Yesterday I was going to meet my husband, Ryan, at Ballesteri’s in Westpark (if you don’t know about my affection for its grilled chicken pesto club, you can read about it here. It’s a serious problem for me). Our friends, Ryan and Gen M., decided to join us, only they were in the mood for Geppetto’s. So off to Geppetto’s we went.

The thing I like about Geppetto’s is chef Lindsay Park’s Fresh Sheet…there’s always something new that I haven’t tried. Helps me get out of menu ruts, you know? Yesterday’s Fresh Sheet included some amazing-sounding fare. An we tried darn near everything on the list. I’m surprised we got any catching up done, since we were so busy stuffing ourselves, but we did manage a lot of laughs between bites.

The perfect lunch break!

Accomplice No. 1: Our friend Ryan M. He's gregarious and a cooking aficionado. This afternoon he was also a "blended drink" aficionado.

Ryan's wife Gen. She didn't want her picture taken...

...but she let me anyway.

And my husband Ryan B., who here is chatting about the pros and cons of the iPad, I believe. Or risotto. I don't remember.

Our indefatigable servers: Tracy and Evelyn. They're a lot of fun.

Hey, the mayor stopped by! One of the things I love about Yakima - you run into folks all the time. We were sitting next to two neighbors and my high school English teacher too.

This was a sample Lindsay brought out for us to try - it's a lemonade blended fruit cocktail. Since it has vodka I, sadly, could not partake. Darn workdays!

My entree: thai chicken pizza with grilled sweet chili chicken, mozzarella, cucumber and carrot, coconut peanut sauce and chopped peanuts and cilantro. Sweet, salty, tart and crunchy all at the same time.

My husband ordered the chopped salad with basil vinaigrette from the regular menu. A favorite of ours.

Ryan M's entree: blackened chicken tacos with pineapple slaw and fresh lime. Both Ryans tasted them; both Ryans loved 'em.

Ryan M. couldn't leave without trying the gelato sandwich: this one stuffed cool and tart lemoncello gelato between two sugar cookies...divine.

Now if you haven’t been in The Cake Decorator Shoppe, you might have a preconceived notion about it … forget that. I don’t bake a lot, but even I love to wander around the store, getting all sorts of ideas for what I could do. Susie, who owns the shop with her husband, Brian, stocks a jaw-dropping number of different cake pans, darling baking cups and various supplies for candy and chocolate molding and cupcake and cake decorating.

And they offer parties.  Party goers young and old can choose between a cake, cupcake, cake pop or paper doll cookie decorating party, all of which start at $150 and include an instructor, balloons and beverages.

I stopped by Tyler’s cupcake decorating party on the way to a dinner party and was very sorry I had double booked myself. I could have stayed the entire time and been entirely happy. The things Susie, Tyler and Tyler’s friends Annaliese and Jules made out of cupcakes, little pieces of licorice, M&Ms and frosting were amazing.

What fun!

The Cake Decorator Shoppe

5609 Summitview Ave., Yakima

509-494-0975

contactus@cakedecoratorshoppe.com

thecakedecoratorshoppe.com

But spring this year seems out-of-the-ordinary extraordinary. Aren’t the blooms bigger? Brighter? The leaves greener? Or is it just me? Every day I’m constantly amazed by the burst of color on every street.

The other day, when it was a bit overcast and drizzly, the light was perfect for picture taking. So I grabbed my camera and wandered around snapping photographs of my new favorite season. For now.

The wisteria, after having a tough couple of years due to weird weather and some overzealous pruning, came back so full and lush this year. And smelly.

My thyme made it through the winter. Ignore that scraggly part.

...as did the rosemary...

...and the mint! The only thing I had to plant this year was a pot of chives.

Geraniums are my favorite annual ... I plant them almost exclusively in my "sun" areas. Easy care, super pretty.

Where there's shade, there are hostas.

One of my favorite springtime gems is Soloman's Seal. So graceful.

