Beacon for Art: The Friends of the Barnegat Lighthouse and Pine Shores Art Association collaborate to bring an in-and-outdoor art fair to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Saturday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Local artists show and sell their fine art.
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Go Green: Gallery 1603 in Surf City opens its “Go Green Exhibit,” Friday, July 27, from noon to 4 p.m. Artwork in this exhibit must be “green” in some way and made from up-cycled or recycled materials. Artists will donate a portion of their sales to Plastic Pennies. Call 609-494-1699.
Summer Swells: “Aspects of Summer,” a show exploring “the true essence of summer: from the robustness and fullness of color in nature, to the growth of gardens at their peak, and the rippling water of the ocean,” opens Wednesday, July 25, at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, with a reception on Sunday, July 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibit continues through Aug. 20 and includes work in abstract and contemporary realism. Call 609-494-1241.
Two Artful Days: Meet photographer Connie Beggs and mermaid artist Nita Shapiro at Art and Décor in Surf City on Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 609-494-5038.
Exit 63: The m.t. burton gallery in Surf City presents “Garden State Pottery, Exit 63,” a group show of the works of 10 nationally known potters who live in New Jersey: Alan Willoughly, Marie Elaine Lanza, David Voll, Terry Plasket, Barbara Fehrs, Linda Schusterman, Debbie Williams, Collette Smith, Bruce Dehnert and Matt Burton. Photographer Frank Smith exhibits prints inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of Shibui: simple, subtle and unobtrusive beauty. Call 609-494-0006.
Art of War: Artist, author and historian Frank McGinley showcases his award-winning military art at the Ocean County College Art Gallery through July 31. McGinley recently published a book with his illustrations of World War II and the Holocaust, Let us never Forget. Call 732-255-0500.
Summer Pop-Up: For the second summer, Michael Ryan Architects in conjunction with Bridgette Mayer Gallery of Philadelphia is offering a Summer Pop-Up Gallery in its Loveladies office. The first exhibit, “New Paintings and Works on Paper,” features new works from nine local and Philadelphia-based artists, including surf culture artist Julie Goldstein, through July 29. “Jill Bonovitz, Works in Clay” is in the Project Room. Call 609-548-2000.
Dart for Art: The LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences is looking for donations of artwork for the annual Dart for Art event scheduled for Aug. 11. Bring or send your framed work to the LBIF by Aug. 1. The Foundation is also looking for volunteers to help with a variety of fun programs this summer.
LBIF Open Studio Sessions: Figure Drawing is held Fridays through Sept. 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Unclothed model; bring your own art materials. Fee is $10/member, $15/nonmember. Call 609-494-1241 or view the catalog of classes at lbifoundation.org.
Plein Air Painters Alert: Paint Lily Lake from the deck of the Noyes Museum of Art on Thursday, July 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. Results will be hung in the museum. Regular admission applies. Bring your own supplies; easels are available on request.
Ongoing summer exhibits at the Oceanville museum include “Enduring Brilliance: The Pastel Society of America at 40,” a dynamic, juried pastel exhibition on view through Sept. 2.
In “New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship Exhibition,” 30 artists chosen for their excellence display works in photography, sculpture, crafts and painting.
“Toylanders” consists of visual recollections of childhood by 10 artists, expressed in larger-than-life toys and various playthings.
Pastel artist Stan Sperlak captures the images of South Jersey at dusk in his one-man show “Stan Sperlak: Into the Night.”
Kate Dodd’s “Water: Illusions of Purity” site-specific installation uses various recycled bottle manipulations that raise the question “Is bottled water ‘pure’?” in terms of environmental damage. Call 609-652-8848.
At the Noyes satellite gallery in Hammonton, find “Fiber Revolution: Botswana Collection and Kalahari Quilts.” Call 609-561-8006.
Local Library Color: Nineteen Pine Shore Art Association artists are showing at the Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library, Catherine Sebastian showcases her photographs at the LBI branch in Surf City, artist Ray Hayworth is showcasing “Twenty New Works of Collage, Oil and Watercolor” at the little Egg Harbor branch, and artists Hal Roth and Rich Boscarino are at the Barnegat branch.
