Pink is the popping out all over

Spring - the earth rebirths itself once again, wearing a filmy layer of pink petals laced with sky blues.

Veteran's Day - What to do

Veteran's Day - a possible "to do" list for you. First one, obvious - go check out the Veteran's Memorial at the corner of Main and South Third. Think. This isn't just a day off from work or school. Whatever your political stance on the war in Iraq, send those soldiers some heartfelt love. I would certainly hate to be there.

Next, head over for the 50% off sale at Value Village. As you know, that store's days are numbered. My friend Mary shared with me that she went already to make her last purchase there the other day - something that would forever remind her of this favorite shopping haunt. Now is your time to purchase a little bit of nostalgia for yourself.

Next, until 2pm today you can check out and vote on the entrees for the recent Renton Film Frenzy - all of the videos are at the Renton Reporter, link right here to see them all. The winner of the people's choice on the videos will be announced on Friday online and in print and the winner will be recognized on November 16 at a Renton Council Meeting. So, sit the kids down with you in front of the computer this a.m. and watch some local flicks.

As a nod to past endeavors by local filmers, I include this damn cute one below.






And a nod to a local favorite and previous winner ....

Halloween Party Pics

Halloween and kids - what could be cuter. Here are some of my favorite shots from yesterday's Olde Fashioned Halloween Party in the DTR.

Hello Janice Tanner!

Phyl Carroll always has a good sense of Halloween adventure.

This handmade costume was one of the best I was privy to see - Mom said it took her an hour to make. Ingenious - this is what the holiday, at it's best, is always about.

Connor as Max, from Where The Wild Things Are - handmade by Mom, Kat, from an oversized man's sweater and the source of my best Halloween Joy.

Halloween Party Props

Olde Fashioned Halloween Party - it had to be the best one that Renton has had thus far. Congrats to the Downtown Events Committee for having given us yet another great shindig. The additional funds that were secured through the Neighborhood Grant Program allowed for more games to be added and the purchase of a popcorn machine this year, making it horrifying good!

Rod Stewart?! Is that you in???? Rod of Antique Country Station is full of the groovin' party spirit and a major contributor to the event.

Mary Clymer is hip to the party thing and put a lot of her Happy Delusional mojo into this Halloween gig. Thanks Mary!

Rachel, daughter of Rene Flansaas of the Renton Reporter

Natalie Bonham of the Renton Reporter was also greatly involved in this spooky party enterprise, as well as Jennifer Davis Hayes of the City of Renton Economic Development Dept. and Deb Hanson. You all did soooo hauntingly well!



Trick or Treatin' at the many DTR merchants made the day even more fun. Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes had their share of Halloween spirit.


I have always said that cupcakes were brain food....

Anyone entering into The Comic Den was greeted by the owner, Howard Wheatley's dog, Hercules in all his pumpkin splendor.

Thanks Renton for a wonderful Halloween day

Sometimes art IS life

Sometimes art is life and life is art. The colors we find in nature, reflected right back at us in our manmade constructs. Weirdly wonderful - these orange and blue synchronicities.

The new First Savings and Loan building on Wells Street is full of spry Fall colors, and so are the neighborhood trees.

Scarecrows for the lighthearted

St. Charles Place Antiques & Restoration
230 Wells Ave. S.
(425) 226 - 8427

He is a buccaneer, a pirate at heart and is willing to ravage the ladies - if you dare!

Things are getting a wee bit scarier as you walk the streets of downtown Renton - the scarecrows have come out of the fall closet and are lurking behind the glass panes of Renton merchants everywhere.

As we near this Saturday's Fall Harvest Festival & Chamber Expo at the Piazza, the fight for the best scarecrow continues, with new inclusions everyday. As promised - here are some I saw today.

Cedar Chest Antiques
916 South Third Street
(253) 271 - 0511

She will tell you your fortune and then take yours, leaving you with a deep fear of ravens and red to last you a lifetime.

Deb's Antiques, Gifts and Floral
920 S. Third St.
(206) 261 - 2802

Little Red Riding Hood will never know what bit her - 'cuz the wolf is lurking somewhere near and a basket full of goodies is only an appetizer for his dinner of Granny and more.

Yoggi Yogurt
801 S. Third St.
(425) 204 - 9991

Fred likes to think he has become a sweethearted, desert eating skeleton but his thirst for blood has yet to be slaked.

Renton is rolling in pumpkins

Need I say more? Found on my walks and meanderings in Renton. Gorgeous to behold. Harbingers of the season.

Foreshadow of Fall

You know me - bright green house, pumpkins on the nearby ground basking in the noon day sun and a couple of inviting chairs - gotta take a photo. North Renton in the Indian Summer - wasn't yesterday simply amazing!?