My photo subjects stood at this spot yesterday.
Though it has a ways to go, the periwinkle patch has begun the road toward "pretty."
In the next weeks, those lovely lavender blossoms will dot the jungle of green leaves, and while that's happening several pink and white hyacinths will appear and put on their show.
For now, just having the majority of winter's layer of leaves gone makes the spot attractive.
I really enjoyed the photo shoot yesterday. Sometime in May you can enjoy the article accompanying whatever group photo is selected.
For now, my subjects, all participants in the upcoming Sandpoint Magazine feature Natives and Newcomers will remain anonymous.
Fine people, every one of them.
Yesterday's experience, like so many before, reminds me of why I enjoy this twice yearly assignment so much.
I love making connections and, even more, love connecting people.
This is precisely what happens on group photo day when the two Sandpoint natives and the two newcomers to Sandpoint come together for the first time.
During the last few assignments, I've made more of a production of photo-shoot day. Put the coffee pot on, and offer some tasty treats while four new friends stand around the kitchen island sipping coffee, sampling the goodies and wasting no time getting acquainted.
To me, these are moments of magic to be savored from start to finish. After a quick get-acquainted session inside, we head outside where, by the time they get situated at the first photo setting, four strangers have become old friends.
Most people know me as a talker, but during these sessions I prefer to remain all ears as much as possible.
In addition, the old teacher has to emerge from time to time as the foursome becomes so engrossed in conversation that the "herding cats" analogy often surfaces.
That's when I bark my orders to stand close together and "act like you like each other." They usually need no more prompting.
The other aspect I love about inviting the group to my house is that we also use the neighborhood for picture settings. Yesterday we headed north after using two or three settings here at the Lovestead.
Once again, connections occurred when the group met the owners of the place where their next pictures would be taken.
Throughout this session, the "all ears" mode takes in lots of information AND local history.
Nobody among the group is shy about sharing, while the others are eager to hear the stories, be they local or tales of experiences from the original homeland.
It's truly a special hour's worth of interaction and blossoming friendships---enriching for all four subjects and especially for me.
Anywho, another group photo shoot has ended, and hopefully for the subjects involved, the memories of this short time spent together will linger.
I often think we need to capitalize on the Natives and Newcomers concept by setting up a regular communitywide program, laced with a few Millers Country Store scones and fresh coffee, accentuated by the beautiful magic that takes place when people get to know one another.
Seems like such a concept that could put a much-needed big dent in the acrimonious behavior that has permeated our society of late.
Everyone has an origin, and everyone loves to share their story. In so doing, that creates understanding.
The story of yesterday also included a pleasant and relaxing afternoon driving to and from a beautiful, serene spot along the Clark Fork River.
While Bill and Annie tried their luck at catching a fish, I sat in the sun and made more progress with Barry Stoddard's new book. I had read about half of the book in manuscript format on my computer, so it was fun to continue on with the real deal in hand.
Yesterday's outing provided the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and read.
Later, Willie and Debbie came over for homemade tacos. We also watched the Sacramento-Golden State game.
Today Annie and her cousin Laura will do an urban walk to Pine Street Woods as part of Annie's training for her upcoming Camino.
Later, Debbie and I will meet them in town and attend the Unhappy Hour at Matchwood Brewery.
As one who was born at Bonner General a long time ago and as the mother of two children born there, I have always appreciated the efforts of the dedicated nursing staff in labor and delivery. Patient, caring and comforting people, to say the least.
They deserve our support, and it would be nice if the hospital leaders could find a way to avoid closing down this historically vital aspect of our community.
As my friend Pat Gooby noted in a recent mini letter to the editor, one of these days, we won't be having Sandpoint natives anymore.
And, Marianne will be out of a journalism job!
Happy Sunday.
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