decletter23 | shafer productions

December 2023
An update from Oregon’s Central Coast

Dear Friends

I hope this finds you well.

An aggressive December in the Pacific North West dropped 10 inches of rain in the first week of the month here. While hunkered down at home, I recalled some of the transitions and situations in life which I forced upon myself this year.

I made it a point to broadly explore more of life, and more importantly, challenge my aloneness. The goal has been to seek, find, and be open to moments of joy. I can claim some success there.

This year’s journey has included an April trip to Victoria BC (Butchart Garden - bucket list - check), a few theatre outings in Newport, Ashland, even a trip back to Santa Maria to see two PCPA productions in July (and the design presentation for Book of Wil).

A visit to Silver Falls state park in May which features 10 waterfalls along an 8 mile trail - even though I only visited three (walking behind one of them), the park is clearly one of the gems of Oregon (just a little east of Salem if you head up this way).

This November was the Yachats Celtic Music Festival where I attended 11 concerts in three days and rekindled and deepened my appreciation of that music - both traditional and contemporary. Yachats also hosts numerous art shows and an international quilt show. It is, as most of you will know, a favorite destination of mine, and only a happy 10 miles away.

I was treated to a special visit in September. Christie and Scott drove up from Paso Robles, CA. I loved playing tour guide for hikes, sightseeing, etc. Not only did they time it just right for the most perfect weather (it didn’t rain till the day they departed), but the whale activity up and down the coast was at an all time amazing high!

There are three long lasting endeavors from this year, which are more personally involved in exploring and giving of self.

Exploring my art through a water color class has been a joyous (though frustrating at times) return to visual arts and was a reawakening of that part of the creative.

Another is a TaiChi class I also began this year and quickly picked it up, thank you dance training; and as such was tapped multiple times by the teacher to substitute for her. On her encouragement and acceptance by the 60+ Activity Center in Newport, I will be teaching TaiChi beginning January 4. That's exciting.

To top off the list of grateful giving is the continuing work with the non-profit Coast Busters Walk for Breast Cancer. It culminates in two separate walk-a-thons in Newport and Florence to raise funds for cancer patients. I built the web site for the event this year that facilitated registration, donations, sponsorships and other information. Proudly, we raised around $50,000!!! I am already on board to continue and improve the site for the 4th annual CoastBusterswalks in 2024! visit coastbusterswalk.org

Finally. A #SpinningSands mandala in November. I was fortunate to be invited to help create this one by Karen Chalmers who routinely rakes these powerful works of art in the sand that are quickly swept away with the tides.

I see them as nature's portals emitting energy and joy.

I am grateful for support from family and dear friends and now new friends I've made here in Oregon.

I couldn’t have done so much personal advancement without encouragement from this growing circle of companions that bring light into dark days.

Thank you.

Here's to being open to, and letting in those moments of joy when they become present.

Happy Holidays

Love Craig