Massive Thunderstorm Over Helsinki

lightning strike over Helsinki

The photo above is an example of lightning from the massive thunderstorm that rolled over Helsinki and surrounding towns earlier this month. YouTube has many videos of this incredible storm and I've found these from different perspectives to show you. I love these storms [as long as everyone is safe] and unfortunately [or not, depending on your perspective] here in my small corner of the world we rarely have these. So far this summer, we haven't even had a rumble of thunder, much less anything so dramatic! Yes, many places around the USA routinely suffer from thunderstorms which curtail outdoor activities, cause power outages, flash floods, property damage, automobile accidents and even death. The power of these storms can overwhelm the infrastructure and cause irreparable grief to many families.

That notwithstanding, watch these videos and you will witness the power and the majesty of nature in all its force. This monster is awesome! The first video is just a hint of what is to come.

From the beach, a "Jaws" moment:




With an industrial area in the distance:




From a residential area:




From a sidewalk cafe in town:



And if you enjoy these, do check out all the additional videos of this event. It's one of the most well documented storms I've seen in a long time.

In the information below I've included an interesting page of Helsinki street fashions, which has absolutely nothing to do with the storm, but is a lot of fun and shows a wide variety of creative clothing choices. Combined with the storm, these fashions are inspiring! And perhaps you'll gain some insight as to the character of the people of Helsinki. [I think I'd like them a lot!!!] Have fun!

For more information: Helsinki, Finland, visit Helsinki, fashion in Helsinki "Hel Looks", thunderstorm facts, more thunderstorm info.

Thank you for visiting!

Writer's Challenge 2010: Deadline "I" thru "Q"

Writer's Challenge Deadline!

The deadline for the Writer's Challenge 2010 words "I" through "Q" is November 8, 2010. Please submit your work to the weeks you wish to enter by adding it as a comment in the appropriate week's comment section.

The Writer's Challenge 2010 features three pre-chosen themes each week. Your entry will be considered for re-publication online in the first Sunflower Ranch Anthology.

You are challenged to write up to 200 words on one of the three theme words we offer each week. You may write on all three subjects -- but not in the same piece. Please only submit one piece per theme word. Make each poem, short story, essay, or mini-drama a separate reply in the comment section for that week. All links for the November 8 deadline are listed below.

I words: ice, idol, infect
J words: jab, jeer, joy
K words: key, kind, knot
L words: lash, line, lore
M words: mask, miss, muse
N words: near, nip, now
O words: only, open, over
P words: pair, pin, pure
Q words: quake, quest, quiver

Remember to keep all your work to 200 words or less. *A note about language appropriateness: no vulgarities, obscenities, or anything offensive, please. Your work should be for general audiences.*

If your work is chosen for the anthology, you will be contacted through your blog at that time. If you don't have a blog, include your Twitter name or email address so we can reach you. For email, use this format: youremailname at serviceprovider dot com. [That should keep the autobots from sending you spam.]

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the challenges, please put them in the comment section below and I will do my best to explain it. Once the deadline has been passed, it will be closed to entries, no exceptions.

To recap -- the deadline for "I" through "Q" is November 8, 2010. Enter as many weeks as you wish. But primarily, have some fun with these!

Thank you and good luck!

The Spider and The Fly

click to enlarge

The Spider and the Fly
by
Mary Howitt

Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"

Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --
Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!

And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

For more information: Wiki article on poem, Mary Howitt bio, another bio, Mary Howitt: an autobiography, Volume 1, Howitt poetry online.

Thanks for visiting!

Stop Bullying Now

two girls bully another girl

The problem of bullying is as old as schools and kids themselves. It's not new behavior in the course of human culture -- but today, it is more widespread and more noticed.

a boy assaults a smaller boy

I have to say everyone in my family was extremely lucky not to have been annoyed or hurt by bullies while going through school. So, I have no firsthand knowledge of the pain of bullying. However, that being said, I have witnessed friends while in school and later children of friends who were victims of bullying and it's not an experience for the faint of heart. It can devastate all the children in a family and hurt family relationships. Academic excellence and achievement can suffer and by extension, the future livelihood and happiness of the bullied victim.

a victim pleads with you for help

I have found some excellent resources for you to study. If parents, grandparents, guardians, and activity leaders [scouts, sports, after school clubs] as well as teachers know the signs of bullying, it will stop the scourge of bullying. Many school districts provide seminars for teachers to identify bullying and make proactive changes in their classrooms. Over 40 states in the US have laws regarding bullying. If those laws were enforced, there definitely would be fewer bullying incidents and the perpetrators would be stopped. A bully's behavior can be modified through education, understanding and appropriate punishment.