Skills Set: Pine Shores Art Association’s August classes feature watercolor artist Bob Heyer’s workshop on Aug. 7 and 8, Ellen Gavin’s oil painting workshop on Aug. 9 and 16, Pat Morgan’s flower painting watercolor workshop on Aug. 14 and 21, and Tom Rutledge’s gouache and tempera workshop on Aug. 23 and 24. all workshops are from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with fees of $50/members, $75/nonmembers. Call 609-597-3557.
Watercolor Workshop: The Watermark Gallery in Tuckerton has opened its new studio space for workshops, and artist June Sullivan will offer a workshop, “Watercolor Painting of Flowers,” on Saturday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 609-294-3343.
Call for Artists: Artists are wanted for an exhibit of still lifes at The Hammonton Arts Center. Artists may drop off their work and fee on Saturday, July 28, during gallery hours. A reception for “The Simple Life” exhibit is planned for Friday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m. Call 609-567-5380 or visit hammontonartscenter.com for more information. — P.J.
This beautiful chair was designed by Branca-Lisboa. It has a very stylish and elegant look and its design was inspired by nature. More exactly, the shape of the chair resembles a seashell, an element that has inspired designs throughout the years with its beauty and delicacyThe sea-inspired design of this chair allows it have an artistic and sculptural look and to be eye-catching in a delicate and elegant manner.
But there’s more to this design than looks. Given the fact that it was inspired by such a common and basic element, the chair has a timeless design that will be just as beautiful many years from now. This is also because of its simplicity. This chair is very versatile and it’s something that can be sued both indoors and outdoors.
The chair would beautifully complement any deck, terrace or garden. its shape and design allow it to have a close connection to nature, also due to the materials sued to make it. for extra comfort, Branca-Lisboa also added cylindrical cushions to the design. the cushions are white and contrast with the chair itself, giving it a nautical feel. It’s a beautiful piece that would look wonderful in classical and contemporary spaces. use it as a focal point, in which case a single piece would be best, or in pairs or sets of three, four and more.
Your bathroom is one room that should not be overlooked when it comes to adding a special dcor. there are so many wonderful ideas that you can incorporate into your design that you may become lost in trying to decide where to start first. This article will help weed through the jungle to help you find the perfect bathroom dcor for you.
Your bathroom takes on many more faces that one may realize. by first understanding the various personalities of your bathroom you will be able to choose a dcor that fits best for each scenario.
If you have a guest bathroom you do not want your visitors to feel as if they are staying in a motel. You may want to add some bright colors and add some plush towels to the guest bathroom dcor.
If you have a bathroom that is just off to the side and mainly used for washing hands and a quick pit stop then you might consider making it very simple and stay with light colors and well stocked with pleasant soaps and towels.
Making your kids bathroom fun is one key, but more importantly you may want to incorporate a bathroom dcor that encourages good dental hygiene and cleanliness.
A good master bathroom decor idea would be to add a touch of the sea to your bathroom. You could add some sea shell designed lights and perhaps add some sea shell towels as well. One reason why so many people will choose this theme for their dcor is that there are so many choices out there it would be practically impossible to duplicate any one else’s idea.
The Packard Reath Gallery recently announced the opening of City Lights featuring the black-and-white photographs of American photographer Jason Langer. the public is invited to attend the opening from 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, July 7. This show will be on view through Aug. 27.
Born in 1967, Langer is best known for his psychological visions of contemporary urban life. Secret City, his first monograph published by Nazraeli Press, depicts night and dusk scenes of various cities with “carefully crafted compositions reminiscent of the symbolist photographers with swathes of meticulously printed deep black tones characteristic of the gelatin silver process…as much Hopper and Raymond Chandler as Steichen.”
Langer’s love of photography dates back to his childhood in Ashland, Ore., followed by a degree in photography from the University of Oregon. following graduation, Langer worked as an apprentice and printer for some of the Bay Area’s most renowned photographers, including Ruth Bernhard, Arthur Tress and Michael Kenna, who became a lifelong mentor and friend.
Over the past two decades, Langer has developed a photographic language which has been described variously as cinematic and poetic, contemplative and iconographic, haunting and romantic. His images strive to capture the unanticipated moment, layered with timeless drama and dynamism.
