Blog

Wow, Friday the 13th was actually a lucky day for me, meaning good luck!  I gave my speech at the Rotary here in Grants Pass, the one that meets at the TapRock restaurant, and I did well.  I practiced and practiced and practiced until I had it down.  I was surprised because I thought it would be in a conference room but it was in the main dining room.  I chose to not use the podium and instead walked around.  I referred to my notes on occasion and made lots of eye contact.  Then a woman came up to me and said she really enjoyed my talk and I was jazzed, of course.  And do you know what happened?  This woman ended up buying 10 books from me the following week.  How great is that!

This was a pretty good time.  This Healthy Food Festival was held at the fairgrounds in Grants Pass, Oregon.  There were plenty of vendors, speakers, people and informative fun!  Informative fun you say!?  Yep.  Learning from anything from healthy eating to wearing healing socks; from Authors Innovative Marketing (of which I was a part) to those selling oils to socks to books and much more.  I had a great time.  Did I sell any books?  Yes.  Did I give away any books?  Certainly, through a drawing - drew two names. Plus I donated one to the event's rafle event. I gave away lots of magnetic bookmarks, magnets for the refrig, and informative rack cards.  And plenty of smiles I gave AND received.

Quoting the Beach Boys "Let's do it again!"

Marie

Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bahamas and surrounding areas - what is happening? Fires in the Western United States - and on and on.  Between crying for those under such pain, death, and destitution - and being grateful for my life - it gets to the point of "cognitive dissonance" big time.  Help however and whenever you (and I) can.  Thank you in advance for sending healing thoughts, prayers, time, money, and more to our brothers and sisters of this very fragile (yet strong) planet of ours.

Marie

Another fun day photographing these cute ducks!  This is an annual event and I believe this is the 12th year.  The Rotary sponsors this event and tickets are sold and there are winners, from $10K towards a new car to other gifts.  I didn't win this time (nor last time!)  The photos shown below:  one from 2017 (Sept. 16th) showing the "few" come tumbling down, and one image from 2011 the "one" that I captured.  It is all fun and goes to a good cause.  Enjoy.

They just couldn't wait!

Talk about "timing!"

What a day, what a fair, what a trip!  I went as an attendee but next year I plan on going as a vendor.  There were a myriad of vendors and booths.  Lots of give-aways and contests to enter, too!  I am very happy that I attended.  I ran into people I knew and met some new acquaintances and maybe (just maybe) some new friends.  Perhaps I'll see you there next year at the Boy's & Gir's Club of Grants Pass.

Marie

Well, it is smokin' in the Rogue Valley and many other places in Southern Oregon and beyond. We are surrounded by fires and today, September 3rd has got to be the worst day yet. It is creepy, to say the least.  I wonder what a nuclear fall-out typical day would look like. . .

I stay in for the most part.  

Take care.  I miss our blue skies.

The fires in Southern Oregon, and just about everywhere, so it seems - are hazy, crazy days of Summer.  Whew.  But today some blue sky and a nice sunset.  I did go for a hike yesterday up at Cathedral Hills, just barely south of Grants Pass.  It is a great "local" hiking place.  It is a little bit of sanity even in this small town, not so small anymore, especially with the crime rate increasing - sigh - 

Today off to Staples, look at a mural by Bob Eding and viewing a local photographer's images at People's Bank here in town.  

Life  can be soft and sweet and also swift and sucky - and I'll take it all.

Marie

I was one of two featured artists at Gallery One located on historic "G" street in downtown Grants Pass.  I was inside (yes - it was pretty hot even at 5 - 8 pm!) signing my book and showing my displayed photography.

It was hot, sure, but people came in nonetheless.  I even sold some books and cards!  It was fun to talk to people about "The RecordKeeper" and just to chat.  Many came by that I invited, thank you very much!

Attached are some images of my set up!

Marie

Whew! That's a mouthful! Every year, well for the past 13 anyway, Lake Selmac in Selma, Oregon (confusing I know!) holds a bluegrass festival featuring several bands and/or individuals. Talk about fun. You bring your own goodies or you can purchase food and drinks there at the lake. Check out the stage! It's an open cargo container and the lake is in the background.

This particular band is called the I V String Band, I V standing for Illinois Valley here in Southern Oregon. A fun, fun time and if you get hot go jump in the lake!

Write On!

Marie

Just back (last night) from a 3-day getaway to Bandon, Oregon. Stayed at the Best Western at Facerock. Awesome views and in an arial skyway for the crows, black birds and seagulls! Arrived on Friday the 14th and celebrated all weekend long with my birthday being on the 16th, and had just a fun yet restful time. Visited the downtown Bandon area, of course. Went to the beach and beach combed, of course. I'll include a few photos with this trip. Went to Dillard Horse Camping Park and drove all the way to the lighthouse (non working and cannot go up to the top, only inside) which was awesome to look at the rivers as it meets the ocean. Ate at Edgewater's twice, once to take away fish and chips (yum) and the other for my birthday dinner- triple yum. Photos attached.