Tom M.

  • Got Poem?

    Posted by Tom It’s National Poetry Month once again, and as usual, Seattle and its libraries are awash in poetry events. The Northeast Branch is hosting its annual all-ages poetry contest, in which everyone is invited to submit a poem at any time in April, and potentially win prizes (including the Wedgie grand prize trophy) and… Continue reading

  • It’s Rhyme Time in Seattle: Poetry events around town

    It’s National Poetry Month once again, and Seattle’s got it covered. First of all, Seattle Public Library offers many opportunities to write, read, and hear poetry all month long at various branches around the city: The winning haikus from our city-wide Haiku contest are posted here on our website, with one featured each day through April… Continue reading

  • Give wisely and give often

    We’ve worked hard for our money. And now we want to give some of it back to the community. We’ve seen the donation kettles and the Seattle Times Fund for the Needy ads. But my watchword is to check before I write the check. Is the charity legitimate or has it just picked a worthy-sounding… Continue reading

  • It takes a village

    No matter what the government says, to my family and maybe to yours, we’re still in a depression. I’m remembering the stories my parents told me about the last Great Depression and glad that I hadn’t been around for that one. Now it’s my turn to worry. Continue reading

  • One giant leap for mankind

    What the country needs now is more heroes. Not the celebrities that the media fixates on, but the real deal. That’s what I thought after reading Rocket Men: the Epic Story of the First Men on the Moon by Craig Nelson. I picked it up after hearing about the winding down of NASA’s manned space… Continue reading

  • A poem by one of Seattle’s many poets

    For several years, the Northeast branch has offered a Poetry Contest during April for National Poetry Month. 288 kids, teens and adults participated this year and the Awards Ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 19.  The youngest poet was four years old and the oldest was 84 – it’s quite a multigenerational program! Please visit… Continue reading

  • The Russians Are Coming

    Seattle is a city of communities – neighborhoods, ethnic groups, churches, schools, clubs, etc. And even if you don’t belong to a particular group, they often sponsor events throughout the year that may be of interest to you. One of my favorite annual smaller events is the St. Spiridon (Russian) Orthodox Cathedral Annual Bazaar, which… Continue reading

  • Bungalow Nation

    I love craftsman bungalows. I love the open floor plans, the overhanging eaves with the knee braces, the porches with the pillars, the classic bungalow interior wall with a fireplace flanked by windows and built-in bookcases, the nooks and crannies, the stained glass, wood, stone and tile work, the sconces and the chandeliers. What’s not… Continue reading

  • Row, Row, Row Your Boat

    Seattle considers itself the boating capital of the world. And it should be, with 200 miles of shoreline on Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union and Green Lake. If you need proof, come to the Opening Day of Boating Season on Saturday, May 3rd. An annual tradition since 1920, the festival is sponsored by the… Continue reading

  • The Wine Is Fine

    Wine is happening in Washington in a big way! And this coming weekend is a primo opportunity to check out brand new wineries and varietals or old favorites. The Washington Wine Commission is sponsoring Taste Washington, including a Grand Wine Tasting at Qwest Field Event Center on Sunday, April 6 from 4-8 p.m. Who knew there… Continue reading

  • Poetry Rules!

    April is National Poetry Month, and it’s rhyme time in Seattle. The sponsoring Academy of American Poets suggests 30 Ways to Celebrate the month. And whether you’re in to writing or reading or listening to poetry, there’s lots going on locally to help you do just that. The Seattle Public Library sponsors many poetry events… Continue reading

  • Gardeners, Start Your Engines

    It’s Spring, and a young (or not so young) gardener’s fancy naturally turns to PLANT SALES! Of course we’ll all run off to our favorite members of the Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association and the Specialty Nursery Association of Western Washington. But don’t stop there. There are dozens of local plant sales every year… Continue reading