Big, Bad & Ugly Surf Contest 2009
by Kevin Cole

Morro Rock by Dennis Young

USCG Surf Boats by Malcolm Riordan

Great Blue Heron by Nan Carder

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Peregrine Falcon Image on Banner by Cleve Nash

Atascadero Writers Group

Three Haiku
by George Asdel

Leaf silhouettes dance
Shadows on Mulberry tree
As morning winds blow                        Read More

The Elements of Life by Lucille Bosco

August carries the heat from the summer sun in the fire element of Leo.  The flooding nature of the preponderance of planetary bodies in the water signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces continues, yet fails to extinguish the Solar Fire, whose origins trace back to the sun god Prometheus. We are told he "brought the fire of mind to earth in order that the tribe of men might cherish the spark of divinity within their hearts and souls." (Moore, 1978, p. 440). Read More

Frustrated Local Writer by Rose Marie Zurkan

Rose Marie is trying something a little different, serializing a book she has written — "The Evil Men Do." Each month she will be sharing a chapter with you. As the months go by, you will be able to go back and re-read previous chapters if you wish to. We both welcome your thoughts on both the book itself and the process we are trying. So — jump in! Read More

Genie's Pocket by Jeanie Greensfelder

The Story of the Two Bears

My poodle smells bear, Pat says,
Fifi refuses to go near the creek.
We share yesterday's news: a man
sees a bear asleep in an avocado tree
close by. A crowd gathers and claps
until it wakes and runs away.                         Read More

Great Shots by Jerry Kirkhart & Steve Corey

Our photo editors bring you some of their favorite coastal images for the month. This month's featured local photographers are Steve Corey, Rick Derevan, Pamela Link, Dagmar Collins, Mimi Ditchie, Sandy Harris, Mike Baird, Linda Tanner, Bill Bouton, Alice Cahill, Howard Ignatius, Ronnie Goyette, Anita Ritenour, Jen Lawrence, Donald Quintana, Cheryl Strahl, Dave Lawrence, Sylvia Sanchez, Breedie Savage, Beth Sargent, Marlin Harms Linda McDonald, Mike Vieira, Jerry Kirkhart, Teddy Llovet, Bob Canepa, Heather Craig, Nan Calora, Don Henderson, James Crawford, and and Lace Anderson. See More

Mostly Music by Dawn Starr

Soaring slowly over the alluvial golden hills punctuated by mature oak trees and orderly rows of grapevines in a hot air balloon can be a transcendent, once in a lifetime experience. This is just one of the many offerings for a close to home "staycation," in the bucolic wine country in northern San Luis Obispo County.  Every month has its unique activities, so determining travel dates warrant consideration of when the weather and activities meet the needs of the types of travelers — families, couples, friends or singles.  Read More

One Poet's Perspective by Jane Elsdon

Writing a poem can be for adult or child what playing in the sand is to a child and adults with a child-like spirit.  Holding the pen, writing the words is in a very real way as soothing as it can be to sift sand through one's fingers or to write in the sand. Read More

Opera SLO by Kathryn Bumpass

Glorious singing, stunning views, beautiful gardens, wine tasting, painters at work, and a silent auction. It's Broadway by the Sea, presented by Opera San Luis Obispo each summer. Don't miss this feast of the arts, held at the elegant Chapman estate in Shell Beach, Saturday, August 17. The grounds will open at 1:00pm. Agrand concert follows at 2:00pm. Read More

Practicing Poetic Justice by Deborah Tobola

In 2006, Joelyn says, "Everything I'd attached myself to was gone." She was unemployed with no place to go. Her sister died suddenly of breathing complications. Her younger brother committed suicide. Her seven-year relationship ended. Her dog of 18 years died. She found herself lying on the floor in a fetal position, wanting to die. Read More

Valencia Peak Panorama by Howard Ignatius