What are words for...

I've always wondered why eastern Washington, even greater Washington State, has produced so few writers considered literary masters. I took these pictures a few days ago and as I've thought about these images, I've wondered how I would use mere words to describe them. Especially in a way that would do these pictures true justice...

I came up empty...

In like a lamb, out like a ?

It is the middle of March and well- you'd never know it. These pictures were taken between Newport and Cusick, Washington...

We asked the magic Armidillo if Winter was over...I don't think he's been in touch with a certain groundhog...because as you can see...Winter seems to have a serious hang over...

The Pend Oreille River near Dalkena, Washington...Below a shot of Newport...

Near Cusick and the Calispel Valley...

A few shots from the Bond Ranch...

Looking toward Calispel Peak...

Calispel Peak Radio Towers~A view of a very hard winter...

Last fall-in October to be exact, I posted some pictures from the top of Calispel Peak. To get a legit before and after sense of the terrain, look back in the archives...Now here's a shot taken February 28th, same place, of the guys knocking the snow off the towers...
Before they started, even the solar panels were covered in snow....
Yep, that's a real live soul there...after unburying the entrance to the radio facility...
These panels rest on top of the facility...this was taken before the entrance was located and unburied...

The view from the top of Calispel Peak. Those lumps along the summit ridge are actually mature trees, covered in a very serene blanket of deep powder...

Gettin' Cultured....

Last weekend Kevin, Lane and I met down at the Coeur D Alene Tribal Casino. Being a really small spender and visually challenged by the video slots, I hung out on the sidelines while Kevin and Lane begged Lady Luck for a spin around the dance floor.

I spend a lot of time at various tribal entertainment venues...and I fully support their place in the West. I don't really give a damn that they have a monopoly on gaming-especially knowing full well that the odds are with the house. I'd rather trust my fortunes with a First Nation House than many other houses we've placed our trust in recently-starting with the White House.

First Nation tribes often receive plenty of grief from conservatives. Accused of wrecking local economies, spawning gambling addictions, and reinforcing bad social behaviors, these accusations levied against local tribes stand curiously hollow in light of the current political atmosphere.

As a breathtaking National Republican scandal continues to unfold, the ride these Indian Tribes were taken on by the Republican Party and certain lobbyists defines true immorality. The next time some well meaning family values dito head screams about the evils of gambling, I hope they are served back a heaping helping of "same back at ya..."

Especially as the unrestrained greed of this truly REPRESENTATIVE herd of Republican Bad Actors is exposed.

Going For Broke, Brokeback Mountain Awards Variety Ad...

"Blue" scores a Lammy Nomination

In the course of my two and a half decades of writing for various publications-this is a first. Congradulations to Suspect Thoughts Press, to Wendell Ricketts, Blue's editor and to all the other contributors. Let's hope this bold and previously unrecognized collection of working class voices receives the critical acclaim they are due.

If you haven't purchased a copy of this work, its still available on www.amazon.com or through suspects thoughts press...

Here is a link to the announcement-

http://www.lambdaliterary.org/finalists_LLF_awards.html

IF it sells it ain't art...

Several years ago I had the opportunity to read some of my work on KPBX, a public radio station. The artist who created the Radio Flyer Public Art (an actual large rendition of a Radio Flyer Red Wagon that also serves as a playground slide) located in Spokane's Riverfront Park was quoted during that show...saying "If it sells, It Ain't Art.

I'm not sure I agree.

Two weekends ago Kevin and I visited the Spokane Western Art Show. I have always been a fan of western art, going back to the creations I watched my grandfather, my grandmother, and to a lesser extent my mother create. With some artists I've been able to acquire prints and originals showcasing their talents before they were "discovered". Soon enough the prices commanded on their work launched into the heavens.

Its not really an investment but reflects a neverending love of a landscape and a way of life that never tires.
Here are two websites you should check out:

http://www.massingalearts.com

and...

http://www.dougmillerart.com

I'd put my money on either artist's work...

Above is a sample of Joanne Massingale's incredible work...