'll be the first to admit that I’m a little biased when it comes to protecting the high desert… but I have a hunch that those of you who’re reading this are similarly biased.

The Badlands is a high desert gem just 15 miles east of Bend that locals have been working to protect as wilderness for years. We have an exciting window of opportunity opening up this spring: Senator Wyden is finally willing to take a second look at introducing legislation to protect Badlands wilderness, but we have to act fast! This campaign really needs an infusion of Goodness… so I hope you’ll all be able to help. Wilderness only happens when folks like us speak up and tell our elected officials that we want it!

I’ll keep this brief, so if any of you have questions please call me anytime: (503)891-1635, or have a look at ONDA’s website: www.onda.org

Some things you can do to help

1. Come to our volunteer meeting this Tuesday (TOMORROW), March 4 @ 7pm at the Central Oregon Environmental Center. At the meeting, we’ll be talking about the variety of volunteer activities in more detail and kicking off our letter writing campaign to Senator Wyden. If you can’t make it to the meeting, just shoot me an email and update you on the goods (gena@onda.org).
2. . Write an email to Senator Wyden telling him why you think it’s important to protect our high desert. I just set up a nifty comment system set up on our website, so just click here to be redirected to the comment page.
3. Go for a hike in the Badlands and bask in the beauty of the high desert! Don’t forget to tread lightly and take a friend!

Thanks guys!

Gena

PS- Good luck Rachael! Know that all of us are thinking of you and visualizing you and the dogs running the perfect race!

He's home!

It was dusk when he walked up the front steps. I was on the porch recliner and still waking up when he asked (with his helmet on) " Is this The Goodness Collective?" I told him it was, and suspected that a housemate had invited a couch surfer. "Who are you? " I asked. He removed his helmet with a flourish, revealing his signature, beautiful blonde dreads.

Brent is home!!! He rode from Vegas on a 750 Honda Nighthawk steed.