Besides his typically nocturnal studies of city streets and parks, red-light districts and speakeasies, Langer has also dedicated his time to photographing a variety of intimate scenes ranging from male and female nudes to puppets, statues and mannequins. Love, sexuality, ruminations on mortality and the impermanence of things, a search for solace, a yearning for completeness – these are some of the frequent themes that bind his work together. Langer’s photographs remind viewers of the mystery and wonder of having a body and finding their place in the world.
Winner of Palm Beach Photographic Centre’s 2006 Rising Star Award, Langer is represented by an ever-growing list of galleries in Europe and North America. Langer’s work has appeared in numerous publications including American Photo, Black and White, Harper’s, Life, the new Yorker, the new York Times, Photo Metro, popular Photography, Time and Vanity Fair. in addition, his work belongs to the permanent collections of Gap/Banana Republic, the JGS Foundation, Rutgers University, Sir Elton John, Sir Mick Jagger and Yale University Art Gallery.
The gallery is downstairs in the Hotel Rodney at 142 Second St. in Lewes. call for information 302-644-7513 or go to packardreathgallery.com.
The Marco Island Police Department receives many inquiries regarding our beaches from both residents and visitors alike. it is our goal to provide you with information that is pertinent to some of the most common questions or basic beach activities covered under the city’s beach ordinance.
As you might imagine, glass containers or bottles are prohibited on the beach. please help us prevent injuries and litter by not bringing glass bottles or containers to the beach. no animals are permitted on the beach except service dogs. Additionally prohibited are wheeled vehicles, (cars, ATV’s, bicycles, etc.). Emergency vehicles, permitted beach vendors and turtle nest monitors may utilize vehicles on the beach. Open fires are prohibited, which include camp-fires, barbecue grills and portable grills.
There is no overnight camping permitted on the beach. Fishing from the beach is fine, but no chumming or “blood baiting” which will attract sharks. your fellow swimmers will appreciate your compliance with this prohibition. Speaking of swimmers; please be mindful that there are no lifeguards on the beach. while it is lawful to swim between the jetties and the Cape Marco buildings on south beach, this narrow area is frequently used by boats so we would recommend staying clear of this area. Otherwise, stay at least 150 feet from any pier, jetty or breakwater. when swimming on the beach, you do so at your own risk.
No aircraft, including seaplanes, ultra-lights or helicopters are to be operated on the beach or on water within 750 feet of the beach. as a point of reference the powered-parachutes you see flying over the beach are not prohibited. there are no FAA minimum altitude requirements for these devices, and the city is precluded by federal law to create an ordinance that prescribes a minimum altitude. that said, they are prohibited from taking off from or landing on the beach and careless or reckless flying is prohibited by FAA regulations.
There is no soliciting, canvassing, or advertising allowed on the beach with the exception of city permitted beach operations.
Please don’t remove any sand from the beach. the shells are beautiful, but leave the live ones, collecting any live shell is prohibited by city, county and state law. If it contains a living organism, don’t collect it. please do not disturb, destroy or remove any wildlife (Fishing is permitted, but compliance with all state laws regarding fishing is obviously required as well). we are fortunate to be part of the turtle’s eco-system, so please stay clear of the sea turtle nesting areas, (usually marked with yellow tape and a small sign). please give the bird nesting areas, a wide berth too. Entering any of the dune areas or removing any vegetation is likewise prohibited.
Marco Island’s beaches are beautiful and we need your help keeping it that way. please remember to take your trash with you after enjoying your time on the beach. there are designated trash cans at the primary beach access areas.
Regarding vessel operations, boats and personal watercraft may only operate at idle speed within 750 feet of the Gulf beaches and 300 feet of the beach area near the Jolley Bridge. the beach waters are shallow and swimmers can be quite a distance from the beach, please watch for them. no trailer-launching of a motorized boat or PWC (Jet Ski) is permitted from the beach. Boat launch facilities are located at Caxambas Park on the south end of the Island. However, it is not illegal for a vessel operator to beach their craft on the beach.
We hope you enjoy your time at the beach. For more information, the beach ordinance can be found on the City of Marco Island’s website (http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=14000) under Chapter 54 Waterways and Beaches.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Marco Island Police Department at (239) 389-5050.
