Are you ready to switch off your screens and ponder or discuss another writing/conversation prompt from my friend Tyrean Martinson’s book? Here’s my take on it. I grew up in a Southwestern German city-suburb with a decidedly rural vibe. The village of barely 6,000 inhabitants was surrounded by agricultural land. One of my classmates in […]
To Ponder
Nothing Goes Together Like Red and Blue
A Short Story… We’re not talking about flags or uniforms, we’re talking about “looks.” Looks can bring actions to a standstill. It always depends upon the wearer, the garments, and the attitude they share. Jeanie had the style that attracted and took a hold of both men and women. She had the walk, the movements, […]
Letter: Act by January 8, to let the Washington AG know that public records are important
Friends, today we widen our field of vision beyond Lakewood. We write today about open government in all of Washington. At the least, I hope this column educates you about work to keep government healthy and open. And perhaps some of you may write to the Attorney General by a deadline of Wednesday. Jan. 8, […]
Letter: Finding Love at Trader Joe’s
Submitted by Diane Tilstra. The aisles were crowded at Trader Joe’s but the sunshine streaming through the windows made me feel warm and happy. Sunshine does that to me. Suddenly my basket collided with another shopper in the sea of people scrambling for good deals. I looked up to see a tall elderly man with […]
Across the Fence: Katzenjammer
It’s quite astonishing what kind of Germanisms have made it into the English language – and what change of meaning they sometimes undergo in the process. Today’s term I want to dissect is Katzenjammer (pronounce: ‘cut-sen-yum-muh, i.e. cats wailing or cat lament). Now, if you have some awful sounds in mind, that pretty much nails […]
Gerry’s Fair Deal
A Short Story… Gerry of Gerry’s Fair Deal was owned and operated by retired Army First Sergeant Gerald McKesson, who’s motto was “Quality Laboratory Standards For Your Protection.” Gerry retired from his service as soon as he served his thirty year hitch in the army. Gerry’s son had needed a medical specialist, so Gerry returned […]
Letter: Happy Birthday Barbara
Submitted by Elizabeth Golchert. Born on January 22, 1925, Barbara Gates of Steilacoom will be celebrating her centenary birthday this month. Barbara was born in Olympia in her parents’ home and eventually settled in the Steilacoom home she and her husband, Jim (now deceased), built over sixty years ago. Barbara’s older sister, Doreen, and younger […]
Christmas Time and Friends Who Care
A Short Story… I had a great Christmas. I, of course missed my wife, Anna, who passed away two years ago. Our children called to wish me a nice Christmas, but a few nice words over the phone from several states away left me lonely no matter what I could have planned. But, when the […]
Letter: Together
Early morning will find us in a fog-bound pasture where droplets like diamonds cling as if frozen to berries and vines. Afternoons along a river we’ll sit and enjoy the quiet pastoral scene of water unhurriedly meandering past the old, gnarled tree. Life for us anymore is like where we most love to be, wandering […]