Author: alohawild

The day was colored with a painful sinus headache, but I pushed through the pain and kept busy on Tuesday. I have suffered from headaches all my life, and this one did not have a classic migraine with the colors dancing, even when my eyes are closed; this was just pressure. An allergic reaction.  A mix of ibuprofen and Tylenol made it bearable. Also, Deborah suggested before a fix, and I had some protein (some leftover fried chicken) at night (not good for the calorie count so late), which seemed to help. I will try to cut back on carbs.

Also, I had Mr. Toad’s Wild Red beer at Broadway Grill, and last week I also had a matching headache. I have heard over the years that some beers come with a headache, and I am thinking that is the cause.  Beer is out for now, and I don’t need the calories anyway.

I rose feeling better at 6. I could not sleep again after the sun rose, and I had an early 9:30 board game at Richard’s. I started writing and had trouble arranging my thoughts into a narrative. It was a gray morning, with marine clouds that would burn off, and I watched the scrub jays and hummingbirds while I tried to find a focus.

Deborah called, and we had a lovely morning chat.

In the blog, I had written about my dreams and started retelling Monday’s events, but had to stop because I had to shower and all that. I had about 300 words. I remembered to apply all the creams and was five minutes late for my start time, 8:45, to make it to Richard’s house, only 15 miles away, with most of the travel on highways. The traffic was reduced as we started into the no-school pattern of the summer. Rush hour traffic is faster, and I usually see fewer accidents. In the last month, I have seen quite a few smashed cars, mostly at intersections at slower speeds. I have seen quite a few folks running lights of late. I have traveled for half of May in the previous few years.

I arrived at Richard’s only a few minutes late, and James appeared at the same time. We are still learning the massive role-playing cooperative board game ISS Vanguard. James was all in on the Kickstarter from a couple of years ago (even painted miniatures!); this is his chance to play his investment. There is no Game Master, and that means the rules are deep and processes must be strictly followed to make the game work. There is an app that drives much of the game. We spent some hours on the process and working through the restore and selecting our options. And while not that interesting, the choices mattered at each level, and we discussed all the options in detail. In the story, we headed to the next planet and learned from our research that we have new goals and directions on what we are searching for. It was interesting to me that our research, one of those processes, produced this revelation. We soon have characters to use, and we head to, using Star Trek terms, an away mission. Crew of four (with James playing the extra character), and soon we are picking equipment to carry and upgrading our landing ship. Our trip to the exploded planet did not happen without loss, and we regretted not getting the guidance system updated!

We arrive bruised and soon explore the planet. And while the game still feels more procedural and meta-gaming than immersive, the mission (It is copyrighted material, and I will provide no spoilers) was exciting. My character was injured, as was Richard’s, when I rolled in an accident. We learned that the blowing of a test brings more stories and consequences. Actually, fun. We learned more and started playing better. I look forward to our next mission. It was after 2 when we finished the scenario and ran through the procedures for unloading and sending the injured to medbay. This was then followed by the save process.

I was hungry and reached the Broadway Grill, only a few minutes from Richard’s place. It was Happy Hour, so I ordered a chili dog and some cheese dip with chips. I also had the dreaded beer, and the headache soon started. I managed to finish and publish the blog. I was having trouble with concentration.

I also heard from a friend who was going through something, and that, too, distracted me. That is their story to tell.

I fit the late afternoon traffic on the Fremont Bridge using the, for me, scary on-ramp that is higher than the roadbed of the bridge. Stalled for an extra five minutes at 175 feet above the river is not a pleasure, though the view is nice. I reach home and try to rest to see if that will make the pain less. Nope.

I turn to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and watch three episodes, and wish Deborah good night as her day ends. I finished the season and, since it splits a story, watched the first one of the next season. I laughed through the crazy episode where everyone sings and ends with a big finale, “Subspace Rhapsody” (Season 2, Episode 9). I was feeling a bit better (here if you don’t know this with the Klingons at 3:06).

I ate some leftover cold chicken and had it for a late dinner with some coleslaw. And the headache faded. Wow!

I got tickets, only $4.99 plus another $4 for handling and a donation, to Rocketman on Elton John. Time for a musical! It was late, and I was in an empty theater, but still it was great with a small bag of popcorn. I might have closed my eyes and started dreaming, but I woke up each time and enjoyed the show.