What child doesn’t love to play at the beach? If your kid loves to frolic in the surf and sand, then why restrict his or her fun to just those scant few summery days you and the family can get yourselves down to the nearest shore? why not transform your children’s bedroom into a beach front fantasy that they can enjoy every day of their lives.
A beach theme fantasy bedroom is easy to create. Paint the ceiling bright sky blue, maybe dotted with billowy white clouds, and lit by a big, bold lighting fixture that emulates the shining, glimmering sun. Dot the ceiling with glow in the dark stars, planets, comets, meteor showers, and other nighttime phenomena for when the lights are out.
Paint the walls a deeper blue with highlights of white sea foam and tall wave crests, highlighted with images of dolphins, breaching whales, seals, sea turtles, seagulls, and other ocean life, as well as surfers, parasailers, water-skiers, and other ocean enthusiasts.
And speaking of the other life (human and otherwise) populating the typical beach scene, you can also add to the image by peopling the custom beach theme bedroom with stuffed sea animals as well as decorating it with surfboards, boogie boards, water-skis, inflatable rafts and water tubes, and other water-sport implements.
The floor of the room, meanwhile, can be divided in two: half covered in wood, ceramic, vinyl tile, or a beige carpet or floor mats evocative of the sandy shore and the other half covered in plush blue carpeting or floor mats reflective of where the water meets the shore.
The focal point of any bedroom is, of course, the bed. and the focal point of a custom beach theme bedroom would be a custom theme bed built in the shape of a structure typically seen on the sandy shore (like an adorable bungalow or thatched hut) or floating in the ocean (like a yacht, a sailboat, a rowboat, or a cruise ship).
On the display shelves on the room’s walls, built into the custom theme bed, and/or the surfaces of the various supplementary pieces of furniture in the room, you can display collections of seashells, coral, and sandglass. these ornaments also do well when glued onto the borders of mirrors, picture frames, and even on the custom theme bed itself.
Other details that help flesh out the fantasy may include a beach umbrella for shade and privacy, authentic beach furniture, along with fake rocks, boulders, and steep cliffs for depth. Ample soft pillows give a sense of floating on the water, and sheer, billowing fabrics evoke the constant light ocean breeze. A small working fountain can help add the sense and sounds of flowing water, and an aquarium filled with tropical fish or goldfish do well at adding an element of life brimming on your child’s private shores.
Lastly, be sure to provide plenty of beach toys for hours of beach front playtime fun. Every day is a beach day when your child lives in a custom beach theme bedroom.
Cut Loose at Fifty: Chapter Nineteen – a powerful instinct
Thiti heard her father had died after a long illness. She returned home for the funeral. I was alone again for a few weeks. Fending for myself. Time seemed to slow down.
At intervals, I found myself getting up and wandering around the apartment – for no apparent reason. Aimless really. the place was so quiet – no music, no TV, no non-stop chatter in the background – so empty.
Every time I had a wander something new would strike me – how much the place had changed – I’d hardly noticed.
Pictures hanging on the walls – framed photographs positioned here and there – vases of beautiful hand-made flowers – doormats all over the place – even the main balcony had been meticulously cleaned and decorated with pot plants.
In the lounge ornaments had appeared along with boxes to hold DVDs and CDs, a shoe and slipper rack, an umbrella stand, two small bookcases, one magazine rack and a carpet between the coffee table and the TV – and so on it went.
The bedroom was immaculate – the wardrobe, linen cupboard and chests of drawers – all filled with neatly hanging or folded clothing, sheets, towels and so on.
The main bathroom had come a long way too – a far cry from one towel, one tube of toothpaste, one toothbrush, one razor, one bottle of hair shampoo and one bar of soap!
Then there was the refrigerator in the guest bathroom. I’ve never seen so much food neatly wedged into such a small place.
The kitchen was fully stocked with all kinds of new things – cups, saucers, plates, cutlery, pots and pans and all the rest of it. the cupboards were full – of tins, bottles, packets and sachets – all neatly sorted and arranged.
She’d even tied a few small bows on some of the cupboard handles – made from tiny red silk ribbons – so simple and sweet.
Enough to make any man weaken. the intention no doubt.
She once told me that every woman had a thousand tricks. In her case you could probably double the number.