This is my patio's crown jewel: A dogwood called "Eddie's White Wonder." The pictures do not do it justice. There are actually two, and they are amazing.

Here are the blooms of the dogwood up close.

The rain drip-drops off a light bulb that will surely light many a dinner party this summer season.

Isn't this tulip basket cute? Add some moss, some of those geraniums, and voila! Yard art.

I got this birdcage last year - still not sure what to "do" with it. I'm thinking mini-chandelier.

My latest find: A Spanish lavender topiary. It adds that certain "Je ne sais quoi." Happy spring Yakima!

After we arrived we added our bottle to the lineup (we were a little chagrined to find out, upon further inspection, that our “Zerba” was made with Washington grapes, but not made in Washington. We hoped to squeak by on a technicality). The hosts opened each delivery and promptly wrapped them in brown bags with ribbon securing the necks. Each bottle was labeled with a number – from 1 to 8 -  and placed on the dining room table next to a bag with the same number.

The music on, each taster grabbed his or her own “scorecard” and the swirling began.

While some enjoyed number 5′s “pepper,” others marked it down with a “boo!” Some tasters loved number 3′s fruitiness, and others thought it was just too much. It was interesting to taste the wine away from the bottle – and the label. Many in the group got pretty serious about it, taking the wine into the kitchen where the lighting was better to judge color, and sticking their noses into the glass to detect nuance before taking a sip.

When a decision was made, the couple/taster put one, some or all of the dollar bills into the bag that corresponded with the wine(s) that scored highest.

In the end, Gilbert Cellars’ Mourvedre won the most votes, and ironically enough, that was a wild card entry from the hosts to balance the Zerba syrah that we brought, so the proceeds were split among the partygoers.  Also tops in judging were a 14 Hands Hot to Trot (surprise!) and a Ruta 22 malbec from Argentina (someone else didn’t pay attention to the rules!).

Josh, one of the night’s tasters, was so in tune with the winning wine that he actually could tell it was from Gilbert. That’s talent! I think I have a long way to go…

Some of the contenders...

Brown bags hide identities.

The table was decked out - tasty and fun appetizers.

This is Tressa and Addy - two intrepid tasters.

I don't think I had tried triple creme brie before ... it's amazing. Like butter. There was also a bowl of meatballs made with a sauce of wine and barbecue sauce that were delicious.

My husband Ryan, Traci, the hostess and Kelly, Jill's sister.

A yummy bowl of strawberries.

Traci, Ryan J. and Dirk, the host.

Ryan, Wes, Dirk and the group share laughs. I think we'll call that beer a "palette cleanser."

Dirk took the scoring very seriously.

These were not almonds, but so good. I think they were berries covered in chocolate.

Derek, left, and Becky, right, talk with Karlen, who's pursuing a wine degree in college. He was a good judge, obviously.

Addy with husband Josh, who was a spot on taster of the winning wine.

Some of the apres-tasting wines. We left before the Leonetti was opened. Bummer.

...and the winner was...Gilbert Cellars!

This weekend only, Master Gardeners is having their annual plant sale – and the prices are amazing! Large geraniums are $2, trailing plants are $1.50…and many more excellent prices on plants and flowers.

The sales takes place in two very large greenhouses, where the Master Gardeners have grown the plants from seedlings. In addition to perennials, annuals, herbs, and grasses, they have vegetables and over 30 varieties of tomatoes. This would be a great jump start to your spring and summer planting.

The sales takes place at 1522 S. 18th Ave. this Friday and Saturday from 8am-5pm and Sunday from 9am-2pm. While you’re there, be sure to check out “vine guy” as featured in the wine edition of Yakima Magazine. And don’t forget the art issue of Yakima magazine is on newsstands today!

The interior of Sojourners, a favorite sandwich, pizza and ice cream shop. Photos by Jacquelynn Brynn Photography.

Lake Chelan calls itself a boater’s paradise, and one look at the lake the town is named for will convince any visitor that’s true.

