a new poem: Somewhere

Somewhere
by Nicholas Thomas 5/2/11


We chewed thoughts, windblown
At the far end of a curved beach, I entreat
Carved fire, fossils freed from stone
By a fort of driftwood you’ve named home

You weren’t always an old creature
Straining to sea with infinite eyes, once
You sold furniture, knew a wife
Somewhere, a boy and three girls still try

Two shipwrecks sobbing, we dream
Like ghost dancers
Of pale skin and bone
We peel off the layers
Somewhere

Hearts of Space; Slow music for fast times, goes straight to my heart

I have settled in Seattle again recently. Mainly to take classes relating to my main life interests, that is the written word. I am enrolled at North Seattle Community College for this Spring Quarter taking two classes, Creative Writing and Intro to Philosophy. Sometimes I like to listen to music while i study. The style of music i have found most conducive is ambient, and my favorite source is a program called Hearts of Space, hosted by Stephen Hill. On the air since 1973 , HOS is dedicated to transmitting high quality ambient tracks in seamless ad-free broadcasts. In other words, its all about the music and the "space" it helps create for the listener.

I first heard HOS about 2 years ( i'm pretty sure, yet it may have been longer) ago while driving across Washington State during a 6 month stint of working out of town. I was somewhere out on the central Washington high desert when i switched on radio and twisted the knob to the low end of the dial, where most of my choice programs seem to congregate, for some reason, when s surge of mellow noises of what sounded like a soundtrack for CS Lewis' scifi classic 'Out of the Silent Planet' filled my car and set a mood within me that made me forget the monotony of the hours behind the wheel. It was 10pm on a Sunday which meant i had stumbled across HOS weekly broadcast airing out of Yakima's branch Northwest Public Radio.

Hill 's deep, resonant voice concludes each weekly broadcast with these words: "Safe journey, Space Fans, wherever you are". I picture him sitting alone in a rusty, trusty space craft, like Luke Skywalker leaving Degoba, and giving his benediction over his handheld CB, as he moves about the galaxy to gather more sountracks for the next program.

You can listen to programs on his fantastic website: www.hos.com

(Photograph is of the Ballard Draw Bridge with Discovery Park Ray-Dome and the Olympic Mountains in the background, image taken today by myself from Phinney ridge)

Roadtrip down Hwy 101, visiting Joel, head east to Tojo and the Davis Domes,

Last friday I packed my car with all my junk and took off from Spokane to head to California. After staying in Seattle for the weekend and hanging out with my all my wonderful friend's there, I left on Monday morning and find myself now at the Davis Public Library. Spent the last night with Tojo at his Mom's house. We went for a jog through the evening sun, running alongside a big field of crops, me sweating alot from the strange heat, and stopping every fewhundredyards to stretch out my legs and back as i'd just driven for 6 hours from Myer's Flat. Drove through the gorgeous Lake District on Hwy 2o and the sun shone the whole way and glinted off the waters of the myriad lakes.

One village in particular really impressed me; Lucerne, "the switzerland of America" as their

welcome sign proclaims. It was built up the side of the lush hills, just greening with the onset of spring heat, but still patched with mostly golden grass on the slopes, which shimmered in the full blown sunlight, creating a striking contrast against a vivid blue sky.

I drove with my window down and arm hanging out and i thought "this is what i came hear for", and i smiled ignoring my too-long and frizzed out hair whipping all around my face from the warm wind.Visited Joel, my Aunt Kristin's fiance, on his ranch in South Humboldt County. Kristen was busy with studying for finals week at nursing school so it was just us two. Had a great time hanging with Joel though and got to know him more. We walked around his woodsy mountainside property and he told me tales of travel and how he ended up with his ranch, and all about his wild and incredible lifestory, which i would tell you if it weren't for his wish it be kept private. Joels a very private guy, atleast he seems that way, even though he has volumes of stories to share and seems to never tire of orating them!

I sure dont mind thoug. He was very interested to hear about my travels in Asia and specifally my short trip to Tibetan China.