Anyway … whatever room I went into, the thing that struck me was how clean and tidy, and yes, how "homely" the place had become. it had taken her six months. But, bit by bit, my shell had been transformed it into a home.
The only exception was my "workroom" – I won’t grace it with the word "study". She could do whatever she liked with the rest of the place – but that mess was all mine.
I wanted to make sure it looked just as nice as she’d left it, when she returned. I asked a neighbour’s cleaning lady to come for an hour each day and give the place the once-over – just while Thiti was away – this she did and did a great job.
For two or three of the days while she was away I had to attend a residential departmental conference entitled, "Bilingual Teaching Strategies and Practice".
As usual, this just seemed to come out of the blue. I was asked to prepare something about my teaching method.
I heard the sound of warning bells ringing in the distance.
It didn’t take much to realize that this had little to do with my teaching method and everything to do with the presentations.
I wasn’t sure how the question, or questions, would be framed, but I made sure I had a reasonably good one-size-fits-all answer.
I mean, after all, this was the gentle world of academia – wasn’t it.
Other things happened in-between then and the conference – but let’s just cut straight to it.
My presentation went reasonably well. I went through my "Bilingual Teaching Strategies and Practice" methodology. I used as many actual examples from my organizational plan, group system and teaching method, as I could. What must have been obvious to everyone was not only had I generated nearly all of it by myself, but also it must have taken a great deal of time and hard work.
I remember stressing, at one point, that I used the textbook only as a back-up for teaching – never as a replacement for it. I added that the same applied to my use of PPT – it was an excellent aid to teaching – but only an aid.
For those who understood what I was saying this probably didn’t go down very well.
In general, the reaction to what I was saying was fairly clear. Only the young female teachers tended to show any interest. for the rest, I got the impression it all sounded a bit too much like hard work – which it was – and they had no intention whatsoever of changing how they went about things – no matter how dull, boring and unimaginative it all was – for them and their students.
When I finished I took questions from the floor. they were all user-friendly except for the last one – the one I had been waiting for – about the presentations.
It was asked by a young guy at the back of the room who didn’t actually mention the word "presentation" – but that’s what his question would lead to.
Although I expected the question, what I did not expect was the insolent and hostile fashion in which it was asked.
It took me by surprise.
I was suddenly in the firing line – the whole department was watching – credibility destruction imminent!
So much for the gentle world of academia and my carefully planned, one-size-fits-all answer. Not much protection against the trapdoors and landmines which, I was sure, were carefully laid up ahead.
Time to move into survival mode.
Only one option – only one escape route. Don’t let him talk. give a reply which is as long and convoluted as possible – just keep going – run out the clock.
In other words – waffle!
I launched into it.
Waffle, waffle, waffle …
Self-preservation is an amazingly powerful instinct.
Every time he tried to interrupt, I cut him off, raising a hand and forcefully saying he’d asked a question which required a very thorough answer. This was a lie of course – but I didn’t have much choice – if he’d got on to the presentations proper I didn’t have a leg to stand on.
I can’t remember exactly what I said – which is a good thing – because it was a near constant flow of meaningless BS.
Pease alllow me to invent at this point, just to give a flavour of what they had to listen to – as my waffle moved into overdrive:
" … and just to elaborate on the pedagogical lucidity factor … "
Waffle, waffle, waffle …
" … the manifestation of this fascinating but debilitating phenomena … "
Waffle, waffle, waffle …
" … and critically, an interesting juxtaposition materialises which … "
Shamelessly, I went on and on and on …
" … as for the hiearchichal malfunctional obsolescence concept… "
Waffle, waffle, waffle … and on and on … desperation setting in …
" … she sells sea shells by the sea shore .. "
Near the end I was getting to the point where I thought I might have to start telling them what I had for breakfast.
Mercifully, and to the relief of all present – none more so than myself – the chairman called an end to the session.
I headed for the sanctuary of my hotel room. I felt like padlocking my door and putting a chair up against it! after a long cold shower I reflected on what had gone on.
Two things really.
The first was a very old chestnut – that "talk", as ever, is cheap. This is especially true when it comes to talking about "change". Talking about what needs to be done to effect real change is one thing – that’s the easy bit – having the courage and determination to go away and do it is quite another.
