Get a jump start on holiday shopping and support our local artists too.
Check out the “Art From The Heart Holiday Arts & Crafts” sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Driftwood Key Clubhouse. You’ll find handmade pottery, jewelry, quilts, tree ornaments, greeting cards, knits, driftwood and shell art, bird photography and so much more.
While there, treat yourself to something sweet from the Hansville Helping Hands Bake Sale.
Attention artists: if you act fast, you can still sign up. Contact Susan Gray, who is organizing the sale, at susangraydesigns@gmail.com.
Stay Sharp, Read More … “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” wrote 18th-century essayist Joseph Addison. I’m sure you’ll agree that still holds true.
You can choose from thousands of good reads at the Greater Hansville Community Center’s Fall Book Sale, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 4 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 5. Hardcover books are $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents, so stock up for the long winter days ahead.
“We have plenty of mysteries, the most popular category, plus a large selection of hardcover fiction, and hundreds of cookbooks,” said Lynn Hix, coordinator of the sale. Other not-to-miss categories: history, biography, sci-fi, gardening, travel, art and self-help books.
“Many people look forward to our outstanding collection of vintage books every year,” Hix added. “And kids always love our assortment of children’s books.” There are also CDs and DVDs for just $1.
The Point is an IBA … Hope you noticed the new sign on the beach at Point No Point that explains why the area was designated an Important Birding Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. IBAs are recognized internationally as key sites for nesting or migrating birds that warrant special protection.
This month, birds from the Arctic are arriving in great numbers to stay until spring.
“The Point is a popular winter hangout for Heermann’s gulls, Bonaparte’s gulls, ancient murrelets, marbled murrelets, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, common terns and a variety of grebes, scoters and other marine birds,” said Gene Bullock, education chair of the Kitsap Audubon Society.
As Bullock is also responsible for the new sign, he advises that one of the best times for viewing is about an hour after high tide when food is abundant. Don’t forget your binoculars. If you have trouble identifying the birds, try the free Merlin Bird ID app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. You quickly answer a few multiple-choice questions (size, color, location) and it tells you what you’re looking at. They’re almost always right.
Thank you very much … Thanksgiving meals may be fattening, but the holiday is actually good for us. Studies show that giving thanks for what we have and cultivating that sense of gratitude all year long, leads to a higher level of life satisfaction, a greater sense of happiness and a more positive, optimistic attitude. Marcia Randall DeBard, who teaches yoga at the Greater Hansville Community Center weekdays at 10 a.m., agrees.
She believes gratitude can be cultivated; you simply need to practice. Here’s one of her exercises:
Write someone you know a letter of appreciation. A handwritten note is a rare and special thing these days.
Thank someone for a specific act of kindness or generosity. Has someone’s presence in your life made it better? Don’t keep it to yourself. Make saying thanks like this a habit.
For more ideas on this subject, and to see Marcia’s lovely watercolors, go to www.marcia randalldebard.com.
Personally, I’m thankful for my neighbors, my neighborhood, and all my new friends in Hansville — a wonderful place to live.
— Annette Wright was an editor/writer for women’s magazines for 25 years. Contact her at wright annette511@gmail.com.
This fish quilt made by Jean Hart, among others will be available for purchase at the “Art From The Heart Holiday Arts & Crafts” sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Driftwood Key Clubhouse. (Jean Hart / Contributed)