Sadly, the problem has escalated to such an extent that many parents are at their wit's end. They try everything to find a good, safe and effective learning environment for their child from changing classrooms or schools or home schooling or even moving to a different school district or state. Bullying can pressure a family to the breaking point.

a boy in despair

Don't let your young loved one suffer one more day at the hands of a bully. Take a proactive approach and put a stop to it now. Stop the systematic bullying rampant in schools today. Get involved in your PTA and rid your school of bullying. Check out the links below for more information and good luck. A child is counting on you!

For more information: Dr. Ken Rigby's bullying info, Stop Bullying Now, Preventing Bullying in Your Child's Life, Cops Guide to Bullying in Schools [pdf], US Gov advice for kids & parents, anti-bullying programs, anti-bullying skills kids can use immediately.

Thank you for visiting!

Meteors over Mt. Rainier

click to enlarge

Here are two awesome time-lapse videos of the recent Perseid meteor shower over Mt. Rainier. The flashes in the second video are probably automobile headlights -- but they could be dry lightning strikes. [It has been noted that Mt. Rainier has its own weather patterns, different from the surrounding area.] There are campfires or possibly forest fires burning on the mountain, too, which you can also see. Enlarge the videos for best viewing. Enjoy!

Here is the first video:



And here's the second video:



For more information: Wiki Perseid article, updated 2010 Perseid info, Mt. Rainier National Park, visit Mt. Rainier, more Mt. Rainier info, Washington state tourism.

Thanks for visiting!

Made in the USA -- Not Scotland

click to enlarge

For an explanation of where this cartoon originated, click here. To see more this cartoonist's work check out his website or visit RedState.com.

Thanks for visiting!

Writer's Challenge 2010: Deadline "A" thru "H"

Writer's Challenge Deadline!

The deadline for the Writer's Challenge 2010 words "A" through "H" is November 1, 2010. Please submit your work to the weeks you wish to enter by adding it as a comment in the appropriate week's comment section.

The Writer's Challenge 2010 features three pre-chosen themes each week. Your entry will be considered for re-publication online in the first Sunflower Ranch Anthology.

You are challenged to write up to 200 words on one of the three theme words we offer each week. You may write on all three subjects -- but not in the same piece. Please only submit one piece per theme word. Make each poem, short story, essay, or mini-drama a separate reply in the comment section for that week. All links for the November 1 deadline are listed below.

A words: area, acid, azure
B words: bird, boy, buzz
C words: cool, carp, cloak
D words: date, dirt, drift
E words: easy, echo, end
F words: fall, fire, forge
G words: goal, good, grip
H words: heat, help, hold

Remember to keep all your work to 200 words or less. *A note about language appropriateness: no vulgarities, obscenities, or anything offensive, please. Your work should be for general audiences.*

If your work is chosen for the anthology, you will be contacted through your blog at that time. If you don't have a blog, include your Twitter name or email address so we can reach you. For email, use this format: youremailname at serviceprovider dot com. [That should keep the autobots from sending you spam.]

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the challenges, please put them in the comment section below and I will do my best to explain it. Once the deadline has been passed, it will be closed to entries, no exceptions.

To recap -- the deadline for "A" through "H" is November 1, 2010. Enter as many weeks as you wish. But primarily, have some fun with these!

Thank you and good luck!

Container Garden Serenity

click to enlarge

It is a good idea to be alone in a garden at dawn or dark so that all its shy presence may haunt you and possess you in a reverie of suspended thought.
~James Douglas
Down Shoe Lane

A deliciously sweet and spicy scent floods this patio at twilight. There is a soft and gentle breeze that barely ruffles the leaves. It's restful here, a place to sip a cool drink, listen to the birds, and let the events of the day fade into memory. This is why we garden -- to have a moment to enjoy and revel quietly in nature.

Any deck, patio, porch, lawn, or backyard corner will do. All you need is some containers of fragrant flowers, a bit of shade, a cool drink and a half an hour to lean back in a favorite garden chair. It's the best way to relax and refresh after a strenuous or stressful day before your evening activities.

