North Coast Winds by Robin Joy Wellman - December 2017
Blessings to you all as we enter into the darker colder days of December, which is exactly why ‘gift giving’ at this time of year can bring much cheer. Gifts come in many ways, shapes, and sizes for the many occasions celebrated this time of year. Little things, little gifts often have the greatest moments of love and sharing. Homemade gifts are special and from the heart as well as
I love the craft fairs that support local artisans. And what about those intangibles – the moments shared on a walk or a cup of tea. Precious gifts of time and love. Our families and friends come in many shapes and sizes too and all equally unique. Our community is small yet vast.
Many of our neighbors have had trauma these past months so now is a real good time to give a little love to a neighbor or someone you don’t know but see each day. I am so excited this year as I will be an official‘ Salvation Army Bell Ringer’ this year. The Salvation Army came to my rescue a few times when raising three sons and providing was a bit of a struggle. Salvation Army also often provided the only Christmas my Dad and his young childhood knew. I feel very blessed to give this time and love to my community.
I know there are many ways to say the greetings for the holidays. All of them are respected by each of us. Everyone has a different belief and thoughts about the ‘gift giving’ season. I like ‘Merry Christmas’ as I grew up with these words of cheer being in a very Christ-centered home. I like to be cheerful and spontaneous when I say Merry Christmas. I have never had anyone say ‘oh, that’s not my religion’, but instead most people I know receive the greeting with grace. If someone said to me their own religious greeting during the holidays I would welcome their personal cheer as it offers an understanding of the community around us. Please be easy on each other as it often comes from the heart and with good intention.
So much to do this holiday season. Gualala Arts Center has things happening for everyone. The Festival of Trees is the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 24th and 25th which hosts a local craft fair. December 1 is ‘Let them Eat Cake’ and if you like to eat cake this tasting and showcase is for you. Martini Madness might be your thing which is December 2 and supports the Senior Center. This is a very fun and popular event. One of my favorite is the Holiday Concert with the local choir and the bell ringers.
And the Chamber Christmas Concert on Dec 17th and the Nine Lessons and Carols is Dec 24th. The Dolphin Center will have local arts showcased for holiday gift all month. All this and more of the details is noted on the web site gualalaarts.org/category/events/. The Point Arena Lighthouse has their monthly‘ Full Moon Tours’ which offers a panoramic view of the moon and ocean from the top of the Lantern Room, the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. All proceeds go toward the support and maintenance of Lighthouse Tower, Museum and grounds. Reservations must be made ahead of time.
Did you know you can lodge at the lighthouse in the renovated historic quarters? Check this out for your next stay atpointarenalighthouse.com/lighthouse-lodging-2/ Also in Point Arena Dec 2 – 29 the Hometown Holidays and Holiday Gifts Exhibit and Show Opening on Dec 2. The Holiday Art Show at Coast Highway Artists Collective featuring the Collective. The spotlight guest Renegade Botanical’s Amy McFarland as well as musical guests The Highway Men (Norm Fast and Eric Dohlhoff) INFO:pointarena.net
The Point Arena Theater, which has the best popcorn as they have brewer ’s yeast to sprinkle on top, has many events in December. The theater shows new releases as well as hosts the ‘Live Opera at the Met’ series and the Bolshoi Ballet series.The Film Club will host two great shows including ‘Babette’s Feast’. INFO: arenatheater.org/
The Redwood Coast Chamber of Commerce holds the local calendar with events for tots at the Coast Community Library, Senior Lunches and Pay N Take at the Gualala Community Center, Workshops on local sewing crafts at ‘The Loft’ at Sundstrom Mall, and Open Mic at ‘215 Main’ in Point Arena. For many of the local events check out their web at redwoodcoastchamber.com
