Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 29, 2021)
MIXED MEDIUM THE ARTS AROUND EASTERN OREGON Sara Miller Sara Miller writes essays, poetry, an online journal, and lots of letters. She and her husband have often worked in remote places where letter writing is the best way to communicate. When they lived at Dug Bar, she sent letters via mail boat, which she says seemed luxurious. Miller volunteered on the founding Fishtrap board and remembers arguing with fellow board member Alvin Josephy over his proposal to raise Sum- mer Fishtrap registration from $25 to $50. “I’m grateful for this oppor- tunity to connect with people through Fireside. I’m writing new work to read because I want to honor and enjoy our time together,” she said. She kept writing during the pandemic, although extra work at her job and more family demands have meant she has less time. This year she began 13 DECEMBER 29, 2021�JANUARY 5, 2022 babies and birth, death and love, ranching and wild lonely places,” she said. www.fi shtrap.org experimenting with liturgy (writ- ing for religious ceremonies), collaborating with a local pastor, an experience she describes as one of risk-taking, acceptance, and human connection. Her work has appeared in newspapers, poetry journals and anthologies. Every Decem- ber she thinks of “Imogene’s Answer,” the story of her family being homeless in the middle of winter and being helped by a complete stranger. KWVR radio aired a reading of the story for a Christmas Day broadcast and now she shares the recording with family and friends each year. Miller is a herder and often feels kinship with other herders, both in this country and from other parts of the world. “Even though I’m getting older, I still appreciate op- portunities to create ritual and help with hard work, especially Marika Straw Marika Straw is a Wallowa County-born queer, nonbinary Jew. After learning, exploring, and growing in the Midwest, India, and North Carolina with other queers, Jews, musicians, community organizers, and human rights activists, they returned in 2020 to deepen their relationships with Wallowa County and with themself. In addition to enjoying writ- ing, they delight in playing music, exploring natural beauty, engaging in Jewish practice and community, petting cats, and celebrating queerness everywhere it occurs. You can fi nd their music online at mari- kastrawmusic.com and learn more about LGBTQ+ identities on the Instagram account they co-moderate, @wallowacounty- lgbtq. 102 Greenwood St., • La Grande, OR 97850 • www.bluesummitrealtygroup.com Homeroom #36 is a great place to stay for the Holidays or Ski Season More Info at www.ChurchillBaker.com Custom frame shop dedicated to great customer service, design, and quality products. Royal Artisan 1912 Main St. Baker City, OR 97814 541.465.4547 katephill843@gmail.com 120 E Main St. John Day 541-575-0629 Lenspharmacy.com