Lopez Island with the Diepenheims and the Sellers/Zaks

With Christian and Emily home for 2 months between trips to SE Asia and New Zealand we decided to grab the opportunity for the two families to sneak away to Lopez Island to hang and play for a few days. We had a fabulous time ... ate and drank ourselves silly, enjoyed a lazy morning of beautiful snow, bundled up and rode bikes down to the point, took tons of photos (we have several budding photographers - Especially Emily) played scrabble, taboo and charades and a fierce girls v boys soccer game in the snow. What fun!!!

Orcas Island Summer 2010 Extravaganza

It is possible as I have learned again and again, to be in one's place, in such company, wild or domestic, and with such pleasure, that one cannot think of another place that one would prefer to be - or of another place at all. - Wendell Berry


Here are some pics and videos from our time on Orcas this year. We had far too many highlights to mention them all, but here are a few ... Joey drumming, Clare walking, the brave and strong triathlon-ing, Heather's phenom ribs, making dirt and worms with Joey, Jessie and Josh, mountains of hiking and biking, Savannah and her new Orcas look, yoga and soaking tubs, blackberry pancakes, hammock reading and hammock playing, and even more games, eating, drinking, laughing, canoe-ing, and singing. Another magical time on our magical island!!!

Thailand with Christian and Emily

Here are pics from my recent trip to Thailand to meet up with Christian and Emily who have been traveling SE Asia since November. There are more pics to see on their blog. Enjoy!

February in Santa Barbara

Here are pics of my little writer's retreat in Santa Barbara. It was a fabulous month - 2 blocks from the beach and 4 miles from Chloe's school. I indulged in books, research and writing to my heart's content. It was decadent and delicious. Chloe had my car and was the perfect interruption every time she popped by. The second weekend, Gary flew down and we hopped in the car and drove to San Diego for a party to honor my dad. It was a great weekend of being with friends and family- I loved every moment. The following weekend was Chloe's 19th BD. Bethie took the train up to party with us. 4 weeks later, 120 pages written and many rich moments with my daughter later, I packed up the suburu and headed back to my moist habitat in the northwest. Here are a couple of blogs from my month: http://www.tinaschermersellers.blogspot.com/

My Santa Barbara Writer's Retreat