It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s playground, where boating, skiing, hiking and biking – among other activities – are all readily accessible. But for those of a less “outdoorsy” nature, there are also plenty of local wineries, darling shops and terrific eateries in and around Lake Chelan’s quaint downtown.

So if you grab your wakeboard — or your wine glass — and make the trip this summer, here are a few places worth visiting to relax after a fun-filled day on the lake:

Sojourners

Although the definition of “sojourn” is “short visit,” one bite of Sojourners’ famous garlic rolls will make visitors want to move in and stay awhile. Also on its menu — thin-crust pizza, “grinders” (hoagie-like sandwiches) and ice cream. A local favorite for fairly quick bites.

Sojourners

110 E. Woodin Ave. •  Chelan
509-888-0496

Vin du Lac

Touting an “old-school” tasting room in a refurbished farmhouse — and on Lake Chelan — Vin du Lac is a family winery that offers a relaxed atmosphere and bistro fare. Try its delightful Red Café Syrah with a bit of baked goat cheese, a Panini or baguette.

Vin du Lac

105 State Route 150 • Chelan

509-682-2882

vindulac.com

Lush/Black Dog Frames

Two stores in one, this shop offers a little something for everyone. Boutique-style clothes, shoes, sparkly home accents, candles and eclectic art and frames are side-by-side in this rustic, two-story space.  Don’t forget to pet the dog, NAME.

Lush/Black Dog Frames

201 E. Woodin Ave. • Chelan

509-888-3821

Persnickity

Also located in an older farmhouse on the main drag, Persnickity stocks everything from gorgeous napkins to embroidered pillows to bed linens, all nestled among furniture and other treasures.

Persnickity

322 E. Woodin Ave. • Chelan

509-682-2300

The Spa at Campbell’s Resort

Across from the main buildings of Campbell’s Resort is the hotel’s charming spa. Small but exceptionally clean and friendly, Campbell’s Spa can cater to a number of visitors without seeming crowded or hurried. The rooms are fresh and relaxing, and the spa treatments divine.

Campbell’s Resort

104 W. Woodin Ave. • Chelan

800-553-8225, Ext. 1

campellsresort.com

Tin Lilly’s

Tin Lilly’s is a fun little joint with a patio where diners — and drinkers — can soak up the summer heat while sipping on a scratch-made cocktail. Not to be outdone by the drinks, Tin Lilly whips up ingenious lunch and dinner fare too, like “The Ticklish Reuben” or “The Hot Mess.”

Tin Lilly’s

229 E. Woodin Ave. • Chelan

509-888-8101

tinlillychelan.com

For more information on Lake Chelan activities and lodging, go to lakechelan.com.

Visit Lake Chelan’s Spring Barrel Tasting May 19-20. Visit lakechelanwinevalley.com for more details.

Sylvia Imbrock took a trip across India to explore the world of Textiles. Photo by Chad Bremerman.

A love of art, travel and adventure has opened the door to amazing adventures for 25-year-old Sylvia Imbrock. She has lived and worked in central Australia and French Guiana, traveled through Europe and more recently took on the role of exhibitions and communications coordinator for the Mighty Tieton in the sleepy town of Tieton, west of Yakima.Armed with a studio art degree from Whitman College and a willingness to try anything – in the name of art – Sylvia moved to Tieton last spring to design, install and coordinate the many exhibitions and events hosted by the Mighty Tieton.

The Mighty Tieton is an incubator of businesses and artisans dedicated to revitalizing the Tieton community through art and handmade goods. With several locations, more than a dozen contributors and exhibits and events hosted throughout the year, Mighty Tieton continues to grow and evolve each year.

“I knew this was the perfect opportunity for me because it’s (the Mighty Tieton) a relatively new venture, leaving room for creativity and flexibility,” Imbrock said. “It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Winter is typically a slow time of year for the Mighty Tieton, making it the perfect opportunity to escape on a travel adventure. With some down time ahead of her, Imbrock decided to spend January on a 21-day solo trip across India to explore the world of textiles. Inspired by local and regional artists, Imbrock thought going to a region rich in history, culture and tradition would be the perfect way to explore and learn more.

