Jennifer Harker's Page

At the end of a cul-de-sac here in Lompoc, California is the original site of the Spanish mission La Purisima de la Concepcion de Maria Santissima (I hope I got the full name right). The mission was built at the very base of rolling hills overlooking the valley.

Well, in 1812, while the U.S and England had each other by the throat in a pointless war, a massive earthquake struck this region. The mission was destroyed. It was later rebuilt 5 miles east of town, where it stands today. All that is… Continue

On the oldest street in my town, where the town first sprang to life, are two rows of enormous Stone Pine trees. These trees are worth millions of dollars and have been described in guidebooks as "the most beautiful stand of Stone Pine outside of Italy". Yes, we here in Lompoc are proud of our Stone Pines.

Unfortunately, the trees, being old, are beginning to show signs of mortality. We lost three of the trees to tree rot in the last six months. They have since been replaced by new Stone Pines,… Continue

I decided to use an excellent suggestion from Anamere ( thank you) by listing the pros and cons of whether I should go to Ecuador or stay home and keep plugging at work. I decided to write my list here so objective eyes can see it.

Why I should risk the little money I have by going to Ecuador to work for a short time on an organic farm:

1. To broaden my horizons
2. To experience the rain forest before it disappears
3. To learn organic farming methods.
4. To climb a volcano! To be awakened by h… Continue

This isn't an essay or one of my anecdotes, but a scream for help. Decision-making has never come easily for me because I have learned not to trust my unpredictable epileptic brain. So I come here humbly seeking advice.

The problem: The economy has not treated me kindly. It is growing harder to find freelance writing work because of the mounting competition. In other words, I'm nearly broke.

Now, I have an opportunity to go to Ecuador for a month and a half to live and work on an educational g… Continue

Emma, my Diamond Dove, surprised me the other day by landing on my left knee. She sat on my knee several minutes while I worked on my computer and then flew back to her cage. Okay. Fine. I put it out of my head.

The next day I rode my bicycle ten miles out to the beach, something I have done plenty of times before. But when I returned home my left knee ached. I chalked it up to age. I decided to give it reiki later when I had time. I turned on the computer and settled down to write.

Emma flew… Continue