I just saw a story at another site that starts "Race-Faker Rachel Dolezal"

[msfiddlestix]

48. And thank you for asking the question, for exactly the reasons you did.

I agree on your point.

I feel it is a serious problem in our culture, this thing in our raising questions in order to try to understand one another, and perhaps listening to the other without guilt tripping, accusation of malice intent. "nobody's right, if everybody's wrong"

And I'm also grateful you totally "got me"... and yes I learned a lot by this early life experience for which I am eternally grateful.

My trip is an opportunity I would never have been able to take monetarily speaking, but for the unique circumstances that came together quite unexpectedly.

Making the trip on a shoe string budget (literally) and able to spend three weeks (if all goes as planned) mostly with the use of a vehicle (only paying for gas) and free lodging because I'll be house and pet sitting for a musician friend who is also a music teacher; and who will be finishing off the summer music camp circuit in Alaska and British Columbia, while I'm at her digs minding the home front in Virginia.

I'll also be connected with some fabulous musicians (sort of close by) and enjoy the awesome peace and tranquility of mountain and hilltops as far as the eye can see. Getting away from the fires and smoke (and the constant sounds of sirens) in California for the interim, will also be welcomed relief.

Maybe I'll bring the rain back with me!