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My backyard was carpeted with these little guys last month.
They grew under a large black walnut tree where nothing else can grow but moss.

Do you mycological types have any idea what kind these are? I like the quote: "There are old mushroom hunters and there are bold mushroom hunters, but there are no old, bold mushroom hunters." I personally don't like to eat mushrooms for any reason, but I am curious. This year I had several different types of mushrooms show up, more than usual, but these fellows were the most plentiful.

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Olympia, Washington: The Fetid Lake of Doom bordered by the "Isthmus," upon which stands a tall building locals call "The Mistake By the Lake." In the background is Budd Inlet, site of the famous 1976 Sea World whale controversy. Also the former home of the Mothball Fleet.

Short Run, Nov. 12, Seattle Center!

Kelly Froh sent me the following promo materials for Short Run! Looks like a lot of fun.

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Buster x 4

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Red/Blue Republican/Democrat

For some reason in recent history, states that lean Republican are known as "Red" states while states that go for the Dems are known as "Blue" states.

McLuhan would've had a field day with this. But I suppose it has to with the color red being connected to a visceral, reactionary and regressive point of view compared with blue, a cooler, rational and more intellectual vantage point.

At any rate, I have been watching the original Star Wars trilogy on VHS again. This is a classic recognized for using universal symbols of good and evil. I hope you all notice Darth Vader and the bad guys use red light sabers while Luke Skywalker uses a blue light saber.

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William Shatner is White Comanche (1968)

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Miss Hettie does not suffer fools gladly

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The wooden bear on top of McCleary City Hall, carved out with a chain saw 50 years ago. The bear is known by several names, including "Timbear" and "Smiley." I had a chance to see this thing close up in the mid-1990s while promoting a documentary on the McCleary Bear Festival.

I now realize this sculpture no doubt contributed to the creation of the Tulpa minicomic in 1990.

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A political sign during this election season advocating transparency in government
McCleary, Washington

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Just one soldier in the Army of Slugs that occupy my yard

This should be the official mascot for Washington West of the Cascades. Check out the "Sluggy" game on page 12 of Mukey the Mutant Membrane, or the "Jobbo and Bonobo" story in OlyBlog.

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On the left, my paternal grandparents born 1887 and 1890, portraits drawn into wood by Mary Ann Bigelow about 25 years ago. The ports were taken from a photo taken around 1906-1907. Londy and Calla were products of the border region of Kentucky/Virginia.

The chalk portrait is me at the Seattle World's Fair ca. 1962.

All three of us were destined to spend most of our lives in the 20th century (unless I live into my 90s). I only overlapped in time with my grandmother for a few years, but long enough for her to be branded into my memory.

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Chad Woody on NPR Website

Our own Chad Woody has a short story, "Sleep Lessons," on National Public Radio's website!

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Olympia, Washington