Writer in the Woods

Lake Quinault has roads on both its north shore and its south shore; these are connected by a bridge across the river in the upper valley.
This allows the sightseer to enjoy a beautiful drive around the entire lake. Be aware - the eastern portion of the loop is frequently closed during the winter months.

With only two remaining weeks on this "tour" of the Olympic National Forest, the Lady Fern is our last featured fern. It can grow to five or six feet high, and like all rain forest ferns, prefers a moist shady spot to grow. This delicate specimen has lacy green leaves that are easily bruised or broken; because of its fragile beauty it is a popular subject in poetry.

Whimsical Word of the Week

Izzat -

Honor, prestige, reputation.

Bibliophile's Corner

The Bronze Bow
by Elizabeth George Speare

Flap Copy description:
After witnessing his father's crucifixion by Roman soldiers, Daniel bar Jamin is fired by a single passion: to avenge his father's death by driving the Roman legions from the land of Israel. Consumed by hatred, Daniel joins the brutal raids of an outlaw band living in the hills outside his village. Though his grandmother's death slows his plans by forcing him to move home to care for his sister, he continues his dangerous life by leading a group of boy guerrillas in spying and plotting, impatiently waiting to take revenge.
     In nearby Capernaum, a rabbi is teaching a different lesson. Time and again Daniel is drawn to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, only to turn away, disappointed and confused by Jesus' lack of action in opposing the Romans. Devoid of tenderness and forgiveness, headstrong Daniel is also heedless of the loyalty of his friend Joel; the love of Joel's sister, Malthace; and the needs of his own disturbed sister, Leah, dragging them down his destructive path toward disaster.

My thoughts:
As I read the middle grade novel, The Bronze Bow, it brought to mind images of the Bible stories made into epic motion pictures in the 1950's. Deeply spiritual lessons of love and forgiveness are challenged by the more prevalent forces of anger and hatred.
The author, Elizabeth George Speare, weaves this historical fiction with colorful characters and dramatic dialogue. The pace of the story slows a bit at times - but the overall narrative has a powerful message that is just as relevant today as it was in 1962 when Ms. Speare won the Newbery Medal Award for this beautiful work.

Incredible Inspiration

There is nothing in which birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before.

              Robert Lynd

Storyteller's Journey

         Getting on the Twitter Train

One of those unexpected blessings, on my journey as a writer, has been getting to know literary types on Twitter. When I opened my account I felt I was doing something that would benefit me "down the road." However, I have conversed with intelligent, humorous, and inspirational folks on Twitter that I would have otherwise never met. This network of writers, agents, and publishers has not only given me a feeling of belonging; it has actually enriched and educated me as an aspiring author as well. Just this morning I received a "direct message" from a published author in the UK requesting I participate in a poll he was conducting as to which of three book covers voters preferred for his new release. Although this may seem minor, being treated as a peer in the literary world, is like fuel to the fire of my passion as a writer.
If you are not on Twitter, I encourage you to give it a try - All Aboard!

Writer in the Woods

This time of year the Olympic National Forest is inundated with visitors from around the world. Its vast network of hiking trails extends many miles into the surrounding mountains. Whether you are an experienced hiker - or a nature lover desiring a brisk walk - there are trails suitable for everyone.

Skunk Cabbage is this week's featured plant. It loves low lying wetland areas; its large broad leaves are a familiar sight not only in the Olympic National Forest, but throughout the Pacific Northwest. It derives its name from the distinctive "skunky" odor it omits.

Whimsical Word of the Week

Arcadian -

Idyllically pastoral, simple, or untroubled.