I

n Davis i had dinner with Tojo at great pub called Burgers and Brew last night. We sat on the open air porch and chowed down on the excellent B and B's and swapped some great tales. we also had fun checking each other in our iphone's Facebook App.

Today as i got my car's oil changed i saw an interesting headline in the paper about UC Davis' Dome village known as Baggins End (a The Hobbit reference!) having its days numbered. I cruised down and walked about quiant cluster of white fiberglass domes. They are scattered amid veggie gardens and trees and little tools sheds. I was amazed and so thankful to hear about the place before it gets raz

ed for new "Eco-student- housing" aka big fat ugly block buildings. They've been there since 1972 and have been focal points of teaching decades of student's practical knowledge in communal living and true eco friendly living.

The concern is that they are falling apart and would be too expensive to repair the school said. But i didnt see anything worse than grime that could be scrubbed off, plus any needed repairs should be straightforward and cheap as they are just fiber glass.

The true reason its probably safe to say is that the 28 hobbit homes are veiwed as a waste of prime real estate and that the days of the hippys are long gone. Its a shame they have such little regard for history and for what the Dome's very presence over the decades has meant for the thousands of students who lived and loved and dreamed there.

Go Progress!

Resume of Nick Thomas

Nick D. Thomas

Cell: 206.498.7236

EM: rustblue2@gmail.com

Since my contract with Alden Systems ended in June 2010 I have been traveling abroad. First backpacking across South America then cycling and backpacking around South East Asia and into SW China. I returned home to Washington State in mid-December 2010 and have been catching up with family and friends around the Pacific Northwest. I am now actively seeking work in GPS Mapping/Data Collecion and am able to travel full time and/or as needed.

I hope to find work in Southern California, however I am willing and able to go where ever the work is, nationally or internationally.

You can reach me at any time, so please dont hesitate. Thanks!

Work Experience

Please contact me for reference phone numbers.

Alden Systems- Seattle

GPS Field Inventory Technician/Utility Data Collection Nov.'08- June '10

Boss: Matt Hand

Becker Bros. Construction- Seattle, WA

Carpentry, landscaping. Spring 07- the present, as needed.

Owner: Rob Becker

Modular Arts (.com) - Ballard

Manufacturing of sculptural wall panels. Sept. 05- June 06, Nov. 07- July 08.

Supervisor: Scott Benedict

Richard Hugo House- Center for Reading and Writing

Custodian Sept.07- Feb.08

Southwest Conservation Corps/Americorps- Tuscon, AZ

Wilderness conservation. 2 month contract from Oct 14-Dec 15^th 2006

(520) 884-5550

PHD Painting- Seattle

High- end house painting. April 2005- September 2005.

Owner: James Thomas

Grand Central Bakery-Seattle

Delivery Driver-Dec.2004- March 2005

Pacific Garden Design-Spokane

High- end Landscape construction/water features. Summer 2002-2004

Owner: Tom Musselwhite

Celestial Tea

Reaching up into
all that universe
arms outstretched
towards all that is blue
foraging through thoughts
and fresh aspirations
like black berries
from a wizened vine
so they may stain my
minds fingers

to sit unstirred and
stay in my brain
in a steeping brine
where nothing is mine
i drift unfurled
taking all in stride
freed from time
adrift
upon a starlight tide
- Nick Thomas 2/2/2011

A Real-Life Hero; The life and Legacy of Pat Tillman

I was extremely moved and inspired upon recently reading two books about Pat Tillman. "Where Men Win Glory" by Jon Krakauer and then "Boots on the Ground by Dusk" by Mary Tillman (Pat's incredible mother). I am 29 1/2 years old now and have never been a very focused or driven person, however this last year has been one of tremendous personal growth. I traveled abroad for 5 months last year in developing nations and that really opened my eyes to life beyond our country. Then i read these books and learned about this amazing guy, Pat Tillman. He made a big difference in the lives of many, and most of all he lived his life to the fullest. He is inspiring me daily to do the same. I'm starting by working out every other day, and pushing my body harder than i ever have. It had been over 10 years since i worked out. I feel stronger then ever, both physically and mentally.

