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Mariusz Brymora, Polish Consul General held a ‘town hall’ meeting at the Polish Cultural Center.Community leaders were introduced and talked about their ongoing projects. About 70 members of the Polish Community were on hand to watch as he presented the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland to three very well admired community activits including: Joh Golubiec, Ryszard Kott and Ms. Anna Cholewinska. And young fans presented him with flowers and candy. To see more images click here.
It’s that time of year – senior portrait time. Becca and I met up at the community college arboretum for a walk in the woods. A casual kinda gal we spent time near the brook and in the brook… We got some great shots. Love them eyes! I feel like I’m part of the family having photographed mom and dad’s wedding, family sessions, older brother senior session and now this. Enjoy your senior year….
The Washington State Fair Photo Salon holds two photography exhibitions. I was invited to judge the 75th Northwest International Exhibition of Photography. It is part of The Photographic Society of America (PSA) which supports a system of recognizing photo competitions for photographers world-wide. There are nearly 6000 PSA members, including both amateur and professional photographers, residing in nearly 80 countries.
Over two days of judging we viewed at least a thousand images! This exhibition, established in 1937, is considered one of the leading international exhibitions in the world. Although shown for only 17 days, it is viewed by a million or more people from the greater Puget Sound area in the state of Washington, who come to see the latest and best in photographic art.
I plan to visit the exhibit myself to see the final presentation.
The 75th NORTHWEST INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Washington State Fair Photo Salon, Pavilion • Puyallup, WA September 11-27, 2015
Be sure to visit the fair and let me know what you think!
Maybe you’ll enter something next year?
As some of you know I am involved with the Seattle Gdynia Sister City Association. We produce the 2nd longest running Polish film festival in the country – The Seattle Polish Film Festival. This is our 23rd year!
We begin October 7th at Northwest Film Forum with a special presentation of Sexmission, a 1984 cult Polish comedy. Films already scheduled include Ziarno Prawdy, Disco Polo, and Carte Blanche. History buffs will want to attend the documentaries We Film the People and Treblinka’s Last Witness. Shorts and independents will be presented in cooperation once again, with Seattle Film Institute. Attendees will be able to take advantage of our usual benefits, like a free screening courtesy of our friends at 4 Culture, and more Q&A’s and panel discussions with filmmakers and artists from Poland including Maciek Bochniak, director of Disco Polo.
Final movie selections and scheduling is ongoing. You’re invited to sign up for the film festival newsletter at http://www.polishfilms.org/ and like us on Facebook.
And like any non-profit organization we can also use a little extra funding to keep growing. If you enjoy movies, if you want to meet actors and directors, if you like to party – please join us. You can purchase a film festival pass for just $60 or you can make a donation online at: http://www.polishfilms.org/support/donate
Click here to see what fun we had last year. I hope to see you at the festival this year!
It was the perfect location, the perfect weather, the perfect couple…and a delightful afternoon. Elli and Chris (and their entire familes) were laid back and just wanted to enjoy the day and have fun. They exchanged vows in a grassy knoll surrounded by family and friends. In fact, it was the love and work of many friends that made the day special – from the wedding coordinator to the ‘chef’ the details added to the country-style flavor of this wonderful event.
Mike’s photo bus headed to Sequim for the day. I feel like I’m getting a taste of what retirement is like. Sunshine, lavender, food, wine…..chocolate! But I digress. We stopped at Jardin du Soleil and Purple Haze Lavender Farm. Sequim is internationally recognized for this fragrant herb that lends itself well to hydrating oils, lotions and soaps (of which I sell “Pierogi Soap” scented with lavender).
Next photo op was the Dungeness Spit and lighthouse with views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island and Mount Baker. It’s about a 6 mile walk to the lighthouse. Not enough time to make that hike but a 270mm lens helped make the stop worth it.
Just west of Walmart (they are everywhere!) we found the Railroad Bridge Park. The 1900s railroad bridge is part of the Olympic Discover Trail. The cold Dungeness River flows beneath it.
Next and last stop Port Angeles and Fort Worden for sunset. Ended up at the Point Wilson Lighthouse (1879) which is still active and whose beacon guides ships.
Thanks Mike and Ed for another relaxing photo tour of the great northwest!
After a long history of decline the once art deco inspired Kalakala ferry ended up beyond any restoration efforts. Sadly but heroically her bits and pieces were auctioned off to lovers of the world’s first streamlined vessel that was ‘more rounded.’
She created an international sensation and was featured in National Geographic Magazine in 1938. In 1963, the Kalakala was voted the second biggest attraction, after the Space Needle at the World’s Fair.
You can read more about her twisting history at: http://www.kalakala.org/history/history_timeline.html
Owners of Salty’s purchased several pieces of the Kalakala that have found a new home at Salty’s on Alki.
Here’s what I found…
Had to make a quick trip to Ellensburg last weekend to drop off students from Poland at Washington Business Week (that’s another story). Can’t remember the last time or if ever I spent any time there. While this was a quick trip I did manage to do some sight-seeing! The town is home to several establishments that look like they are out of the 50s and still thriving. The backroads with the beautiful light and rolling hills made for an enjoyable ride. Reminded me of my days in New Mexico, cowboy hats, pickup trucks and coca cola.
Dark skies threatened the arrival but as usual in Seattle, the skies cleared over the city and the Blue Angels arrived. I waited for them at the Museum of Flight. Bystanders were thrilled by a quick formation overhead and then we watched as they landed one by one. Even from behind the fence we had a real thrill. Seafair officials greeted the pilots. I was pleased to notice a female pilot – Katie Higgins, the first woman pilot for the Blue Angels. Can’t wait to see their real show!
Three of us hit the road the other day to explore the small towns of Bow and Edison. First stop was Bow Hill Blueberries. A charming roadside farm that grows blueberries and the prettiest sunflowers. Next stop was the Edison Cafe. Had fresh turkey sandwiches that were very tasty (I only could eat half). We meandered down more side roads and found the bustling main streets of Edison. Art galleries, junk stores, antique stores, plenty more places to eat and the resident big brown dog. Bought some rye bread from the Breadfarm, where we watched ’em rolling out the dough for the weekend rush.
Back to Bow Hill Blueberries for some delicious blueberry ice cream…what a treat! More side roads, sunken boats, stunning overlooks, stone houses, Larrabie state park and dinner at the Chuckanut Manor. We shared one delicious salmon, peach, and shrimp salad as we watched the sun set.
All in all an enjoyable day for three peeps with cameras!
gail ann photography 