Doodlebugs

When I moved to Sequim I was newly retired. I hadn’t really done any kind of craft since childhood. The next spring a visit with my sister-in-law changed everything. I learned just enough to be dangerous and ventured into the craft supply store Doodlebugs for the first time. It felt like I’d walked into Nirvana. I was hooked and Doodlebugs had my drug.

Doodlebugs taught me all the basics. They had every tool I needed and demonstrated how to use them, one-on-one. They had “make and take” mini-classes that helped me start making handmade greeting cards. And they had top quality paper and supplies to keep me going. If they sold it it was good quality, it worked.

Cathy, shown here, her mom Mary, and their niece/granddaughter Kayla have provided the best customer service in a town filled with helpful people. They remember names, take time to talk, help solve problems. They are artists. And if they don’t have what you want they’ll order it for you.

They haven’t been able to compete with Internet competition and, now, the new Michael’s store. Since I learned they were closing I have spent hours wandering in the store. I’ve purchased more paper than I can conceivably use and then I purchased a couple of their paper rack fixtures. I stand around, talking, visiting with my friend Judy who keeps showing up, as I do, because neither of us wants to leave or let go. It’s a happy place, full of creative possibilities and good memories.

Doodlebugs will close on August 4th. They will strengthen their online presence so they won’t disappear entirely. If you’re local and they’ve helped you, brightened your day, or had what you needed, stop by and thank them. Stock up. And support them online if you can.

Am I sad? Yeah. That just begins to cover it.

Theme Day: Me

Today’s Theme Day turns to the other side of the camera: Me. As far as I’m concerned, it’s much easier said than done. So I’ll ease into it. First, what grounds me. My boots. I really like to walk.

And when I’m not taking pictures I love to make greeting cards.

Here’s one of my happy places. Our deck.

And, ok. Me. Here I am. And that’s the side of the camera I’m most comfortable on.

Juan de Fuca Festival 5

Have you heard of forest bathing? It’s an immersive, mindful practice of walking in the woods and focusing on just being.

Attending the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts for me was music bathing, taking in, savoring, loving what music has to offer.

David Jacobs-Strain, above, was one of the reasons we went to this year’s festival. Slide guitar, deeply soulful singing, and moving, evocative songs. He helped me realize I was taking a dip in music bathing.

Bob Beach sings, plays harmonica and flute. We heard him first as a duo with David Jacobs-Strain and again in a second performance with Jacobs-Strain and two other terrific performers, Keith Greeninger and Dayan Kai.

Keith Greeninger is an award winning singer/songwriter with a husky voice presenting songs full of soul. He improvised and played masterfully.

Dayan Kai is described as “a true musical force of nature. Born without sight he began playing classical piano at the age of two.” In concert at the festival he moved between guitars, wind instruments, and percussion. And, yeah, the guy can really sing.

The Juan de Fuca Festival offered dozens of performances. We could have spent up to nine hours a day taking in everything from ballet to zydeco. Music bathing at its best.