“I had gotten really excited about textiles after a textile artist spent five weeks at the Mighty Tieton, and I knew it was something I wanted to learn more about,” she said.

Textile arts use plant, animal or synthetic fibers to construct practical or decorative objects. The word textile is from Latin, meaning to weave, to braid or to construct. Most commonly, thread or yarn is knotted, looped, braided or woven to make flexible fabric or cloth, which is then used to make clothing and other goods. The textile arts also include techniques used to embellish or decorate textiles – dyeing and printing to add color and pattern, embroidery and other types of needlework.

“Work done on fabric is often thought of as craft, but it requires such a high quality of skill. It just can’t be faked; you absolutely have to be proficient,” local artist and art advocate Laurie Kanyer said. “Fabric is about self-expression, comfort and craft. Art creates a symbolic representation of people’s memories, aspirations or experiences and fabric is a wonderful medium for that expression.”The arts community was supportive of Imbrock’s local fundraising efforts for the trip, and Kanyer in particular was instrumental. “Sylvia was a real inspiration to me,” she said. “She’s traveled all over for the pursuit of art and I find that to be very impressive.”

Imbrock started her trip in Bombay, spending six days exploring the city, hoping to get her hands dirty. With nearly 21 million people to clothe — just in the city alone — Imbrock found that many textiles were produced commercially.  From Bombay, Imbrock spent the remainder of her three week trip in the cities of Ahmedabad and Bhuj, both rural communities, along with several outlying villages.

“I found that the best way to learn something is to know someone, and as luck would have it a group of textile tourists from Europe were staying at the same guest house as I was in Buhj and invited me to join them on two days of workshops and tours,” Imbrock said.

The group met with local producers and families who provided them with detailed tours of their productions and offered history, family stories and lessons during every visit.

“This was an outstanding component to the trip because it offered such an inside look at the tradition of textiles. India is a place where craft is appreciated and supported. Art is simply a part of the everyday and it is taught within the family unit,” she said.

From there, Imbrock spent a day learning banhdani, a form of tie-dying where pieces of cotton or silk are tied and dyed in intricate and delicate patterns.

“It was an incredible experience, and so interesting to see how families work together. Men predominately run large-scale productions, while for women it’s very much a part of their cultural tradition and is truly a part of their worthiness and value in their family and community,” she said.

In exchange for tours and workshops, Imbrock and fellow tourists bought goods from vendors. Imbrock purchased scarves and fabric, blankets and saris among other textiles from each of the artisans she visited. The pieces range in fabric and style, showcasing the many different dye and embroidery techniques.

Imbrock’s textiles and photos from her trip will be featured at the Mighty Tieton from May 26- July 15 during the Textiles Tieton: Gimme Shelter exhibition. She will also make several presentations to the community with Allied Arts throughout the year.

Sally Fitch, a local textile artist and world traveler, was thrilled to meet Imbrock and encouraged her to take advantage of the opportunity to travel to India. “There’s a wonderful network of artists in Yakima full of wonderful, pure, fun passion,” the gregarious Fitch said.

Fitch has traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Asia and the Middle East collecting fabric and beads. She makes original articles of clothing and hats. Her basement studio is a shrine to her travels showcasing the many exotic places she’s been over the years. Her work has been featured in the Larson Gallery and Allied Arts. She regularly donates pieces to support fundraising efforts for La Casa Hogar, The Seasons, Allied Arts of Yakima and Yakima Rotary clubs.

“I love when you get to know about the women who make these pieces and then come home and make something beautiful yourself as an honor to those women. It’s a beautiful thing,” Fitch said.

Bandhani tied and dyed scarves from the Kutch region, designed by A. Jabbar Khatrai. Photo by Chad Bremerman.

