last november, just across the river in washington, i almost missed the signs on the highway offering free glass blowing demonstrations from 1-4pm. but i didn’t. i followed the signs to a house in the woods with an unfinished turret poking out of the trees, its narrow driveway lined with swirling light catchers and dragonfly yard spikes. the basement door was open and inside was a friendly craftsman making christmas ornaments and vases in his weekend clothes. the room was divided into two halves - the professionals-only work area, and the gallery/viewing area, complete with two rows of old theater seats. quick introductions and then right down to business. he seemed very much at ease talking while he worked and described every step, adding historical and scientific detail to explain his methods. he answered questions, described his worst mistakes and talked about his children. all while bobbing in and out of a 5000 degree oven. it was cool. see more pictures here.

you were the first and the best to ever line my heart with fur
i am more than lonely
i am crippled

invented by augustin fresnel, this lighthouse lens was built in 1822 and is made of glass prisms stacked into concentric rings to beam light up to 250 miles out to sea. it lives now in a museum at cape disappointment near astoria, oregon.

i don’t generally think pictures of food tend to look all that appetizing, but i was rather proud of how this turned out. it was my first attempt at cooking marlin. my plans for grilling were dashed by the rain, so i did it on the stove. olive oil, salt and lemon pepper. it was delicious.