It's not too late in the season to try it. Many garden stores have their pre-potted spring and summer plants on clearance now. Pick up a few, follow the recommended care guides and you'll have an instant retreat to enjoy for the rest of the season.

For more information: petunia, more petunia, and more petunia info, types of flowers, flower guide, spring flowers, summer flowers, autumn flowers, container gardening, container vegetable gardening pdf file to download [may be slow even with broadband -- please be patient!].

Thank you for visiting!

Positive Thinking for Success

click to enlarge

If you're discouraged or stagnating in your job or job search, don't despair. You will be successful -- but you know it's going to take hard work and faith in yourself to succeed. You may have heard of The Secret. It's a newer version of proven positive thinking techniques that will get you into the proper frame of mind for success. Another book, published originally in 1926, is called It Works and it lives up to its name.

Whether you use a more modern interpretation of these timeless, universal principles, or one of the older, more established versions, positive thinking, goal setting, and a commitment to your success will bring that success to you.

The author of It Works wrote it anonymously, leaving his initials as RHJ. He was a highly successful businessman and wanted to pass on his principles to anyone who would like to have them. He goes into some detail about The Plan that he followed to his complete success. Here are the basics:

Three Positive Rules of Accomplishment

1. Read the list of what you want three times each day: morning, noon and night.

2. Think of what you want as often as possible.

3. Do not talk to anyone about your plan except to the Great Power within you which will unfold to your Objective Mind the method of accomplishment.

RHJ does not go into any religious metaphysics. Instead, he puts your success squarely on your own shoulders. I recommend this book -- it's as simple as can be and it's even appropriate for youngsters.

I have included links below for many free ebook classics for growing your success, links to articles, goal setting tips, and a variety of books on prosperity to keep you motivated. My favorite writer is Catherine Ponder, but she comes from a New Thought-Practical Christian point of view you may not find useful. I have included a few contemporary books on the destruction of American prosperity -- but don't let that stop you from trying to achieve success. Keep working and good luck!

For more information: prosperity, New Thought, success, goal setting, goal setting worksheet pdf to print, page of free prosperity ebooks to download, more free prosperity ebooks to download.

Thank you for visiting!

Pres. Lincoln Sells Car Insurance

President and Mrs. Lincoln at home

I have no interest [monetary or otherwise] in selling car insurance for Geico -- but I have to share this with you. I think it's brilliant! In 31 seconds, we experience the illustration of our common belief in the personality and demeanor of "Honest" Abe, our 16th president. The filmmakers did a fantastic job of recreating a scene of the President and Mrs. Lincoln in a casual moment alone. Of course moving pictures had not been invented yet -- it would be approximately 30 years later that some resemblance of film as we know it today would be successfully invented. And sound was not perfected and distributed before the mid-1920s when film with a synchronized record initiated the sound era. [Full sound-on-film technology came later in the decade. The Jazz Singer [1927] has been given credit for the first sound film widely distributed.]

All that being said, this 31 second film is a masterpiece! The film looks like a partially deteriorated [un-restored] early sound film. Two lines of dialogue says it all. Simply put, it's a delight.



Mary Todd Lincoln is fascinating! What character actress wouldn't love to play that unfortunate woman, a life stalked by tragedy through war, her husband's assassination, her own brush with an assassin, bouts of mental instability, and the early death of three of her four children? Here she sums up her frustration with life simply by flouncing out of the room. [It's actually very funny.]

Her husband comes across as a thoughtful fellow, reluctant to hurt his loving wife by telling her the truth. But he can't help himself, delivers the devastating blow as sweetly as possible, and predictably, she stomps off, angry as can be.

For more information: Mary Todd Lincoln bio, additional Mary Todd Lincoln bio, Abraham Lincoln bio, additional Lincoln biographical information, motion picture invention, history of film, history of movie sound.

Thank you for visiting.

Dr. Seuss Updated

updated Dr. Seuss character
with green eggs & ham

A new, updated, Dr. Seuss book:

I do not like this Uncle Sam,

I do not like his health care scam.

I do not like these dirty crooks,

or how they lie and cook the books.

I do not like when Congress steals,

I do not like their secret deals.

I do not like this speaker, Nan,

I do not like this 'YES WE CAN.'

I do not like this spending spree,

I'm smart, I know that nothing's free.

I do not like your smug replies,

when I complain about your lies.

I do not like this kind of hope.

I do not like it, nope, nope, nope!

Thank you for visiting!