Without coercion, nothing of any real consequence ever changes. I was neither surprised nor disappointed by their reaction. it was just human nature.
The second was far more troubling. Having been in China for more than three years, I knew the last question amounted to a lot more than just a question – his tone of voice, facial expression, body language and so on – all told me if I had given him the opportunity, a planned assault on my "teaching method", in an open forum, would have followed.
Even more troubling, I knew he must have been put up to it, because he simply wouldn’t have dared do anything like this on his own initiative, not unless he was sure of some powerful support in the background.
This is how such things work in China.
So here was the conundrum.
On the one hand I had been offered a very juicy contract – for which the sub-text was clear – "we want you to stay".
On the other hand an attempt had been made to leave me in shreds in public – the sub-text here was equally clear – "we want you to go".
What in the hell had I done to deserve this?
Some kind of power struggle was indeed going on and yours truly was caught up in it – somewhere in the middle – a pawn in the works.
Thiti returned the first or second week in November. She was especially happy to find the apartment just as she had left it.
I said it was nothing.
She returned to her course – such as it was.
Things had simply went from bad to worse. Attendance was in single figures – low single figures. Thiti continued to attend every single lesson. She showed great determination. Not too sure why. the teachers simply ignored her – wouldn’t answer her questions – refused to even make eye contact.
Something very feminine going on.
Then someone, somewhere, decided to kick the rumour machine into action.
It was put about that she didn’t like China or Chinese people. This was taken up with relish and spread like wildfire.
The speed of the thing was unbelievable.
Chinese people themselves have told me their worst quality is their proclivity for gossip. It’s something they say they all hate but, perversely, something they all get caught up in. given the massive underemployment it’s understandable – they gotta pass the time somehow. if they get hold of something meaty – regardless of whether it’s true or not – the thing grows it’s own legs.
So it was with Thiti.
She’d stepped out of line so she got the treatment. one way or another, for the rest of our time in China, the bad feeling and gossip toward her remained. it sort of ebbed and flowed bytimes – erupted and then subsided – but was always there.
I’m not sure what they were saying about her by the time we left, but am quite sure it had little to do with what they’d started with.
There’s a learning point here: the influence of leaders in China rarely extends beyond their city. if you put your foot in it, you can’t simply change jobs in the same city and start afresh – the word is out – it’s too late. if you want to start again you have to move to another city, or better still, another province.
There were times when she said she’d had enough of it. the silences, the dirty looks, the off-hand treatment and so on. But moving was out of the question. I was locked into a two year contract and, besides, I knew I wouldn’t get a better deal anywhere else in China.
We learned to live with it.
It would be nice, even romantic, to say that it drove us closer together – made us stronger. But it didn’t. it almost destroyed us – and on more than one occasion.
But we made it through.
This was only possible because the problems came from "old China" and officialdom – not from "Young China".
Here things were the opposite. if it wasn’t for them, I doubt if we would have made it through together.
The semester drew to an end peacefully enough.
I began to think more and more about what I was going to replace the presentations with. Whatever it was had to be directly relevant. This meant it had to be case studies on financial accounting. OK, that much was clear. if so, then I had to find a way of devising thirty minute group presentations on financial accounting which the students could not only make informative, but also interesting and entertaining.
If you want to appreciate the size of the problem, just open a text-book on financial accounting and have a look.
As Christmas approached I let it go for a while – this was my problem for the new Year.
We decorated the apartment together and got a Christmas tree and lights. On Christmas Eve I had a class late in the afternoon. I had told them the week before we would be having a special guest after the first lesson.
The class was packed – not sure what to expect. I gave the class as normal.
During the break I loaded the John Lennon song, "So This is Christmas". when everyone returned I dimmed the lights and hit "play". the sound system was fantastic. as Lennon started singing, a beautiful Christmas cartoon began playing on the PPT. about a minute later Thiti entered, dressed as Santa, and started throwing out candy from a large sack, all over the classroom.
The students loved it.
In my mind’s eye I can still vividly picture the scene and still almost hear the spontaneous roar that went up.
I’ll never forget it.
After the class we walked slowly back to the apartment – about a ten minute walk. it was one of those comfortably cold winter’s nights – "starless and bible-black". She linked my arm. we didn’t say much.
She was still wearing her Santa outfit. I was wearing her Santa hat.
