May 2012 - Letter From The Editor

This month, we all took a deep breath after SDFF and gained our bearings. Luckily, spring time has arrived around the same time! I've posted two pictures from Buddy Elledge and Valdies Czikan which captures nicely the typical contrast of a Seattle spring. It was also the time of the year for ADWAS’ annual play, "Waiting For Rosalie" -  for the Sexual Abuse Awareness Month, which Buddy writes about. The play has a potent message - do not stay silent - reach out and be there for others who are in need.

As you know, Deaf Spotlight continues to provide activities for the community, and you can read about the Landscape Drawing Spotlight Studio which was provided in April. Patty was kind enough to share some lovely sketchings with us. We also had a volunteer appreciation party at Rob Roth’s lovely home. I also am thrilled to share with you my experiences on the Lights On; HIDE/SEEK tour narrated by Rob Roth – this guy knows all the secrets! It was well worth my time, and I am sharing some artwork with you. Enjoy! Thanks, Rob, for all of your contributions (seriously, the Deaf Spotlight organization wouldn't have made it this far without his valuable input!) 

In addition to our regular “Deaf Street Style” (look to your right) picture this month, I’m thrilled to introduce a new addition of the monthly deafREVIEW column by echo greenlee. She penned an interesting article about Howie Seago and his involvement with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival – which I wanted to share with you as well.  I look forward to hearing from echo about all the great pickings around Seattle.

I have selected the poem of the month by Clayton Valli, “Dandelion” – it is a well-known ASL poem. I’ve watched it many times, and it continues to inspire me and uplift me. The poem is not simply about dandelions – watch and contemplate. I’ve always loved dandelions – and this poem is a big reason why. Spring time brings around the dandelions and a big smile on my face!

Please remember to contact me if you are interested in submitting something - we want the opportunity to showcase the talent out there in the Pacific Northwest.  Please email us with the required information - your name, contact info, city/state, attachment of your work with a title, and a website if you have one. We will screen and select for the upcoming month's online edition. The deadline is May 25th, if you wish to submit something to the June edition. We look forward to your creative work from the Deaf community of the Pacific Northwest!

See you next month,
Katie Roberts
What's Up Editor