Writer's Challenge 2010: "Z"

Take the Challenge!

The Writer's Challenge 2010 features three pre-chosen themes each week. Your entry will be considered for re-publication online in the first Sunflower Ranch Anthology.

You are challenged to write up to 200 words on one of the three theme words we offer each week. You may write on all three subjects -- but not in the same piece. Please only submit one piece per theme word. Make each poem, short story, essay, or mini-drama a separate reply below in the comment section and remember to keep all your work to 200 words or less. *A note about language appropriateness: no vulgarities, obscenities, or anything offensive, please. Your work should be for general audiences.*

Each week you will have a new group of three words to choose from. At the end of the year, I would like to choose the "best of the best" and publish them in an online anthology at the Sunflower Ranch website.

You are encouraged to write each week. All the challenges will remain online here at the blog and you can add a new poem at any time. Use the search feature on the right to find the series by putting Writer's Challenge 2010 in the search box. Feel free to add your work to any challenge throughout the year. After we reach the last challenge, you will have about a month to add your final submissions. If your work is chosen for the anthology, you will be contacted through your blog at that time. If you don't have a blog, include your Twitter name or email address so we can reach you. For email, use this format: youremailname at serviceprovider dot com. [That should keep the autobots from sending you spam.]

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the challenges, please put them in the comment section below and I will do my best to explain it. Remember, no deadlines, write as many pieces as you wish, and oh, primarily, have some fun with these! Click here for last week's Challenge.

Here are your words for this week: zap, zip, zoom

Thank you and good luck!

Time is a River

The Columbia River near Astoria, Oregon
click to enlarge

It is only in appearance that time is a river. It is rather a vast landscape and it is the eye of the beholder that moves.
~Thornton Wilder

My niece sent me this photo of the Columbia River with the Astoria Bridge in the background. The Columbia has a timeless quality to it, as all great rivers do. The Thornton Wilder comment above seemed to describe her photo perfectly, with the movement of the river frozen in the moment it was snapped, and stretched out as the vast landscape of possibilities between the viewer and the far bank of the river.

And finding the Wilder comment reminded me of all the wonderful experiences I had while performing, producing or directing his work for the stage. He is truly an icon of the American theatre. From my earliest beginning acting classes [where we used scenes from Our Town and The Crucible,] to one of my first directorial efforts with The Skin of Our Teeth, I have enjoyed interpreting his work and entertaining a wide variety of people. It was great fun!

However, it's been many years since I have acted in or directed one of his dramas and I had forgotten an awful lot of details about his life and his body of work. I found some great links to explore and I'm sharing them here with you. He was an interesting man, and knowing more about him will make reading his novels or seeing his plays a deeper and more meaningful experience.

As to the photo of the Columbia River, I've included some excellent links with information about the recreational area of the river, known as the Columbia River Gorge. I've also included links for the biggest city at the mouth of the river, Astoria, Oregon. I hope you'll have the opportunity to explore the entire length of the river. It's one of my favorite areas of the Pacific Northwest -- full of history, activities, and enough scenery to take your breath away.

For more information: Thornton Wilder biography, more biographical notes, The Thornton Wilder Society, Our Town background & synopsis, The Skin of Our Teeth background & synopsis, Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge tourism, maps of the Gorge area, Astoria, OR, Astoria Bridge.

Thanks for visiting!

2010 Perseid Meteor Shower

from last year's meteor shower

The annual Perseid meteor shower has arrived! They are visible across Europe and North America for a few days, with the most intense displays on August 12 and 13, after midnight and into the wee hours, with the best times a few hours before dawn.

At the old Sunflower Ranch, hubby and I used to sit on our deck and face the northeast and enjoy the show, even with the ambient city lights glowing all around us. Though these meteors supposedly come from the northeast, we also saw them flaming out over our heads from the south. I'm no astronomer, so I have no scientific explanation for it. All I know is, the display on a clear moonless night is breathtaking -- and you don't have to be in the desert to enjoy it.

Once you have arranged your schedule to have an hour or two under the stars in an area with as little ambient light as possible, look to your comfort and dress appropriately for the overnight conditions. Here, that means a jacket to ward off the dampness and of course insect repellent to enjoy a "bug-free" night out with the shooting stars -- and the mosquitoes.

Finally, choose your lounger, chair, or camp bed and settle in for a comfortable night to enjoy the falling stars!

