Last weekend was filled joy, connection, and important messages.

We started our weekend with a visit to the PSU Farmers Market, the largest farmers market in Portland. It operates year-round. My 92-year-old mom had flown in from southern Oregon, and we enjoyed admiring, buying, and eating the beautiful fresh produce, baked goods, and savory entrées from multiple cuisines.

Saturday night I was one of four featured storytellers for The Immigrant Story. This non-profit organizes produces beautiful shows featuring live storytellers and musicians with the stated mission to “document, narrate and curate stories about immigrants in order to promote empathy and advance an inclusive community.”

I was humbled to share the stage with 3 other amazing storytellers from Laos, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The second half of the program featured the absolutely amazing music group Seffarine, headed by Moroccan Lamiae Naki and Dutch-American Nat Hulskamp. A recording of the event will eventually be posted on the Immigrant Story website and Facebook page.

I highly recommend attending The Immigrant Story Live events which happen a couple times a year. They also have an excellent website with videos, podcasts, and more.

Sunday afternoon, mom and I gave a book talk at the Tigard Library to promote her recently published memoir, From Thorns To Blossoms. The crowd was large and included my high school librarian, retired musicians friends, and classmates. One attendee was a woman who was born at the Minidoka “Relocation Center.” Another was the son of a man who taught school at the Tule Lake “Relocation Center.”

The event was filmed by non-profit public access TVCTV. A recording will be posted on their YouTube channel and the Tigard Library website.

The enthusiastic crowd lined up to purchase copies of mom’s book and to have them signed, and I quickly ran out of all the copies we had brought to sell.

If you are interested in purchasing mom’s book, we encourage you to inquire at your local independent bookstore. If you want to know about any upcoming book talks or how to order your own copy online, visit my website.

Finally, Saturday evening, I took mom and my fiancé to a dance party celebrating the 34 years my ballroom dance instructor has been teaching. Linda Springstead offers dance classes in both Aloha and Parkrose, and I recommend her highly for both novices and more advanced dance students.

Mom and I danced at least 3 foxtrots. Our height difference didn’t pose a challenge as she was used to it: my late father was 14 inches taller than she. Not bad for 92 years old! May I be as energetic and spry when I reach 70!

---

Despite the endless parade of racism, violence, and political ugliness in the current news, one can find examples of connection, gratitude, abundance, and love if one looks for it. Even better, even the smallest steps one can take toward peace, connection, justice, and love can start ripples that can lead to profound impacts. I encourage you to do your part.