carmen love

hi all,

i am writing this teary eyed, already missin' my best buddy out here, carmen. she's off at 5 in the am to venezuela for a year, to study the rapidly changing urban landscape of caracas, a place i visited years ago. last nite, i threw a surprise party for her, and people were here dancing until two in the morn.

today, i went for a jog up in the hills as i do, and up top i saw such a beautiful sight of san francisco. it was very hazy across the bay, partially due to the fires down south i think, but the sun was shining through a small portion of the skies directly onto the water. from my view at the top of the oakland hills, i could see the sun, the haze, the city and the water, all painted before me secretly through the small cut-out of the hidden stairway running down the hill. these are moments that make me grateful to live here, although pensive about the hard times people are facing down where the santa anas blow fierce.

the ups, the downs, the in-betweens, thus far i've shared many of them with carmen. she has an ability to create community wherever she goes, and people are attracted to her personality and beauty almost immediately. she tells it like it is, but doesn't hesitate to tell you that she loves you and why. she's a promoter, a teacher, a listener and a best friend.

here is a pic of carmen, stacey and toai holding the poster that i made, and another pic of lake merritt in the sunset. very oakland.

may we all be the best friends we can be to each other, because a good friend can change your life.

much love, and safe travels.
alis