We've had great "star parties" with friends and food and music -- but it's not a nice thing to disturb the neighbors during the week -- it's bad enough if the party gets loud on the weekend at 3:30am -- but wow, it's a lot of fun! I hope you can try it tonight!

For more information: Wiki definition, Perseid meteor shower 2010, best viewing tips, guide to viewing, more information, planets align for meteor shower.

Thank you for visiting!

Blue Angels Over Seattle

click to enlarge

This past week has been Seattle's Seafair celebration. The entire week is filled with parades, boat races, an air show over Lake Washington, raucous Seafair Pirates running amok passing out goodies and carting off unsuspecting young ladies [all in good fun, nothing abusive or vulgar] and lots of other wholesome family activities, including a triathlon, fun run and milk carton derby. Our weather sometimes cooperates and the events take place under deep blue and cloudless skies.

This year, however, the events were damped down a bit with bursts of heavy rain on Saturday and persistent low clouds on Sunday, the final day of the hydroplane races and air show on Lake Washington.

But our spirits were not dampened in the least. The highlight and by far the most popular event of the entire week is the Sunday air show featuring the US Navy's Blue Angels. While hydroplane racing takes place all day, the breaks between boat racing heats are filled with the famous Blue Angels and other outstanding aerial performers. This is when we really pay attention.

I have included a link to a video of Saturday's Blue Angel performance. I hope you love their precision flying. It just takes my breath away!

When we have been at the lake visiting friends or picnicking a hush would fall over the crowd in anticipation of the Angels. As they thundered overhead the crowd would erupt in cheers, whistles, and screams of a hundred thousand people all letting loose at the top of their voices, showing their appreciation. Something about those magnificent jets prompted us all to add our own noise to the roar of their engines! The low altitude show, performed in heavy overcast, cloudy, or light rainy conditions means the jets are closer to the ground for the entire show -- and it has the effect of making the spectators one with the machines and the pilots. It's always especially exciting to see the reactions of children seeing the jets up close and personal for the first time -- they are transfixed and excited and always begging for more.

What more could you ask for in family entertainment? Generally these performances are safe, as the so-called risky maneuvers are over the water and normal air traffic lanes leading to Boeing Field and Seattle Tacoma International Airport. Both major airports are shut to commercial and general aviation while all rehearsals and performances are taking place. The fields are only open to the Blue Angels and other pilots in the airshow.

We lived on a hill south of the lake and were near one of the turn around points for the Blue Angels and what a sight it was to see them skim the rooftops! At that home [the old Sunflower Ranch] we'd stake out a shady spot under the apple tree and watch the entire show from the comfort of our own back yard.

Out here in rural Pierce County, miles from the air show, we had many squadrons of older, propeller driven aircraft fly in formation the last few days. We think they had either just finished their portion of the airshow and were preparing to land at one of our tiny airstrips, or they had just taken off and were preparing to approach the lake and dazzle the crowds. At any rate, it was fun seeing more than one group of small gaily colored single-engine planes fly by in tight formation buzzing along over the treetops.

For more information: video link of Blue Angels, Blue Angels official website, Seattle Seafair celebration, history of Seattle, Seattle tourism, Washington state tourism.

Thanks for visiting!

Dragonfly Drama

dragonfly in birdbath

A dear friend sent these photographs and the story of an incident in his garden. This dragonfly was in distress and possibly dead. I'll let him tell the story from here.

click to enlarge

"I was in the kitchen this morning fixing my Dear Wife's lunch when she came in and said there was a dragonfly in the birdbath. I went out and looked and sure enough, it looked expired, resting its head on a floating leaf like a pillow. A little later, as I was walking the dog, I wondered why I didn't take some pictures of the poor little thing.

"When we got home I grabbed the camera and dashed out there and lo and behold! -- there it was fluttering around, still in the water, but happily, not dead. While I snapped the pictures, my Dear Wife fetched me the large plastic spatula and I lifted it out of the water to a nice perch in the quince tree nearby."

click to enlarge

"It began to flex its wings back and forth, presumably to dry them. When I came out later it was gone. I looked on the ground and didn't see it, so I'll wish it flew off and didn't fall victim to a passing robin or starling.

"Maybe it was just hungover. There was a party up the street the night before and perhaps it ate too many mosquitoes that had bitten the heavy drinkers. (Oh, man! I woke up face down in a birdbath this morning and have NO idea how I got there!)"

click to enlarge

He added that his "next camera will have a really nice macro lens," so he can take better closeups.

