If you are in the Tri-Cities this holiday season, make sure to check out Allied Arts Gallery in Richland. Now through December 31st is the "Gallery Aglow" with a beautiful holiday display of local artists. There are great gifts of scarves, jewelry, ceramics, paintings and more. I joined the gallery many years back when I was living east of the mountains. This past weekend I brought in new framed prints, cards, and magnets for sale. This holiday season, support your local arts!

Have a wonderfully spooky night!

New designs for Halloween on my CafePress store. Spooky greeting cards, magnets, and home goods. Did I mention this is my favorite holiday? Enjoy!

The leaves are turning, The air has a definite chill. Yes, fall has arrived. It's one of my favorite seasons, For some reason it always feel more like a new year to me, maybe a hold over from my school days. It's funny how my music changes to something a little more introspective and moodier. Lorena McKennitt, Sky Cries Mary, and new artist one I discovered this spring, Tomo Nakayama. I stumbled upon a press release announcing the record release, "Fog on the Lens" where he proceeded to hold 14 concerts in 1 day all over Seattle. I caught one of these mini concerts at a Yoga studio downtown, maybe 10 people in attendance. I was smitten and bought the album right there. Tomo is from Seattle and this album seems to capture the rain and gray that is with us most of the year. Take a listen.

This idea makes so much sense to me. I know that when kids visit nursing homes, the residents look forward to it and talk about it for weeks afterwards. But it was always infrequent and there wasn't a chance for friendships to develop. Having a preschool at the nursing home allows for residents and kids to see each other on a almost daily basis. The kids benefit because who wouldn't want a room full of instant grandparents to dote on them? The video is a trailer for a movie about this very special place. 

Some of you may or may not know but I've been doing some volunteering on the Beacon Art WalkAbout, including the graphics for the poster and program map. After many months, the big day is this Saturday! I invite all of you to join us for what should be a fun filled day of art, music, and good food. 

Interesting perspective on travel.. I always say travel makes you a better person but it helps be aware of the "why" of travel.

The fact that we are all made of stars comforts me and makes me feel a part of this vast wondrous universe. 

This is a great example of using technology for a cause that needs more attention. Women's Aid, a domestic violence advocacy group in England partnered with Ocean Outdoor to create this digital ad. It starts with the face of a woman, bruised and battered with the headline of "Look at Me." As people look at the ad, facial recognition technology triggers the ad to show the woman healing. Literally, if we pay attention to domestic violence, we can stop it.