An example of cloth printed by hand (quickly!) with a wooden block. Photo by Chad Bremerman.

The art of Ajrakh block printing uses colors derived from nature, such as indigo, henna, turmeric, pomegranate, iron and mud. In some cases during the dyeing process, fabrics are washed up to 20 times. Photo By Chad Bremerman.

Tiny bandhani ties on a star pattern, before the cloth is dyed. Photo by Chad Bremeran.

Two women recline nest to a building in a village outside of Bhuj. The walls are made of a mixture of camel dung and mud. Photo courtesy of Sylvia Imbrock.

Sylvia holds a Rogan painted blanket. Rogan paint is made of boiled castor oil and natural pigments. The blanket features several traditional Hindu motifs including the tree of life, peacocks, maidens churning buttermilk and elephants with their mahouts. Photo by Chad Bremerman.

Hand-felted turtle pillow made from natural dyes and local fibers. Photo by Chad Bremerman.

An Ajrakh block printed piece. Each color requires a separate block for printing and each imprint for each color is aligned by hand. Photo by Chad Bremerman.

Cloth drying outside the family home. Photo courtesy of Sylvia Imbrock.

Hand-dyed sari/bandhani. Photo by Chad Bremerman.

Rogan painted blankets. Photo by Chad Bremerman.

Justin Wise, Cody Lightning, Eloy Sabalza, Christian Navarro, Nathan Navarro, Vito Luppino, Zac Carcagno, Conner Butler and Austin Garron take a break from skating. Photos by Jennifer Dagdagan.

Few would know the terms “hip” and “tranny” also refer to the curved walls and corners of a skatepark.

In fact, these hips and trannies are what make skateparks overlooked works of art — works that require great creative and constructive talents, and are often built with the help of an experienced crew of skateboarders.

Several years ago, local skateboarder Vito Luppino, 36, wanted to create a skatepark at the corner of Maple Street and Fair Avenue — and hoped it could improve Kiwanis Park. A skatepark had already been built at Chesterly Park on 40^th Avenue – more than 40 blocks west.

Yakima’s Apple Valley Kiwanis Club took on the project.

“The kids needed an outlet,” says Luppino. “When we had the [skate] park on 40^th, I recognized the kids from the other side of town couldn’t get up there.”

The community liked the idea, and a bid went out. In the spring of 2008 construction began.

By that November, an area of town once considered an eyesore was transformed — giving new life to the neighborhood and the park itself.

Seattle’s Grindline Skatepark Inc., combined the talents of its lead designer, Micah Shapiro, 42, and its chief operations officer, Matt Fluegge, 32, with the input of the local skate community. This consortium helped design a park that is fun and challenging for all ages and skill levels — a philosophy that Grindline uses when designing, called the “ladder of progression.”

Fluegge, originally from Yakima, describes skatepark design as a true art form.

“No matter how many details you include in the plans and specifications, you could never accurately display all of the blending of the curves,” he says. During construction, a number of modifications must be made in order to properly translate what’s on paper. This requires a crew of on-hand skaters and experienced builders.

Kiwanis Skatepark now encompasses 8,800 square foot. It is divided into a 4,000-square- foot bowl and a 12-foot wide streetscape with rails, ramps and steps. The entire park is made of concrete, using a process called “shotcrete,” which allows concrete to be “shot” onto steep, curved and overhead surfaces.

When designing the park, Grindline had just started experimenting with colored and stamped concrete in its designs. Fluegge had admired the old brick on Yakima’s Front Street, as well as the brick inlays along Yakima Avenue, which influenced Grindline’s decision to use a brick color in the design. Not only is it visually attractive, the skaters like the feel and sound of the material’s texture and shape, which mimics the feel of skating in the city.

The skatepark features a “bowl,” plus features only an avid skateboarder would recognize: pool coping, steel coping, an overt pocket, a “bird bath,” “waterfalls,” “sharp hips,” “round hips,” and a banked wall. The layout makes it feel larger than it is, since skateboarders can skate in a round, hitting different features without ever encountering a dead end. The design for the park cost $12,250, and construction cost about $300,000, with funds coming from several sources, including Kiwanis, the Tony Hawk Foundation and the city of Yakima.

