Manzanita Connections – January 14, 2024
Make a date with art, yoga or a farm stand
The horrific wildfires in southern California continue to weigh heavy on my mind and heart. Sadly, the death toll has risen and now the Santa Ana winds have returned. Heroic firefighters from a number of states and even Canada and Mexico continue what’s already been a week-long battle. Engine 14 and two of our very own Nehalem Bay Fire and Rescue firefighters left the station last Wednesday to help fight the fires. Thank you, thank you and may NBFR and all the firefighters stay safe.
The magnitude of the fires can make what’s happening in our own lives seem inconsequential. If you are someone who experiences a lull in positivity this time of year, you’re not alone. According to experts, “January blues” is a real condition that typically lasts a couple weeks. The good news is that the sun is peaking out again this week here at the beach and sunsets are once again approaching 5 pm. Grab a sunbreak and get outside for a walk on the beach. Put a smile on your face with a stroll through an art exhibit, a yoga class, or a visit to a farm stand to pick up local eggs and baked goods.
Make a Date with Art
Artistic expression has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, as well as promote a healthy heart and mind. I coincidentally just learned about Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, which is a book that helps artists (everyone?) activate their creativity. The author suggests taking “Artist’s Dates” – a once-weekly solo expedition to do something that enchants or interests you. This could be anything that speaks to the artist in you. A walk on the beach or even a visit to the colorful candy store.
Step into the Hoffman Center for the Arts to immerse yourself in the wonders of the current “Gold” Annual Community Show.
The gallery is open Thursdays through Sundays 12 - 5 pm with the “Gold” exhibit running until January 25.
Make a date with yourself to take a class (clay, writing, drawing and more) at the Hoffman Center. Also, note that the 2025 Neahkahnie Mountain Poetry Prize is open for submissions until January 31. Submission guidelines here.
Walk across the street to the Manzanita Library to see the current Art in the Library Series made possible by North Tillamook Library Friends. The freehand drawing and Hawaiian tribal art of JD Wailehua is on display throughout January and February.
A Call to Artists
Artists of all ages can submit their art for the 2025 Art for the Heart: Artist and Community Reception on January 30 from 10 am – 8 pm and January 31 from 10 am - 3 pm at the North County Recreation District (NCRD). More information on submission rules.
Sponsored by Adventist Tillamook Health and held at NCRD on February 2 from 1 - 2 pm, the event celebrates the intersection of art, wellness and connection. Twenty percent of all sales go to support fitness scholarships at NCRD.
Experience Yoga at Sea Dream
Sea Dream in Nehalem offers small-group (9 people max) yoga classes, workshops, sound healing, energy work and other special events. Their mission is to be a place where you can breathe a sigh of relief, and take a pause to connect with self-love, expression and beauty.
Current class offerings include yoga flow, restorative yoga, joy lymph flow, Pilates flow, 9D BreathWork, and more. To register and see the full schedule of classes and events, visit: https://www.seadreamyoga.com/classes
Visit the Lady B Farm Stand
Speaking of art, I’m loving the new egg cartons from Lady B farms.
These ladies forge on fresh pasture, bugs, occasional treats, fermented Oregon milled grains that are non-GMO, soy free, and corn free. You can purchase Lady B pasture raised eggs (large and jumbo size) laid right here in Nehalem at local grocery stores or visit Myers farm stand (open from 8 am to 8 pm daily) at 36590 Hwy 53 and the corner of McKimens Rd in Nehalem.
The farm stand is self-service and accepts cash, PayPal or Venmo. You can also pre-order sourdough bread, par-baked pizza crust and more from Tillamook’s Wind Chicken Bakery Mondays and pick up at the farmstand on Thursdays/Fridays.
Get your Calendar in Order
If you’re the get-organized type, did you know that Pine Grove Community Center has a Community Calendar? You can filter by type of event and see hours of operation for local businesses.
Recipe for January
Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter. How good does that sound? You can find these Japanese sweet potatoes—the ones that have purple skin and white flesh inside—at the Little Apple Manzanita Grocery & Deli. These are arguably the best sweet potatoes.
I’ve made this recipe twice in the last month. The secret is to bake them low and slow. That and the miso tahini butter. Think miso, tahini, lime zest, red pepper flakes, cilantro, and a little honey or agave. Bake for an hour and fifteen and let them sit in the oven with door closed for 45 minutes or so while you prep the rest of your meal.
Thanks for this newsletter - it’s great to find local news in these parts. (I’m in Mohler.)