It was a happy ending just the same. I love these kind of stories, and I'm so glad he rescued it! When I see a dragonfly buzzing around my lawn and garden, I will always think of the one who almost didn't make it -- but did, thanks to the kindness of humans who love them.

For more information: Wiki description of dragonflies, dragonfly symbolism, how to make a dragonfly garden, American Robin, European Starling, birdbaths, quince.

Thank you for visiting!

Writer's Challenge 2010: "Y"

Take the Challenge!

The Writer's Challenge 2010 features three pre-chosen themes each week. Your entry will be considered for re-publication online in the first Sunflower Ranch Anthology.

You are challenged to write up to 200 words on one of the three theme words we offer each week. You may write on all three subjects -- but not in the same piece. Please only submit one piece per theme word. Make each poem, short story, essay, or mini-drama a separate reply below in the comment section and remember to keep all your work to 200 words or less. *A note about language appropriateness: no vulgarities, obscenities, or anything offensive, please. Your work should be for general audiences.*

Each week you will have a new group of three words to choose from. At the end of the year, I would like to choose the "best of the best" and publish them in an online anthology at the Sunflower Ranch website.

You are encouraged to write each week. All the challenges will remain online here at the blog and you can add a new poem at any time. Use the search feature on the right to find the series by putting Writer's Challenge 2010 in the search box. Feel free to add your work to any challenge throughout the year. After we reach the last challenge, you will have about a month to add your final submissions. If your work is chosen for the anthology, you will be contacted through your blog at that time. If you don't have a blog, include your Twitter name or email address so we can reach you. For email, use this format: youremailname at serviceprovider dot com. [That should keep the autobots from sending you spam.]

If you have any questions or need any clarification of the challenges, please put them in the comment section below and I will do my best to explain it. Remember, no deadlines, write as many pieces as you wish, and oh, primarily, have some fun with these! Click here for last week's Challenge.

Here are your words for this week: yarn, yet, you

Thank you and good luck!

In The Foothills

click to enlarge

This sweet farm is snuggled in the foothills of Pierce County. Last week when we were out on a drive, we left the damp and overcast skies of our home in the forest and headed to higher elevations. We weren't disappointed, as the sun was out and not too hot, but abuzz with a gentle breeze, some butterflies and a lot of songbirds. We liked the looks of this place, but didn't linger, due to the sign posted at the gate.


On our drive into the twisting back roads dotted with many small farms and ranches, we also encountered a magnificent but nervous black-tailed deer. It leapt across the road from our left and then once in the tall grass on our right immediately turned around and leapt back! Thank goodness we were alone on the road and I had stopped the car. After the second leap, we waited a few moments and cautiously crept forward. There is a reason the speed limit in the backcountry roads is low. Though we were on a pot-hole free road [paved and striped no less], the limit was only 35 mph with the blind curves posted at 10 mph. They don't even bother to post the deer crossing warning sign -- you can figure those would have to be posted every 50 feet!

We scouted alpine lakes for fishing and found so many beautiful spots, we hope to return in the next few weeks as our short summer winds down. I've included links below to historical features, areas of interest, and fishing in Pierce County.

I hope you have fun exploring this unique area of Washington state -- I know we will!

For more information: black-tailed deer, Washington state tourism, visit Mt. Rainier, visit Pierce County, WA, Pierce County, history of Pierce County, National Register of Historic Places listings in Pierce County, WA fishing license, silver trout.

Thanks for visiting!

Wildfires of the West

click to enlarge

Last night's sunset over Puget Sound had an eerie look to it. The hazy overcast, the deep orange sun, and the scent of smoke in the air convinced all but the most skeptical there were forest fires burning nearby.

According to the local television news, the fires affecting Western Washington originated in British Columbia, Canada. See the links below for more information.

Here is a video of a recent wildfire in the Lake Chelan [Washington state] area. You can see what a wildfire looks like at a distance from the freeway, and also see closeups of firefighting via helicopter. [If traveling in BC or Washington, please check the websites for the most up-to-date information about the location and intensity of current fires.]



Here is a time-lapse video of the sunset from Seattle.



For more information: KOMO news story, updated photo gallery, British Columbia wildfires, Washington state wildfires, Wiki wildfire description, British Columbia tourism, Lake Chelan tourism, Washington state tourism.

Thank you so much for visiting!