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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 8, 2011)
18 in other words/lcommunity november8 2011 THE By Lynn Berry INKWELL eye. For example, take notice of the range of eye colors of the person you speak with next (we all have This month I’m writing to all of you artists more than one eye color). Notice the sweetness of who have ceased creating art. We have our reasons, the juice of the next apple you bite into. Listen and many of them justified. Life gets busy--sometimes reach for the furthest sounds occurring in your space. very, very busy. I get it. It’s not like we “choose” not Inspire yourself. When we practice using our artist’s to create art. For some of us, the creative light within awareness, we begin to crack away at the calcification seems to fade into the background of our lives until we have piled onto ourselves, and we then begin to we no longer feel that creative force, leaving us feeling emerge and awaken----freeing ourselves to experience somewhat numb or asleep and unconscious to the the spice and the fullness of this rich and decadent inspired. thing we call life. Fortunately, no matter how we crowd our In her poem titled, “October,” local lives, we can call on our creative selves anytime. It’s resident, writer and poet, Diana Peach, exemplifies only a practice of awareness. This is not an ideal; it’s a an intense and powerful experience of the artist’s eye fact. For instance, it is a fact that if you are reading this and how this awareness connects us to the absolute piece, your heart is beating; but most likely, your mind magnificence of life. busy, disconnected from the body, you are unaware of this fact. Now, for a moment, take a deep breath; be still; close your eyes, and move your awareness towards October your heart. Take only 30 seconds and listen to your heart beating. Now feel your heart moving in your If I drive off the road chest and in your body. Do this now and come back Know that I was distracted by to finish reading. the wilderness If you actually took the 30 seconds or less, Gazing for a moment at gilded you feel differently than you did before this exercise leaves because you have re-connected with your heart and Arched against jagged evergreen your body. Similarly, artists can re-connect with their Vine maple blazing in random rays creative selves this easily and quickly, inspiring art of sun in either that moment or at a later time. You already The woods wet, black branches know what to do. Take moments, and I mean literally, of the forest bending only moments, and clear out the clutter in your mind, Silhouetted by canopies of and look at the universe around you with an artists countless green Transit Link Reopens at Westport Columbia County Rider Transportation and Sunset Empire Transportation District has re- establish bus connections at Westport, Oregon, starting Tuesday, November 1, 2011. The service will run Monday through Friday with two trips per day. Rider pickup and drop off in Westport is located at the North side Bus stop on Highway 30 (just east of the Berry Patch). Jay Flint, SETD’s new Director stated that, “The SETD Board of Commissioners is very pleased to announce the return of bus service along Highway 30 from Warrenton to Westport, and to link back up once again with the CC Rider in Columbia County. This will bring back some much needed service to many of our east county residents.” “By re-opening of this service riders can again ride from Portland or Longview through Columbia County to the Oregon Coast once again,” said Janet Wright, CCRider Director. “We are very excited about re-opening this service and encourage everyone to try it out.” For a schedule of times, pickup points and fares riders can contact CCRider dispatch at 503- 366-0159 or go to their website at www.columbiacountyrider.com . Riders can also get information about the service from SETD’s website at answers@ridethebus. org or by calling 503-861-7433 (RIDE). For alerts and other information riders can also connect with CCRider on Twitter @rider_ cc. Subscription Form Vernonia’s Voice is published and distributed twice each month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Subscription rates are $35 for one year (24 issues). Name Address City Phone State Zip This is a gift subscription. Send renewal information to: Name Address City State Zip Phone SEND TO: Subscriptions, PO Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064 Perhaps I beheld a quilted river of fallen crimson and vermillion Winding along the roadside Or I gazed into the weave and texture of leaves Layers interlaced, sharp and dense, against the sky I glimpse fields of weed, browning blade and drying seed Blending into a tapestry of quiet color before me If I soar off the road of my life And fail to rise Know that my eyes brimmed with beauty. ---------Diana Peach ---Writer’s Idea: Create a piece of art that reflects some element of the Fall season and the human condition. ---Writer’s Tip: This month, play with descriptive images in your thoughts, your writing, and artwork. Write these images down somewhere, and re-visit them to revive some creative energy or to use directly in your work. ---Please send your original submissions to, (or if you would like a copy of any of the published poems) InkwellVernonia@gmail.com or by mail: PO Box 333 Vernonia, OR 97064. Please include your name and contact information. Write—Express--Expand. Lynn Berry holds an M.A. in English, specializing in feminist literature and literary criticism. She has spent several years teaching Literature, Composition, Poetry, Creative Writing, and Critical Thinking at various school districts and colleges, and occasionally provides writing workshops. Vernonia’s Voice is published twice each month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Look for our next issue November 22nd. Friends of the Vernonia Public Library Family: Minimum: Membership Dues: $10.00 Individual: $5.00 $1.00 plus 2 hours minimum of work in the library Make checks payable to: Friends of the Vernonia Public Library Mailing Address: 701 Weed Avenue, Vernonia, OR 97064 Name Address City Phone Date State Zip Amount Enclosed $ I am interested in helping with the following committees (optional): Please Circle •Membership •Endowments •Book Sales •Publicity & Public Relations •Fund Raising •Library Services •Finance-Budget-Legal Matters
