Pacific Migration

7/29/26

Hi Everyone -

This Summer Solstice, I migrated from my cherished, island home in Western Canada to Southern California’s expansive coastline. Traced the Pacific in June, just like Grey Whale in January. A pilgrimage to hallowed river after another: Columbia, Klamath, Sacramento; Salmon swimming in my mind; Orca encircling (always).

Inland hallmarked by the inevitable Shasta swoon. Moved by animal moments, vegetable miracles and minerals to sustain the journey. All with my trusty sidekick Whalekitties; graceful in transit, yet eager to arrive in their new space.

It’s wild to leave a place you love and obsess over. One who loves you back in every measure! It felt more like a graduation than a move; a sense of completion, accomplishment, relationship on every level; love letters strewn about and blessings for the road. With the joy, even triumph, of the past seven years in my heart. And so little intel of what is to come, only inklings. It remains a complete transition of trust; transformation fueled by orange sun, salt air, canyon heat and fruit abundant.

I am sure you can imagine the equalizing in being emptied from the mountain streams of a modest island, back into the channels of the big world. I am noting every detail. Not so much in comparison, as these places are relatives along the same sea. More like an environmental assessment of my new surroundings. Who is well, who needs protection, who has society conveniently overlooked, what is the temperature of engagement with terrain…where do I fit into this cultural and ecological milieu? Where is refuge so I may create more of it?

I cherish my first, most welcoming friends. Acorn Woodpecker stands out; chatty chatty at the dusk I love anywhere. Fence Lizards: some shy and scurrying, others enjoying hospitably long gazes. And oh my gosh the Monarchs! I have returned to having a Eucalyptus outside my window. I know the air is pure when I can only smell her, dropping buttons onto dry earth. Corvid and Pine also join me here; it’s those bridging both ecosystems who feel extra special. My way of knitting two lives together into one, seamless experience of earth affection. Reunions, too, like my beloved, charismatic-to-many, Pelican!

Most uncoincidentally, my immigration coincides with the captive Belugas from Ontario, Canada and their placement in facilities across the US. My prayer remains that with us both operating in new systems and spaces, we can continue to coordinate our efforts most resolutely. That freshly imagined doors of opportunity open for their incredible insights and energies to reach hearts in a way more in equivalence with their divine nature (every pun intended).

The magic of Fauna Speak is that where I go, there she is! I am sharing, writing and hosting sessions purr usual. Including a summer sale in celebration of our momentous migration. All the details are here.

silent vultures in a swaying tree,
Kristen

PS - Sea y’all at the next Whale + Dolphin Circle this Thursday, July 30th.