The park was also built without much damage to the natural environment — the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission asked Grindline to design around all but one of the park’s 50-year-old trees. One tree had died and was removed before construction.

Designing around the trees did require some reconfiguring of the layout, but the shade has been greatly appreciated by the skaters.

Luppino, renowned in the local skate community, describes Kiwanis Skatepark as top of the line. Fluegge adds, “Whenever they build a park, people drive from all over to see [it] … including the pros.”

The Kiwanis Skatepark has not only changed a part of town, it has changed the lives of many children. “It brings so many different people together,” says Luppino. “It’s opening their minds to other kinds of people, music and artwork.”

Kids who might not have bus fare now have a public skatepark within walking distance. Not only was it built for the pros, it comes with skating mentors — like Luppino.

“It’s unreal to watch these kids grow,” he says.

Christian Navarro skates the bowl of the Kiwanis Skatepark.

Vito Luppino - renowned in the skate community.

The boys display the wear and tear on their boards.

Matt Fluegge, 32, chief operations officer of Seattle Grindline Skatepark, Inc. Photo courtesy of Fluegge.

Luppino soars off the island.

Eloy Sabalza flies through the air.

The boys skate the streetscape.

Zac Carcagno skates the bowl.

Theresa McLean has returned to Yakima after spending five and a half years with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. She's working on starting her own business sewing custom clown costumes. Photo by Sara Gettys.

Most college graduates wouldn’t dream of actually joining the circus as a viable job option.  But Yakima’s Theresa McLean is not your average graduate.

McLean, 29, earned her bachelor degree in history from Central Washington University in 2004. However, during college she also pursued her passion for sewing by working in the university’s costume shop and taking every clothing and design class she could fit into her busy class schedule. After graduation, she returned to Yakima to work for the Yakima School District, DOING WHAT? but continued sewing and designing for local high school musicals.

Two years after graduating, Theresa began to get a sense for adventure. After checking theater related jobs online, she came across a post that sounded interesting: a wardrobe position for none other than Ringling Brothers and the Barnum & Bailey Circus.

“I applied on a whim,” McLean said.  But months went by, and she eventually forgot about the application.  Then out of the blue she got a call from the head of wardrobe for Ringling Brothers.  “The woman asked me how fast could I get there,” she said.

And just like that, McLean ran away with the circus.

She flew to Los Angeles and took a cab 42 miles to Anaheim. McLean found herself quickly thrown into “big top” life the moment she stepped foot inside the center ring.

“My first project was to remake a pair of rhinestone gloves for the ring mistress,” said McLean. “I spent hours adding sparkle to the gloves and practically encrusted them.”  Her hard work paid off when the ring mistress told McLean that the gloves were her new favorite costume piece, since everybody paid attention to her hands when she clapped, McLean said.

For most of her tenure with the circus, McLean lived in a tiny room (with a bathroom down the hall) on one of the circus train’s passenger cars. Ringling Brothers has two train-based circus shows and a smaller truck-based show. Each train has approximately 60 cars, consisting of 40 passenger and 20 freight cars that stretch a mile in length. Instead of the circus tents of old, Ringling Brothers rolls into the station and sets up its three rings in large civic auditoriums.  When cities allow it, the circus still presents its famous Pachyderm Parade in popular places such as New York City and Washington, D.C.

McLean worked as the head seamstress and wardrobe mistress during her 5 ½ years with the circus.  Each tour had a theme and costumes are conceived by a designer, such as Oscar-winner Colleen Atwood, who is from Quincy, Wash.  The costume crew has the responsibility for packing, organizing and maintaining all of the costumes for the 60 to 100 performers.  McLean became an expert at sewing on sequins, serging stretchy Lycra, replicating torn or worn-out costumes — even repairing shoes.