And now i am pursuing a new career in line with my values. I want to help take care of the earth full time. For me that means taking this year to learn more about organic farming. Pat's legacy is a constant source of fuel to keep me going and make my goals come true, and to always think positive. Thank you most of all to him and secondly to those who brought his whole story to the public. I encourage every one to read up about Pat. And most of all to never give up. As Pat might say, if it's not hard its not worth doing.

http://www.amazon.com/Boots-Ground-Dusk-Tribute-Tillman/dp/1594868808

http://www.amazon.com/Where-Men-Win-Glory-Odyssey/dp/030738604X/ref=pd_sim_b_1

A shape only you can make

As I sit here in the quaint and windy town of Oceanside, OR in a little coffee shop with the great name "Brewin' in the Wind". My friend Tojo sits next to me jabbing at his iphone. The photo at right he took of me when we discovered the raging flood stage torrent known as Hug Falls on the beach of the same name (just south of Cannon Beach). The weather is stormy, perfect for brooding. The waves are crashing, churning up white sea foam like a bad cappuccino. Sky- blue sky valiantly appears sporadically in broad swathes just above a dense scroll of cloud on the horizon.

As i contemplate how to capture the scenery both around me and the storm within me, i recall an incredible poem

my Aunt Pam gave me this past summer as i was making last minute preparations to leave Seattle to road trip across the USA then backpack S. America and SE Asia. I meant to post it to my blog as a sort of prologue, but it slipped my mind until now, half a year later. It seems even more resonant even now as I reflect on my journeys and how they affected me (and continue to).

Goodbye Poem to Nick as he Embarks on World Travels

There's an infinite tug some mornings

it can make you want to weep

a beautiful stretch of a cry

that is fixed deep down

but has the wings of a pale moth.

We often forget it's okay

to not know, not complete,

reverse, lean back.

The daisies on the back deck dip and

swirl creating new lines looking for

the sun, I think.

What is new in our ancient

footpath? I hear the submarine

sounds of stressed metal as the

garbage trucks make their rounds

this morning. It's a twisting symphony

of who we are.

It's comforting in a close way to follow

your own lines.

To sweat it out like a fever.

It's yours like the crystalline juice

from the slug's trail.

A shape only you can make.

--Pam O.

7/5/10

Welcome to the year 2011, my year of 'Help-iness'

Its been a remarkable year for this here Nicholas D. Thomas. Starting way back on January 12th I have been on the road. first working inventorying telephone poles in Yakima for 2 months. then off to do the same in Pasco for a month and a half, then on to Aberdeen area and then finishing up in June in Ocean Shores, a fitting conclusion to a year and a half of walking and riding my bike all around the great state of Washington, my home territory. And i got to know it alot better too, walking every street and alley and driving every rural road in all those Wire Centers (regions), GPSing all the utility poles for Qwest and Alden Systems. Lots of time alone to think, and lots of fresh air and exercise, walking and riding my trusty big red bike, and many books listened to and music too. Then in June i finished up work and watched a grand sunset over the Pacific Ocean from my balcony overlooking the vast beach and breakers of Ocean Shores. And then i prepared to leave on my travels around the world, a goal i've carried as a dream since boyhood. to wander around the earth with my camera, journal, and eye's and heart wide open. On July 5th i left on that trip. Drove across the great US of A with my dear friend Lindsay clear to Birmingham, Alabama, dropped in to say hello to my employers, Alden Systems, who were located in that great southern city and whom i'd only previously spoken with over the phone for almost 2 years. then i flew to NYC to meet my Dad and spent 2 days visiting my great Uncle Ted and Great Aunt Sharlie in Warminster, PA then hit up New York for 4 days with the old man, my dear old Pa, Greg Nick Thomas. Then on the handy date of July 20th (my 29th birthday) I flew from JFK to Belem, Brazil via Miami, Aruba, & Suriname.

