Seattle and the San Juan Islands

Springtime at Seattle's Pike Place Market

Looking back at some photos of a trip to Seattle and the San Juan Islands,

leaves me wanting to return. It was my first visit to the Northwest, and as I look at the pictures I am struck by just how beautiful it is.  If I had known then that I would be blogging, I would have taken better photos.

Seattle skyline with Mt. Olympus in the background

Not to be missed - the Japanese Gardens

Looking out from Orcas Island

These nonchalant residents didn't seem
to mind posing for my camera

Cascade Falls in Moran State Park

Harbor view from the B & B

Lovely rows of daffodils blooming just in 
time for Easter

There is so much more to the islands than these

few pictures show, but at least you have a hint of

what is in store for you if you head for the San Juans.

Eye Candy

As you might remember from previous posts, I have a thing for textiles, the more exotic the better. Lucky for me, Khazana is a mere stone's throw from my house. It is a family-owned business, importing home furnishings and textiles from places around the world, like Pakistan, India, Tibet and Morocco.


A few days ago, I had a chance to visit with the owner, who shared with me the history of some of these handwoven pieces. Lately I've had an interest in Suzanis, (the Persian word for needle), and asked if he had any among his stock. He pulled out two that were not on display, and said that he had purchased them about twenty years ago. These striking tribal textiles originated in what is now Uzbekistan, once a stop along the ancient Silk Road where the cultures of Europe, China, Islam and Turkey mingled.

A brilliant, eye-catching Suzani with centuries old motifs

Ralli quilts are made by women in the areas of southern Pakistan
and India

A baby quilt hangs on the wall as tapestry.

A colorful collection of handwork, perfect for framing or pillows

This ceremonial head dress comes from the Kalash Valley in the Southern Mountains of Pakistan. 

The nomadic tribes of Central Asia have always been known for their splendid textiles and handwoven rugs. If I have whetted your appetite, stop by Khazana at 900 N. Lamar.  

   

"Honeymoon Hobos"

Janice Shefelman is the author of a new book, Honeymoon Hobos, reflections of the yearlong honeymoon she and her husband Tom took in the mid-1950's. In Janice's words, "A journey around the world that once was." She is the author of many award-winning children's books, but this is her first book for adults.

Janice writing her initial words by hand

I had never met Janice or Tom, but had seen them frequently at the local coffee shop. When their book came out, someone suggested that they would make interesting subjects for my blog. I took the bait.

Book People hosted the launching of the Shefelman's new book, which also coincided with their anniversary.  The book signing was followed by cake and champagne. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The couple met while on a ski trip with college friends, and soon discovered that they both shared a passion for exploring the world. After a traditional wedding at Perkins Chapel on the SMU campus, and despite a good deal of trepidation on the parts of their families; they postponed careers and booked passage on a freighter headed for Japan. Tom, a young and gifted architect, was keen on studying Japanese architecture firsthand. As they traveled, he drew sketches of the people and places they visited. These sketches illuminate Janice's words, capturing moments that might otherwise have faded over the years.

Tom is both an architect and an artist

Japan was only the first of many ports-of-call. Remember, this was the 1950's, just a few years after WWII. A typical honeymoon then might have been spent in Jamaica, but these two adventurous souls were anything but typical. 
They traveled without making prior reservations, and would arrive in a town hoping to find a place to land for a night or two. Being unemployed newlyweds, their budget was very modest and they often stayed with locals or even a Buddhist monastery along the way. It was a great way to immerse themselves in the culture that surrounded them.  


I can say this, after all these years, they still are partners in life, love, and hopefully will soon be collaborating on another book.  Inspiring!


To find out more about Janice and Tom go to: www.Shefelmanbooks.com

Family Member Arrested

Before I get into the actual circumstances of the "crime", a little background information is in order. The family member in question is none other than my seventy- five year old former sister-in-law, Ann Christenson. Ann has always been someone who has inspired me with her life-long spirit of involvement. She is one of those people who does not sit on the sidelines complaining about the sorry state of affairs. She takes action, lending her voice to the issues that matter to her.


Younger than her years, she is passionate about the environment, politics and leaving the world a better place for her grandchildren. Even when living in the tiny town of Good Thunder, Minnesota, (population 500), Ann made a difference. She envisioned having a mural painted on a local grain elevator. No small endeavor considering the sheer size of such a project, a total lack of funds, and little support from the townspeople. That did not stop her. She wrote a grant to raise the money, found an artist to take on the monumental task, and stood back to marvel at the final results. Her vision and action left a legacy for the people of Good Thunder. Needless to say, she won them over.

Photo by Robert Bothmann

Recently, Ann has become aware of the environmental consequences of the proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. She and her husband John decided to be a part of the peaceful rally in Washington, D.C., and traveled from Iowa City to D.C.  First driving from Iowa City to Chicago, and then taking a train to the Capitol was anything but a leisurely trip. There were many arrests during the two week rally, and Ann and John were among those handcuffed and hauled off to jail. Apparently, the police felt that this 75 year old grandmother with a cane was a serious threat. When her children learned that their parents had been arrested, their response was that they had never been so proud.

Ann and John on the left by the barricade

Police officer putting the handcuffs on Ann

Now I ask you, what will you be doing when you are 75?