The theater was empty when I left, though I heard some huge explosions behind a door; folks were likely getting the late-night Star Wars movie. I drove home without issue and was asleep in bed before 1. I did wake at 5 and had trouble sleeping for a while, but managed to sleep until 7:15.

Thanks for reading.

 

I woke from terrible dreams, a stuffed head, and a headache. My muscles were tight from stressful dreams. The dream restarted three or four times. I dreamed I was back at work as a consultant, working for a woman, installing new hardware, and it wasn’t going well. The components were already in place, and we had to recable instead. I was worried that I had not done my timesheet and had to find a break in the work to get online and enter my hours, apparently, for three weeks. The building or home (it was unclear which, and might have changed, as dreams are not always logical) was full of folks I did not know but who reminded me of folks at Nike. Outside was the Florida Coast with the dark waters. In the dream, I learned that a hurricane was coming, and I was worried about power outages, but I was reassured that we were safe and that the storm would be minor. The waves built and flooded the house, and everyone was talking as if nothing was happening, as the water got deeper and deeper, dark black waters. The power is still on, and I am still trying to work and make the required changes. The waters are so deep that it is hard to stand. I wake.

Not an easy start to the morning! My problems with uncertainty (which seem like an obvious callout from the dream) would haunt me all Monday. I would also say I have stayed in the house too much and I have done less exploring than I should have; I will try to get out more over the couple of weeks left in May, and when I get back in late June, I will take some local trips. Midsummer Night’s Dream is down at the Oregon Shakspear Festival, for example. I have also never been to Crater Lake.

I wrote the blog and finished it about 10:30, and published it. I always forget what I had for lunch and dinner. It takes me a while to find those memory threads. I contacted Joan S, and she would meet me after 4 for the movie The Devil Wears Prada 2. It shocked me that it had been twenty years since the first movie. I loved the book. They deleted the opening scene in the book, which was a riot, and I think it got the book published. The book is recommended!

I was on the phone with Deborah while I made lunch. I grilled a pork chop, steamed some fresh broccoli, and made my usual couscous with Indian-style spices, raisins, and pecans. I resisted making a pan gravy as I did need the extra calories, and the chop was excellent. I cooked it in a pan, added some water to steam it, then finished it in the pan. I used a digital thermometer to ensure it was cooked.

I tried to relax and enjoy, but the depression rose; the food helped to chase away some of that darkness. The food and the fact that I did something that I enjoy, cooking, helped to alleviate the pain. I was missing Susie and Dad today and should have headed out earlier. Grief sneaks up on you when you are alone, I find.

It had clouded up and started to rain; no walk, I think, a walk would have helped.

But meeting Joan S and getting out improved my mood, and we got a bag of popcorn (no butter) that I shared with Joan S, and that added to the long previews that went on for thirty minutes, I think. The movie was fun, and the insults had you catch your breath before you laughed. The story, no spoilers, was not that predictable and kept my attention. I was thinking of Cruella a few times, but this is a different story. Recommended.

The movie, popcorn, and getting out of the house helped.

With that done, Joan headed home, and I headed to BJ’s Brewhouse for an Old Fashioned and to do some writing. I managed to up the current chapter in my book to 1,000 words and find my way out of a problem in the story. I talked to another person at the bar, whose name, sadly, I have forgotten, about drinks, and I suggested finding a Sazerac in NOLA as an alternative to an Old Fashioned. I had the California Flat Bread for dinner. It is wonderful and, I think, one of the best items on their menu. I sat at the bar as all the tables were taken, and Annalisa was my bartender. I did see Eric, my usual waiter, but he was full and running crazy. I talked to him, and he expected a light crowd, but the place filled up. I suggested to him that the movies were getting out, and he thought that a good idea, especially with the Star Wars movie (thought it had only average ratings; I liked it, but agree with the ratings). Eric and I agreed it was good to see folks getting out again.

I returned home, read more about the American Civil War, but went to bed early as I had slept soon. I had, as I said above, slept poorly.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

I rose after 7 as I remembered it was Sunday and I had plans. I had a stuffy head from allergies, but otherwise I was fine. I made coffee in the kitchen, always wearing my slippers (my feet are slightly numb from diabetes and chemo, and it is important to protect them; I do not always feel damage or feel like a bump when it is worse).  Food is not appealing, and I am out of bananas, so I forgo breakfast. I had a late salad on Saturday night with ham and cheese, and that helped with the headache, but it left me still full the next morning.