I spent 2 months in South America, bussed from Rio to Bolivia, spent a month there, then 2 weeks in Peru.

then 2 week layover in WA State before heading off to Asia.

Spent a month in Thailand then off to 2 weeks in Cambodia, a week in Laos,and 10 days in China! Then,after being abroad for almost 5 months, i flew from Chengdu, China back to Seattle and Spokane to spend the holidays with friends and family,and to take a much needed vacation from my vacation :)

And to get back to work on something, too.

What is that 'something'? You'll just have to wait to see!

your biggest fan,

-Nick

P. S. Be true to your soul, always, whatever you end up doing. But here's to dream worked for and accomplished with resounding success! I am proud of my self, and that is something no one can ever take away (or give to me, for that matter). Thanks to all my friends and family who supported me and helped me save the money and keep the Big Goal in my sights. No man is an island!

It's good to be home

My amazing sisters made these banners for my Mom and I. We do indeed feel welcomed and are excited to be back in the comfort of our home. I from 10 days in SW China and 5 and a half months backpacking in S America and SE Asia, and Mom back from a 10 day mission trip in Haiti. We are so thankful and blessed and lucky to be be among the 3% of Earth's Americans who enjoy enormous safety and prosperity.
I wish a Happy Holidays to all my friends both around the world and here in the USA. There is nothing like traveling abroad to make one realize how much he loves his family and friends back home. Cheers!

Books I read in 2010

Books I’ve read this year, 2010: (pretty sure I read more, will update as I remember them)

“The Life and times of the thunderbolt kid” by Bill Bryson, a utterly joyous, fantastic unforgettable memoir of his childhood growing up in 1950’s in Des Moines, Iowa

“The Pilgrimage” by Paulo Coehlo

“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien’s (half way through 2 towers, so will probably finish reading Return of the King in january). Realized LOTR is literature of a higher order!

“Confederacy of Dunces”, in April

“Kon Tiki” in January ( discovered that,by coincidence, Uncle James and Tim Becker were also reading Kon Tiki at that time)

“1421”-the year China discovered America.

Listened to audio book on cd of Until I find You by John Irving. And some others I cant recall, while working Pole counting in Yakima

“Mountains beyond mountains” story of Dr. Paul Farmer’s work in Haiti and abroad. Listened to audiobook

“Richer by Asia” by Edmund Taylor, found book at Pirates of Ipanema Hostel in Rio, Brazil

“Although of course you end up becoming yourself; A Road trip with David Foster Wallace” by David Lipsky

“The Good Earth” by Pearl S. Buck

“Earth Warrior; Overboard with Captain Paul Watson and the Sea Shephard Conservation Society” by David B. Morris

“Whale Warriors” by Peter Heller. About Captain Paul Watson and his Sea Shephard Conservationn Society. Inspired to read these by Uncle Steve Munson upon learning he bought the vessel “Farley mowat”- the boat used by Watson in Earth Warrior.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, given to me by the Stewarts in summer visit, 2009 for my b-day present. Read in may and june 2010 while working in Aberdeen, WA.

Read most of “if I get to 10 (sp?)” given to me by Mike Fuller, father of Lindsay Fuller.

“Better Off”, by Eric Brende. Read on beach on Ko Phangan, Thailand

“The Snow Leopard” by Peter Mathieson, book I had just started reading when I met the dazzling Anna-Celina Morgaine (in a rainstorm)at the Garden Village Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

“A Short Walk through the Hindu Kush”, by Eric Newby. finished reading in Luang Prabang, Laos.

“Stones into Schools”, by Greg Mortenson, of 3 cups of tea fame. Bought at book reading in seattle where I shook his hand and received his autograph in the book!

“The last Navigator” by (uncle) Steve Thomas-finally could relate to this amazing story/anthropolical quest, after a few attempts over the years. Absolutely grand adventure of a young man about my age-one year older-30. Makes me want to get to know my uncles much more closely, all of them really, what if I did a tour around the US by bicycle and visited all of them spending one or 2 weeks with each of them and chronicling it all in a journal? That would be fascinating.