We spent our first Christmas together.
Chris Clancy lived in China for seven years. most of this time was spent as associate professor of financial accounting at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in Wuhan City, Hubei Province. he now lives in Thailand where he spends his time reading, writing, lecturing and, whenever he gets the chance, doing his level best to spread Austrian economics.
A distinctive, beautiful, simple hanging lantern, a wonderfully simple alternative to installing a ceiling light fixture. Hand crafted with a spherical shape Capiz sea shell shade, with UL approved insulated powercord, US standard size bulb socket, and wheel switch. Designed to accommodate either a 60 w incandecent bulb, or up to a 200 w compact flourecent bulb. Perfect for any room in the home, adds a subtle, exotic element to your décor, ships in 48 hours, professionally packed & insured from our Massachusettes warehouse via Fed Ex, expedited delivery available. Browse our extraordinary collection of unique Asian design lighting- Japanese shoji lanterns, oriental lamps, bamboo floor lamps, wood & paper floor & table lamps, even end table lamp lanterns. we offer one of the world’s largest selection of panel screen room dividers, Japanese tansus, Chinese laquer cabinets, Japanese tatami mats, bamboo & paper blinds, bamboo & sisal rugs, Japanese & Chinese wall art & Buddha statues, unique decorative accessories & accents!
As spring and early summer approaches, hidden gems worth exploring are not just reserved for mainland outdoor enthusiasts. Board a ferry at Anacortes, Washington State and head for the San Juan Islands. and be prepared for the pace of life to slow to a sedate crawl.
Lonesome Cove Resort
Purchased in the late 1940s, Lonesome Cove and its surrounding 75 acres were developed into a resort by the late Roy Durhack and his wife Neva. all six cabins were hand-built, one per year, and are each unique in construction and design. In the 1950s, huge salmon barbeques were a nightly event. Because the beach is virtually on your door step – only 40 feet away – it is still possible to catch your own dinner and barbeque it on your cabin’s front deck.
Since its early days, the resort has passed through the hands of three families, all recognizing the beauty of the surroundings more than the dollar potential of future development. due to that time honoured philosophy, Lonesome Cove can now be seen much as it was when first discovered – beautiful, pristine and natural. so much so that families return year after year. Time stands still and the views are constantly changing with abundant chances to spot orcas, otters, sea lions, seals and bald eagles.
The sky, the sea and the distant mountain ranges all combine as a natural backdrop to the dramatic resident wildlife. Why not discover a tourist spot so special that visiting it is an experience for sharing and not to be forgotten. for more information go to www.lonesomecove.com.
Grandmother’s Cove
Tranquility, privacy and fine clean sand. Grandmother’s Cove is the quintessential away from humanity hideaway where islanders often go just for that very reason. No developments, no snack bars, benches or restrooms–just two rocky headlands protecting a crescent shaped beach with great little tide pools and smooth pieces of driftwood. Accessed from American Camp Visitor Centre, the cove is a pleasant 15-minute walk along a meandering trail through mixed grasslands which finally slopes steeply down a sandy walkway.
If you are fortunate, deer are sometimes seen in the tall grass and river otters, orcas and seals often swim along the shoreline. If the thought of wildlife watching, or beach combing the waterline looking for beach glass or shells seems like hard work, the cove is an ideal retreat for soaking up the sun and simply chilling out.
Mar Vista Resort
Mar Vista Resort at False Bay is one destination you’ll be reluctant to leave. The turmoil and pace of mainland living simply evaporates and in its place, never ending peace and quiet. amazing views and awesome sunsets from the resort’s private beach will leave you relaxed and refreshed. its eight fully furnished cabins set in 40 waterfront acres are ideal for that long weekend getaway or summer vacation.
The resort is one of the best on San Juan for orca spotting and bald eagles, deer, otters, hawks, and the occasional fox are sometimes seen. Overlooking the Juan de Fuca Strait, Victoria and the majestic Olympic Mountains, Mar Vista Resort’s cabins, depending on size, all have superb views, electric heating, private bathrooms, furnished kitchens or kitchenettes, outdoor tables, seating and barbeques. Open mid April through to mid October there is something here for everyone. go to www.marvistaresort.com or call (360)-378-4448 for full details.