I managed to get the blog about 1/2 done and took a call with Deborah before running out of time for writing the blog. It was a good morning. I showered, shaved, applied creams, and so on, and soon was in a red vest (for Pentecost) and a swirl red and blue tie (I bought in India on a trip there with Orville and Jean). I loaded up the cargo hold of Air VW the Gray with my sandwiches and a Caesar Salad (as we were covering Rome), and in the First Class seats, my Bible books for the class and my laptop. It was a quick trip to First United Methodist Church in the EV, and I meant to plug it in at the Beaverton Library chargers during church (it was still only charged to 35%), but spaced that.

While it was a holiday weekend, the base had 35 people attend the church service. The service went well and flowed better, and the music fit the topic of Jeremiah’s story. Ken preached and again covered how our American faith is tried by challenges and disasters. We are a culture that values work and the creation of prosperity. Ken reminds us that God’s plan does not mean prosperity, and in the story that Jeremiah covers, it is about terrible loss and seemingly impossible promises. We have to remember it is not about our prosperity but Justice and Faith for all, even the stranger. I was surprised when Ken mentioned that our church income is not covering expenses and that we asked for more help. He also said he sees a revival of our church and a future.

After the service, cake was served in honor of Rev. Anne Weld-Martin’s tenure as choir director at the church over the past few years. The Costco sandwiches and salad were served, too. It was almost a buffet!

I managed to eat a small sandwich and some salad.

I had 15 for Sunday School, More on the Book of Revelation, an adult class, and we covered Rome and the economics John called out in his Apocalypse. The text is often used as a map for the End Times, but I argue that it is really about the suffering caused by empires that rise and fall. The text, in only the most subtle of disguises, portrays Rome as Babalon, highlighting the abuses of the Pax Romana and the way it was eating up and accumulating resources in Rome. When the creature falls, I read that only petty kings, merchants, and sailors cry out (and the text says “from a distance”). The reason for the fall is obscure in the text, but it can be linked to war and to the invaders depicted in previous chapters of The Book of Revelation. Lastly, I pointed out, if you align the translation with fewer shouting words and more scriptive language, the meaning seems to move more toward this economic view. Next, I covered Cyrus the Great and his story as told by Herodotus, noting that he became a bloodthirsty tyrant, and that, in the end, he is the example of a ruler who goes power-mad and ends wtih justice and irony in ancient history. The blood and imagery match some of John’s text.

My lessons seemed well-received. Many found it interesting that a book they found frightening might be telling a more complex story of its time and observing the failures of empires. That each is doomed to fail and be consumed by the next. The Four Horsemen are always riding. One class left.

Lunch was at Elephant’s Delicatessen, and I should have just had a bowl of soup, but they had a pastrami reuben as one of the few remaining options (they are closed on Monday and only made the making for a small set of sandwiches for today). I finished the blog while enjoying a sinfully delightful sandwich (completely ignoring all the warnings in the Book of Revelation about overconsumption). I did have a Diet Cherry Soda, at least.

Next, I headed home. I was unusually tired and nodded off a few times in the afternoon. Deborah and I watched two episodes of Elsbeth on Paramount+. My subscription seems to be tangled, and I found myself re-upping my subscription through Apple+. I will try to untangle that later. We enjoyed the show, and the episode on the murderous wig maker was especially fascinating and fun. I wished Deborah goodnight, and I was happy that we managed to start and end our day together today, even remotely.

I did the dishes and found a Trader Joe’s Chinese-style frozen, mostly premade chicken for dinner. I roasted the pre-fried and battered chicken, made rice to go with it, and then stirred the chicken in an overly sweet sauce. It was not terrible, but likely to be on my list again. But I am keeping with trying to eat what I buy or to make at least one meal a day, and often all of them. I will save the $ for dinner out while traveling with Deborah.

I do like to eat alone at the bar at a restaurant, but it is bad for my waistline, too. I chat with the bartender and other folks at the bar. It is much more pleasant now that there is no smoking. Often, I meet folks who are traveling and like the company. I do not remember a bad meal (though some food was average), sitting alone at the bar.

I return to my laptop after sunset and start writing more of my novel. I am starting to find my groove. I have slipped into my default of instructions and process (from writing adventures for role-playing games and IT manuals I have written). I am starting to find the color and emotion in my words again. I only wrote for thirty minutes, but still it felt good.

I went to bed early as I was tired and soon fell asleep. It was a night of dark dreams and waking often. Not a comfortable sleep.

Thanks for reading.

