Tea at Nancy's

 In celebration of May 19's lowest tide (-3.58') the WOWer's gathered as they have done in the past for High Tea at Low Tea. Nancy's new home was beautiful and delightful decorated with her treasures. What a lovely day it was too. The sun poured into the house lifting everyone's spirits. The view across the harbor was perfect. The food and tea delish. Something special happens when we are close to the water and together - it is wonderful. 

Of course we won't be using Muriel's sticks to row with! 

This is the spot where I would have put 2 videos with messages for the WOWers not able to be with us today. The first video was going to be all of us sing our cheer song "We are the WOWers". 

But when we couldn't quite remember all the words. 

With Terese's help she played Voski's song 

and the WOWers sang along.

Itis with deep sadness and regret I report,  I thought I hit play as I circled the room catching them all singing together. Feeling quite cheeky I tried filming another video while everyone was talking. 

Some added their best wishes to those who could not be there. 

What can I say, other than I failed. I got 2 - 2 second videos of feet. 

It was not my big videographer moment.

The singing and 'stroke' performances were so top notch and joy-filled and fun that 

I guess the universe thought it too special to share. 

I mean, what if word got out that a bunch of women could have so much fun

rowing an imaginary boat! 

But then things turned more serious. Word is out the Boat Builders are not 

receiving their grant monies. The organization needs them desperately. 

More research on the situation is needed - so stay tuned. 

The 2 unfamiliar faces - they are friends of Nancy's, but they fit right in. 

Hopefully they had as much fun as the rest of us. 

Each WOWer, like the sculpture below, filled 

Nancy's house - all pure treasures. 

The WOWers Gather

 Come for tea, Wednesday at 1 pm was all that was needed for the WOWers to gather. This time it was at Dorothy's new place and come they did - a baker's dozen. We celebrated Jill who had her birthday on the day of the event. We went on to celebrate those whose odometer turned over a point. BUT nobody is counting!

The Birthday Girl has arrived. 

Pour the tea and let's get this shindig going!

Finding comfort and kindness among friends

 in spite of the upsets since January.

It is is a wonderful thing to gather together. 

That's why....

the next gathering is already planned!

Muriel's sumi paintings

Puget Sound Sumi Artist Exhibition - "Brush Stroke"

With rowing in our past, we WOWers still like to gather together. We are like drops of water coming together to become a puddle. 

Today we celebrated Muriel, our resident Sumi artist.  Her work was on exhibition at the Tacoma Public Library (Main). 

Muriel uses sumi ink and watercolors to transform what she sees and feels into brush strokes with meaning and movement. 

Muriel

Summer's End, A Haiga

Look at these Lady Slippers!

Prologue

With Two Sticks, A Haiga

Congratulations to you Muriel and all the other Sumi artists!

It was a nice show.

 

Pie Time at Muriels

 Imagine...

Sitting comfortably, sharing stories past and present, and energetic discussions about politics and medical achievements. The last story for the day was about an amazing coincidence, and even more enlightening was that it it was about a boat full of women and it challenged our knowledge of the Norwegian arctic. 

Stories turned into plates of delicious treats which included a slice of Muriel's pie - always a highlight. Walking Muriel's garden finished off the day with such pleasant smells and tastes (huge blackberries) and beauty. It was simply a delightful day. 

 

 

Fondly we thought about those who were not there with us today. Some had full schedules,

others have been sorely missed for some time now. 

Here's a tribute to one dear WOWer - Voski Sprague.

The words were hers.

She was a gift to all who knew her. 

Time to Leave the Shoal 

Watercolor by Muriel Taylor

Everything is beautiful and I am so sad.

This is how the heart makes a duet of wonder and grief.

The light spraying through the lace of the fern is as delicate as the fibers of memory forming their web around the knot in my throat.

The breeze makes the birds move from branch to branch as this ache makes me look for those I have lost in the next room,

in the next song,

in the laugh of the next stranger.

In the very center,

under it all,

what we have that no one can take away and all that we’ve lost face each other,

It is there that I’m adrift,

feeling punctured by a holiness that exists inside everything.

I am so sad and everything is beautiful.

 

Voski D. Sprague

March 13, 1945 – June 6, 2019

Let it Shine, Let it Shine, Let it Shine

 Gathering together is like sunshine that warms your soul.

It was a lovely day for the WOWers to gather at Terese's house.  A few WOWers had unexpected changes to their plans, one was far away, we missed them all sorely but we were all there in spirit! Good food, stories to share, and some wonderful reminiscing. It was a good day! Cori, the new program person and her friend from Maine also attended. Cori says around 200 people who are interested in rowing on the Verite. That is what we call good news!

We also had a tour of the new greenhouse and the cattery.  Terese is not only clever, she is WOW!

Here are a few pictures -

The asparagus - Muriel that is for you!

                                                    We can hardly wait to gather again. 

WOW 2.0 is really happening

 The original WOWers (Women on the Water) have officially passed the "oar" onto the next group of women. Verite has a suitable home and excited and willing rowers - prayers have been answered in a most beautiful way. Perhaps they will call themselves WOW 2.0? It is with mixed feelings we stand on the dock and watch the new crew row down the Thea Foss Waterway. 

With a new crew brings

New beginnings...

New adventures...

New Friendships...

Vérité, Vérité, Vérité