Cattle Point
On the southern tip of San Juan Island, windswept Cattle Point has possibly the finest beach scenery on the island. With two beautiful sandy beaches with rocky edges perfect for searching through tide pools at low tide, the area is open grassland with some awesome views over the narrow channel towards Lopez Island. Cormorants, eagles, sea lions and seals, deer and foxes all add to the variety and diversity of the area’s wildlife. Wander along the trail to Cattle Point’s lighthouse – originating in 1888 – for visitor information and even more superb views over the water and the southern end of the island.
Three Coves Hideaway
Positioned on the spectacular west coast of San Juan Island, this stylishly appointed holiday home has everything necessary for a truly memorable vacation. The views it offers across Haro Straight to Victoria are breathtaking. The sunsets over Vancouver Island and twinkling lights of Victoria at dusk are serene, and daytime sightings of orcas are not unusual. San Juan County Park is just moments away and is one of the most popular destinations for kayakers world wide.
A private trail leads to an enchanting beach cove. With wide choices of high quality amenities to suit most sizes of family, three Coves Hideaway is a jewel of a retreat. It offers one of the best locations and accommodations for enjoying a glorious getaway in the San Juan Islands. Featured in an episode of ‘Vacation Home Search’ on the Travel Channel, check out more of what this secluded holiday haven has to offer at www.threecoveshideaway.com.
Eagle Cove
Located on San Juan’s southwest coast near American Camp, Eagle Cove is a firm favourite among islanders. The cove’s protective shape, its sandy beach, minimal waves and friendly local faces means you can bring a picnic and stay the whole day. The beach is found off Cattle Point Road and is a popular spot for swimming and wake boarding if you don’t mind the cold water temperature.
Eagle Cove is a great place to enjoy various pursuits, with volleyball, fishing, skim boarding, cliff jumping, frisbee throwing, swimming, and kayak launching being the most popular. its flat beach is safe for children to swim from, and parking is available at the top of the hill with the cove lying a short 100-yard walk away.
Dead Man’s Cove
If you hike along a short trail from Limekiln State Park, you’ll find Dead Man’s Cove. beautifully peaceful with pebble beach, the cove is at the base of a steep forested hillside. Because of its position, it is not uncommon to see orca whales passing through the channel during the summer months. Popular for beachcombing, hiking, photography, rock climbing and kayak launching, the cove has a rather colourful history but this shouldn’t deter you from what is a hidden gem.
Fourth of July Beach
Around seven miles from Friday Harbor, Fourth of July Beach is a small picnic area with restrooms and a car park. It is a little less popular than nearby South Beach and much quieter. Hiking along the forested trail brings you to the clearing at the beach. Here you can ‘log hop’ or walk over the pebbles.
The Beach forms part of the San Juan Island National Historical Park and because of these historic links, any natural or archaeological features or ruins must be left undisturbed. Campfires are permitted on the beach below the tide line and there is a secluded picnic area with basic essential restrooms. Pets must be leashed within the park’s boundaries but swimming is not advised because of potentially strong currents.
With a northeastern view, Griffin Bay, Lopez Island and Jackson’s Beach can be seen and if you venture far enough, you will eventually reach Jackals Lagoon. Why not hike the ‘old Town Lagoon Beach Walk’ by heading south along the shoreline passed the saltwater lagoon. This brings you to the site of the original San Juan Village. There are no vestiges remaining but this was the San Juan Islands’ first non-Native American community. The village was destroyed by fire in the early 1890′s and was abandoned for the then developing town of Friday Harbor.
Snug Harbor
Visitors return year after year to Snug Harbor and the reasons are plentiful. Located on Mitchell Bay, the resort offers year round camping or waterfront cabins and features a sheltered marina for overnight mooring. It has a boat launch and gift shop/general store.
Just beyond Snug Harbor’s protected marina, the waters are ideal for orca spotting, fishing, crabbing and sea kayaking, just short steps away from its forested campsite and waterfront vacation rentals. A mere seven miles from Friday Harbor, national and state marine parks nearby include Lime Kiln State Park, Westcott Bay Sculpture Park and English Camp. Reservations are recommended though walk ins are possible. for more details call (360)-378-4762 or go to www.snugresort.com.
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