I rose on Saturday from my newly made bed after 7, having woken at 5:45, rolled over, and then woken again and again, finally rising after 7. I had only plans to play games at Richard’s at 6. Later, I learned we would play the board game Isle of Cats, not my favorite, but not a bad game for the end of a sunny and bright summer weekend, I decided. I would score third. I had forgotten how to play and did not focus enough on the cards, but I enjoyed fishing for cats. It goes for about $45 and is easy to learn, and is a pattern-matching and resource-management game with the usual Euro secret scoring cards. There are many add-ons now, and for $250, you could get all of them plus a storage solution. The basic game is good, and all I have played. Recommended.

I wrote the blog and made a pot of coffee. I was talking to Deborah when I was still waking up and forgot to put water in the coffee maker. I then added four cups of water, guessing that was about right, and withdrew a cup early in case I was wrong (there were no spills). I had too much coffee, using a larger cup, and consuming three before I recognized the bounciness of being overcaffeinated. Oops.

I ignored the news but did watch Stephen Colbert’s superb ending to his show, with dancing and singing, here. He went out singing with friends and the band. It makes you smile and cry at the same time. Recommended, highly recommended.

I was not in a hurry, and I did not really finish the blog until after 11. At first, the story was a mishmash of overcaffeinated wanderings, with Grammarly throw-up on most of it, but at least the AI could find spelling mistakes again. It has been out of its AI mind of late, but it seems to be back to being useful again.

I hate to plug the EV in during the day, as it consumes high-in-use juice instead of the sleepy, plenty-of-overnight grid power. I managed to add a few percent, but I would be around 40% and lower all day. I would get it home after returning from Portland, with about 35%, and again forgot to plug it in (yes, I plugged it in this Sunday morning).

I was not hungry and had the last banana and, for the first time in years, my lab results show potassium in the normal range; I credit years of bananas. I reheated the Popeye’s chicken (a breast and a leg) with the rice and beans and some mashed. I ate that while chatting with Deborah.

The scrub jays, a pair, have reappeared in the backyard, and the hummingbirds are busy, too. The roses are heavy with blooms. The longer days and sun (too much for our snowpack) have been lovely.

With lunch inside of me and the afternoon seemingly flying away from me, I jumped into the Air VW the Gray and headed to Beaverton. I had copies of the flyer for our new speaker series at the church (See below), salvaged from unused bulletins, and hoped to get them at coffee houses and the Beaverton Library. I spaced that it was Saturday and the Saturday Market was packed for the Memorial Day Weekend. Deborah was surprised as we chatted while I drove in heavy Beaverton traffic. Her experience is that Michigan seems to empty out as everyone heads to cabins or other getaways, but in the Greater Portland Area, I found traffic and packed events.

Unable to add to the crowd, I turned around, enjoyed the traffic again, and dropped off flyers at local coffee places nearer home. I stopped at Insomnia and did not get more coffee. I chatted with the barista, and she, too, had had too much coffee and recommended more hydration, approved the flyer, and sold me an excellent cookie.

I returned to writing my book and put in my earpods, which, unlike the EV, were fully charged. I managed to craft a few better sentences, but I still cannot get my groove back and just write. But with more practice, I am sure, it will return.

It is later now, and I drive to Beaverton again, this time park in the library lot, and even charge the car. The Saturday Market is over. I see the same woman who helped me on my last visit, and she approves my flyer and will put it up for me. I see that Cool Islam is meeting in the library’s basement. I think we missed out on an excellent name for a group: Cool Methodists. I head to Ava Roasters, add our flyer to their board, and grab a fruit tart to go (so yummy). I then return to my car, 46 cents and 2% charge, and head home. I have completed another loop!

I reheat some Indian food from a few days ago, and have the tart as dessert. I watch more Doctor Who, purchasing the Christmas Special from years ago, and I start to watch it. I head back out, again, with a 38% charge (enough for 120 miles of driving) and drive in light traffic (finally) to Richard’s house.

Laura and Chris join Ricard and me for a game of Isle of Kats. As I described, it was a fun game, and I only wish to play it again to get better at it. Once over, we chatted for a short while, but everyone headed out, and my drive was uneventful and mostly forgotten now.

I was going to write or read, but did little of either. I had a terrible headache and took painkillers (ibuprofen and Tylenol). I made a salad with ham (defrosted in hot water), cheese, olives, and Italian dressing, and while watching Doctor Who, the pain faded. Next, I headed to bed and closed my eyes, and soon fell asleep. I woke once for proof of hydration. I went back to sleep.