“I met a Greek shoe repair guy in New York City and he let me come to his shop and learn how to do it.”

The best part of the job, McLean said, was getting to know so many people from so many places. “I learned to get along with people even though they’re not your best friend.”  The Ringling family comes from all corners of the world, and many of the performers speak little to no English when they arrive.   “I made up an English class for performers from Russia, China, Cuba, Ukraine and even Bulgaria,” she said.

McLean’s only expenses on the road were food and her cellphone bill, allowing her to save quite a bit of money for her future.  Since the circus traveled all across the United States, most of her vacation time was spent visiting family and attending friends’ weddings back in the Northwest.

Last December McLean decided it was time to ease away from her vagabond life and embark on a new adventure that would keep her closer to home, while utilizing the skills she learned on the road.  Over the years McLean has gotten to know many professional clowns, and she hopes to use her connections to start a custom clown-costume business. “Traditionally, circus clowns provide their own costumes,” she explained.  Clown costumes are very specific to the individual clown, she said, and she’s excited about this new direction. Currently McLean is also designing the costumes for the magic act at Silverwood Theme Park.

Although she occasionally has dreams of high wire acts and performing elephants, for now McLean’s feet have stepped outside the rings and are headed toward a new future.

An example of the custom clown clothing sewn by Theresa McLean. Photo by Sara Gettys.

Vicenta Pages, a tiger trainer and aerialist whom McLean worked with. Photo courtesy of the Ringling Brothers.

McLean made the pink shrug for Mayya Panfilova, a cat trainer, who was also one of McLean's English students. Photo courtesy of the Ringling Brothers.

Stas Knyazkov, a clown. McLean made a replica of his vest since the originals wore out quickly. Photo courtesy of Ringling Brothers.

Robin and Jill pose in Downtown Yakima. Photo by Jennifer Dagdagan.

This world is but canvas to our imagination.

-Henry David Thoreau

I’ve always thought it a pity that I can’t paint. I have a vivid imagination, and although I agree with my brother that it’s both a blessing and a curse, I’ve always wished I could depict the scenes my mind has created over the years. But I don’t have any ability to capture depth, shading or dimension — at least visually.

This absence of talent especially irks me when I walk into my living room. There, above my fireplace, is a tall blank wall in sore need of art. And I’m somehow convinced — much to my coworkers’ chagrin — that I can create it. I’ve gone through no fewer than a dozen ideas: painting my own canvas, finding a rusty piece of metal at a junk yard, gluing cooking cutters together in a large circle, drawing words in an abstract pattern. The list goes on. Every time I mention a new idea to Jill, she says, “That sounds terrific… But will you really do it?”

So far, no. But one day.

Jill is an artist, although here she would demur. Her creativity is astounding, and we love to gush over her latest project. She’s been “artsy” since she was born, she says, and took art classes in high school. In college, she began refinishing furniture (“Probably because everything was ugly”), and now she can make anything from jewelry to slipcovers to pretty baubles for her home.

This “art” issue was particularly inspirational for us. I toured the homes of five local artists — such treasures we found — who are featured in this year’s Tour of Artists Homes and Studios. You can read about Mighty Tieton’s Sylvia Imbrock, who recently returned from a trip to India, where she researched that country’s rich textile history — and returned with a few examples. We also peruse one couple’s mid-town bungalow that’s filled with original art, plus Style Freak’s Pam Edwards offers inspiration to the reluctant artist with her own experience. Don’t miss our “Spring up Your Menu” feature, with Asian-inspired dishes, too. You’ll want to cook up some art in the kitchen (and you won’t be sorry you did!)

And there’s much, much more.

So whether you paint, write, sculpt or cook — or simply enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, we hope you have fun with this issue.

As always, check out our website at yakimamagazine.com, where we have more pictures and expanded coverage, plus our blog From the Notepad. We welcome your comments and story ideas, too, so don’t hesitate to send them to us.  You inspire us!

~Robin & Jill