Dear Friends,
I had the best time in Oregon! Wow it is beautiful there. So lush and green. It is so different from San Diego!
I had an event at Autism Mustang Alliance, along with powerhouse spellers Niko Boskovic, Ethan Nagy, and Diego Peña. Edlyn Peña was the keynote presenter. I was honored to be in such company!
I got to see old and new friends in the audience. And I got to make new animal friends, too! Searmi runs Autism Mustang Alliance and has created a wonderful space for mustangs, donkeys, goats, pigs, chickens, and dogs. I am still aglow from interacting with the horses. Their energy is just amazing. I even got close to a cagey stallion who let me slowly approach. Searmi expertly guided me and taught me how to read his body language. I was so feeling his feelings. It was a special moment.
I loved meeting Searmi and her family, including her speller son Ben. He rocked a “nonspeaking, very verbal” t-shirt part of the time, and it looked great on him! I also just loved being in a crowd of spellers and our allies.
Our time besides the event was fantastic, too. The food in Portland is great and especially exciting for Tara as a vegetarian. We tried Sri Lankan food, a first for me, and also a feast of vegan dim sum. Also decadent pastries. And we walked around so much! I loved our simple neighborhood walks. And we hiked to a gorgeous waterfall. It was like being in a different world. Also, I picked up some books from Powell’s. So much good stuff in a few days.
Thanks again to Searmi and Autism Mustang Alliance! This was a lovely experience that I will fondly remember.
Your Friend,
Danny
Danny With Words 