Dear reader, please consider attending if you are in the area. From the press release:

BEAVERTON, Ore. — [May 18, 2026] — A new public forum dedicated to ideas, culture, and civic dialogue is coming to Beaverton with the launch of the Beaverton Lecture Series, a community-centered initiative designed to spark thoughtful conversation and deeper connection across the region. The series opens on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM with the inaugural lecture, “Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land,” featuring cultural leader David Harrelson. The event will be held at The Historic Downtown Methodist Church, located next to the Beaverton City Library at 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. Admission is free and open to the public. Harrelson, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the tribe’s Cultural Resources Department Manager, will explore the Indigenous practice of “keeping place” — understanding land not merely as physical space, but as a living network of relationships connecting people, plants, history, and community. “No matter where you live, you are on Indigenous land,” Harrelson says, underscoring the continuing relevance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.

With more than 16 years of experience in cultural resources and heritage preservation, Harrelson’s work spans ethnobotany, Indigenous foods, contact-era Pacific Northwest history, and Western Oregon Indigenous art. In addition to his leadership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, he currently serves on the Oregon Arts Commission and previously served on the Oregon State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation.

ABOUT BEAVERTON LECTURE SERIES
The Beaverton Lecture Series was created to provide an accessible and welcoming gathering space where residents can engage with important ideas shaping culture, history, identity, and civic life. Our hope is that this series becomes a trusted gathering point in Beaverton for learning, dialogue, and shared reflection.

HERE
What: Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land
Speaker: David Harrelson Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Methodist Church 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
Admission: Free and open to the public

Here is more information: David Harrelson Press Release.docx – Google Docs

Thanks for reading.

Friday was a good day with bright sun and the scent of my roses in the air. I enjoyed snuggling in my blankets as the house passed into the cool morning with the windows open and the ceiling fans running. The marine clouds come in some mornings and then burn off by noon. The sky is blue most of the day. But our snowpack is almost non-existent this year (we are missing the rains), the deserts will dry out, the wildlife will suffer, and fires are very likely to fill our skies with smoke. I have a spare filter for the AC/Funtnace and will ensure I have a spare all summer. If it gets too bad, I will drive to an open airport and try out NOLA for a while, I think, for this time. Or maybe Michigan.

I have a doctor’s appointment with my primary, Doctor C, and have nothing but a sip of water. I start the blog, and then shower, and all of that. I boarded Air VW the Gray, bringing the paperboxes of the creams to have them added to my prescriptions by my primary (they have to approve it). I am early, but they are running on time, and soon I am going through the usual blood pressure, A1C poke, and the usual questions. All good, and Doctor C was happy, and we agreed on a five-month period and not starting weight-loss drugs, though I qualify for coverage, but my weight is on a slow downward trajectory, and they are not needed. My A1C, while still good, had gone up, and I will work on that (that dessert a few days ago was a bad idea). No additional labs were needed, as Doctor B had covered that a week ago.

La Provence is nearby, and I sat at the bar and had cornbeef hash with poached eggs and a croissant with my coffee. I read more about the American Civil War (ACW), The Confederacy’s Last Hurrah: Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville, as the large battle is finally starting in the story. It is hard to put the book down. Though, were I to write it, I think I would have started here and focused less on the movements of troops for fifty pages. Still, it is a great read, as it includes entries from the letters, diaries, and writings of the survivors and some historians (especially those describing the delusions of the leading Generals).

I read this all day here and there and was struck by one comment about the Union troops behind the fortifications, that they thought it was payback time for Kennesaw Mountain, a battlefield we visited as part of the South trip. This is where Sherman took heavy losses for attacking prepared positions, and the Union, again, learned not to attack even recently built fortifications. As seen in World War I, counterattacks against a breach of a position were devastating to the attacker. Now General Hood (like Sherman and Lee at Gettysburg) knew that with enough men and planning, he could annihilate the enemy army (which was rushing North to join the rest of the Union forces). It is an interesting read.

With breakfast inside me, I returned to the house and wrote the blog, stripped the bed, and started the laundry. I completed the blog, and the laundry was moved to the dryer (more would be done later). I also updated my Dungeons & Dragons character to 4th level and made various corrections to match the Friday Adventure League constructs. Next, I created a license for salvage and for fighting enemies (unspecified) by finding the text of a letter of Marque online, revising it, dressing it up, and printing it on my printer using some cardstock. I added an image of a wax seal I found in the public space on the Internet to print along with the words. I did this instead of getting out the hot glue gun again to make seals, remembering it as a very messy process and not wishing to directly experience very hot glue (it looks safe to touch). In the game, Carter the Forger has provided documentation for various dealings in the Friday games, some of which are a bit shady. I thought some physical versions would be nice. They were well-received when I gave them out later in the game.

