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Elliott H. Robbins's avatar

Excellent non-fiction. Next time I visit Seattle, I now know what I want to do on one of those vacation days. If you have not done so already, you need to send a copy to your AirBnB host, as she would be wise to post this on the coffee table of her rental unit. Well done.

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Douglas Halpert's avatar

Thank you Elliott! I do highly recommend a visit to Bainbridge Island, and I plan to send a link to this nonfiction story to my former AirBnB host later today.

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Nichole's avatar

Your writing is so good I'm not sure if this actually happened or didn't. Lol Wonderful. Have a great day.

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Douglas Halpert's avatar

Thank you Nichole—I am very glad that you enjoyed it! This is a true story except that, as with all my creative nonfiction, I fictionalized some aspects of it to accentuate some of the comic elements and because even when I set out to write nonfiction, my imagination tends to be more dominant and reliable than my memory.

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Heather's avatar

Oh my goodness! That sounds amazing. See, that’s what people should do with money. Make art, and make a facility accessible to all. Wow.

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Douglas Halpert's avatar

Heather: You picked up on two important aspects of the island—accessibility and altruism. The way I understand it, you can take a modestly priced online class offered by BARN and this will qualify you to sign up for an in-person class at BARN if you later plan a vacation there and wish to gain the full experience. I agree that this is wonderful since unlike some beautiful places, they make a sincere effort to be affordable and accessible. This is one of several reasons why I decided to write this piece about them, similar to my story about the Cincinnati Type & Print Museum and my upcoming (March 11) Herman Melville-inspired tale about the creator of the American Sign Museum.

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Jan.Morrison's avatar

What sanity!!

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Douglas Halpert's avatar

I wish everyone would have an opportunity to visit Bainbridge Island and experience its unique society that is seemingly bound together by the arts

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Sandi Fanning's avatar

This took me back to standing by the rail on that ferry on my first voyage over to Bainbridge. I loved the ferry ride almost as much as the island - maybe more so.

Once we had landed, the relaxed, easy-going friendliness of the people there, and the artsy vibe really stood out to me. (And the exceptionally clean streets.)

Sadly, I didn’t know about BARN, but I visited various art shops, and chatted with the locals, found a gelato spot, and enjoyed my visit immensely. I wrapped it up by watching the sunset over the dock, before heading back, quite convinced that if I didn’t wind up living in the woods of Vashon, or up north somewhere, that I could easily consider calling Bainbridge home.

Thanks for sharing your visit, and reminding me of my time there. If I make it back, and I hope I do, I’ll be sure to look out for BARN.

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Sandi Fanning's avatar

P.S. I absolutely adored your opening line. Just wanted to say! Reminded me a bit of Sir Terry Pratchett :)

P.P.S I no longer live in the PNW sadly. And, in an odd turn of events, now call the South East coast of England home. But it was 8 years ago today that I flew out of Seattle airport, after my first visit, knowing in my bones I would move there later that year. (Which I did.) And your post really brought me back to that time and place.

Whilst I’m far from them now, Seattle and the PNW always feel as alive in me as when I lived there.

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Douglas Halpert's avatar

Sandi: Thank you so much for your two posts which lighten my day as they validate that "The Island..." story had the intended effect of helping my readers experience the soul of Bainbridge Island, a very unique locale. I appreciate your encouragement particularly as to my opening line. My favorite part of writing is crafting opening and concluding lines. Thank you again for your gracious support and all the best to you on the South East coast of England!

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

The BARN reminds me of the maker space in Reno, NV that is run by the Burners ... as in Burning Man. That whole movement has produced this huge warehouse that provides equipment and mentorship for a wide array of projects. The BARN sounds very similar to that place, except a might cleaner. 🤪

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Douglas Halpert's avatar

Thank you for the suggestion Sue - I will put that on my list of places to consider exploring in the future!

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Donald C. Pasulka's avatar

Another masterpiece, Douglas!!! I felt like I was on the trip with you. Your storytelling ability is tremendous and your use of vocabulary outstanding! Thanks again.

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Douglas Halpert's avatar

Thank you so much Don for your kind comments about the Bainbridge Island story!

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Mary Leicester's avatar

Beautiful. The island and its residents are described perfectly… truly a great place to hike and explore, too, outside of the weather (bomb cyclone, anyone?).

Ferry rides are a treat, standing outside regardless of weather, I haven’t taken a ride in some time, and now I’m inspired to go again.

Terrific stuff!

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Douglas Halpert's avatar

Thank you so much Mary! And I hope you find yourself on a ferry on a pleasant, clear day soon, enjoying a sublime view.

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Nichole's avatar

I look forward to your next adventure

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