My mom and her siblings grew up on the edge of a vast green space, where old-growth timber hugged primitive deer trails, and a zoo served up elephants and bears in “old school” cages of concrete and iron. It was wilderness back then when Tacoma’s North End was largely undeveloped. Their log cabin overlooked the flowing lawns of Point Defiance Park and was just high enough in … [Read more...] about Point Defiance Park — the best day in Tacoma wilderness
Salish Sea
Where to begin a journey learning about the Coast Salish People — museums & art around Seattle
About 12,000 years ago, the last great glacier smothering Western Washington crawled through the path of least resistance, leaving behind the rolling islands and deep waters comprising the Salish Sea. Since then, people have lived in this part of the world, basking in the beauty and bounty of the land. Over time, tribal structures developed and the Coast Salish People … [Read more...] about Where to begin a journey learning about the Coast Salish People — museums & art around Seattle
My favorite places in Seattle through the lens of the Major Arcana of tarot
The Salish Sea flows in and out of the waters around Seattle twice every day, infusing life in a cycle that goes back to time immemorial. I've lived here now for ten years and the Emerald City is secure within my being. I've written quite a number of articles on the area -- mostly focusing on the colors and textures of the many green spaces -- but never in a manner that … [Read more...] about My favorite places in Seattle through the lens of the Major Arcana of tarot
23 interesting things to do in Port Townsend, Washington
A historic harbor exists in a place where the tidal sways of the Salish Sea wash daily to fold into the powerful Pacific Ocean. They meet along the Strait of Juan de Fuca -- separating the United States and Canada by 12 miles. Here, it seems that all the elements unite to create a balanced ecosystem, complete with proud cedar and fir trees leading to the pebbly shores. Just … [Read more...] about 23 interesting things to do in Port Townsend, Washington
Celebration and remembering this 4th of July
The watershed 1855 Point Elliott Treaty, signed near present day Mukilteo, Washington, drastically reduced Salish tribal lands. It was negotiated using about 300 Chinook Jargon words — which made nuances unclear to many of the signatories, who mostly spoke versions of Lushootseed. The Snohomish, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, and other ally tribes were combined into the area … [Read more...] about Celebration and remembering this 4th of July