Lunchtime had already passed, and we were heading into the mid-afternoon before I was ready to head out (after the late and lovely breakfast, I was not hungry until later). Another McMenamins for another stamp in my Cosmic Tripper Passport. I am trying to fill the book, going page by page. McMenamins John Barleycorns was an excellent destination in Tigard, Oregon, and was new to me. I am always surprised by how little I know the local area, and I liked the pub and the area. I sat outside, and I will be back.

They had a chicken breast dinner on a bed of pasta with wonderful vodka sauce. I make that sauce myself, and there was no cream in this version. It was bright and tasted of fresh spices. It was fascinating to me. I had a Ruby Ale and read more ACW. The waiter was friendly, let me read for a while, and refilled my water several times.

Traffic was messy from rush hour and the holiday, and I left early, but it was the usual slowing, and soon I arrived too early at Rune & Board to play D&D. I wanted to be early as the game is limited to seven and was already fully booked with a waiting list. I met Holly, another player, and soon more appeared. The DM was nearly late, and there was some panic (though I volunteered to fill in, using my Scythe game for figures and my laptop for content, recalling M@ telling me stories where he did some ad hoc DMing for a no-show and once because he was at a castle). Lincoln set up, and we were off; no need for me to fill in. This time, I stayed more involved and also helped a few folks with their character features, and soon we were facing various large encounters. Combat filled most of our time, and we avoided splitting the party. I informed Lincoln that I was traveling soon and would miss the players who asked me to stay, and I agreed to another play. I will have to make some more documents!

I talked briefly with the owner, and later this summer I might want to try a game of my own. He was busy getting ready for Westside Comic Con this weekend, but we chatted for a few. More later.

With that done, I headed out and chose The 649 to hand out flyers for our first Speaker in a new series at my church. Kyle, the manager, thought it was great and will share it with her pastor at her church, a United Church of Christ (UCC). I had a beer and a hummus plate for a late dinner and/or snack, then returned to my writing and started back on my book using Scrivener (and installed an update). I managed to add another 100 words, and there were many revisions to the next section. I left after 10, but learned they are open to 1 on Fridays. I will not be up that late. I did run the completion process, and my paperback format already had 43 pages.

Back at the house, I put in the towels to run overnight in the Washer, and soon was in my bed reading for only a few minutes before I started to nod off (definitely not the 1AM-bar-closing guy).

Dear reader, please consider attending if you are in the area, from the press release:

BEAVERTON, Ore. — [May 18, 2026] — A new public forum dedicated to ideas, culture, and civic dialogue is coming to Beaverton with the launch of the Beaverton Lecture Series, a community-centered initiative designed to spark thoughtful conversation and deeper connection across the region. The series opens on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM with the inaugural lecture, “Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land,” featuring cultural leader David Harrelson. The event will be held at The Historic Downtown Methodist Church, located next to the Beaverton City Library at 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. Admission is free and open to the public. Harrelson, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the tribe’s Cultural Resources Department Manager, will explore the Indigenous practice of “keeping place” — understanding land not merely as physical space, but as a living network of relationships connecting people, plants, history, and community. “No matter where you live, you are on Indigenous land,” Harrelson says, underscoring the continuing relevance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.

With more than 16 years of experience in cultural resources and heritage preservation, Harrelson’s work spans ethnobotany, Indigenous foods, contact-era Pacific Northwest history, and Western Oregon Indigenous art. In addition to his leadership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, he currently serves on the Oregon Arts Commission and previously served on the Oregon State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation.

ABOUT BEAVERTON LECTURE SERIES
The Beaverton Lecture Series was created to provide an accessible and welcoming gathering space where residents can engage with important ideas shaping culture, history, identity, and civic life. Our hope is that this series becomes a trusted gathering point in Beaverton for learning, dialogue, and shared reflection.

HERE
What: Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land
Speaker: David Harrelson Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Methodist Church 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
Admission: Free and open to the public

Here is more information: David Harrelson Press Release.docx – Google Docs

Thanks for reading and considering attending (if you are in the local area).