A “gem among native plants,” the trillium flower in the forest is “like finding a secret treasure that only nature could hide so well,” extolled a gardening website. These native beauties – treasures in the forest, bestowed with exceptional grace, adorned with delicate beauty, dressed as if attending a gala, with flowing silk of intricate […]
To Ponder
Almost, Maine Review – Tacoma Little Theatre
I like the New York comment by Catherine Rampell from ten years ago: “Almost, Maine,” . . . is basically a higher-concept and more clever version of Hollywood hits like “Love Actually“ and “Valentine’s Day.” But this rom-com leans on shrewd writing rather than star power in its nine interlocking love stories, all happening in […]
Nice and Improved Northwest Water View
Jada slowed her run and then stopped and got out a sippy cup. After a long and cooling drink she closed her cup and started running further down the sidewalk. Being a man I watched her jogging and bouncing down the hill. I had seen her run before, and it was always worth another look. […]
Let’s Talk! – Common As Mud
I wasn’t sure when I found this topic to be the next to be pondered in my friend Tyrean Martinson’s book about writing prompts. To be honest, the first thought I came up with were the mudflats around Willapa Bay. They are numerous, and I have never seen anything like them before. They would probably […]
Across the Fence: Gesamtkunstwerk
You may have never come across this Germanism in the English language (I know I haven’t), but apparently it is one. Don’t be daunted by the length of the term nor by four consonants in a row. Gesamtkunstwerk is simply a composite of the three words “gesamt” (pronounce: ga’zumpt, meaning overall, cumulative), “Kunst” (pronounce: koonst, […]
Letter: That’s Love Isn’t It
It’s a magical place, the forest. Unearthly quiet, shadows deep, filtered sunlight, the faint sound of the river the only disturbance of the silence, and that not at all distracting but rather serving as an orchestral interlude, a soft, pleasant melody, accompanying you on your explorations. Your breathing is not labored given you’re going so […]
Acting Proper and Proper Acting
Nora could have been a great looking woman. She loved acting, but she sometimes took everything too literally and had issues with almost every director she had ever met. Nora spoke up for herself and often was never asked a second or third time to try out for a part in a local production. She […]
Letter: She’s the Reason
Flowers are beautiful whether we notice them or not. And sometimes in the flower garden the sheer number of flowers may mean individual flowers – their own exquisite beauty, their own delicate artistry, all that makes up the characteristics fairly shouting their identity – are not seen. But then there she is. And you stop, […]
Letter: Loving in the Rain
“Singin’ in the Rain” was the centerpiece of the film by that title (1952) in which Gene Kelly memorably dances to the song “while splashing through puddles during a rainstorm in California.” “Why am I smilin’ and why do I sing?Why does December seem sunny as Spring?Why do I get up each morning to startAnd get […]