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Life

December 6, 2011
Susan Smith, right, discusses her artwork with an attendee at a First Friday reception. Smith is the featured December artist at the Second Story gallery at the Camas Public Library.

Inspiration from within

You're wasting your time getting art degrees and may as well put signs up to exhibit next to your washing machine like all the other girls." Almost 60 years later, Susan Smith still remembers that comment from a professor. "It spurred me on to be a success," she said. "And I never liked that guy anyway." And successful she became. Smith went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in fine art from the University of Wisconsin, and has had a career spanning six decades. The artist, who lives in Skamania County, has had her work displayed at shows throughout the Columbia Gorge, where she has lived since 1990. This month, she is the featured artist at the Second Story Gallery at the Camas Public Library.

November 29, 2011
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Homes for the holidays

As people begin decking out their homes for the holidays, they'll have the opportunity to glean ideas from four elaborately decorated residences in the Camas area.

November 29, 2011

Stops on the 2011 tour:

Classic home in Formal Federal style: This home was custom designed by Stephen and Kerry Richards. The home and grounds reflect the couples' interests and houses a collection of art and antiques that have been added during 46 years of marriage.

November 15, 2011
Not everyone has the time or desire to cook Thanksgiving dinner. Local restaurants Roots and Oliver's at the Camas Hotel are hosting meals that day to meet the need.

A different take on Thanksgiving

Some people look forward to making Thanksgiving dinner like others enjoy watching the Superbowl. For days they plan menus and spend hours in the kitchen, preparing the big meal. But for the more kitchen phobic or time strapped, sometimes having dinner out can be a huge burden taken off their shoulders.

November 8, 2011
There are goodies galore at the Holly Days Arts and Crafts Bazaar at Liberty Middle School in Camas. This year the event will be held Nov. 12.

Upcoming local bazaars offer a treasure trove of options for festive holiday gifts and decor

It's that time of year again. November typically kicks off a flurry of holidays bazaars, where those looking for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts are sure to find them. During the next month, several bazaars are coming to churches, schools and civic centers. Eager shoppers will have the chance to support the local economy, buy handcrafted items and avoid big box stores.

November 1, 2011
The Niles daughters are all actively involved in the worship service at their parents' new church. Here, from left to right, Savvy, Bethany and Jessica Niles perform at a youth retreat in Salem.

A new calling

"I shall be telling this with a sigh. Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference."

October 25, 2011
Blair raises his bike in victory after a long , hot day on a bumpy road in central Nebraska.

A ‘big reunion’ ride

People have been known to do some unusual things in preparation for a high school reunion. Crazy diets, plastic surgery, and showing up in new sports cars are just a few. But David Blair, 47, took it a step further. Or more like several miles. As in, about 2,581 of them. Blair, a health and fitness teacher at Skyridge Middle School, rode from Everett, Wash., to Washington, D.C. in a "big reunion ride," to celebrate his 30th high school reunion. "I'd never been to one and thought it would be a fun way to show up," he said. "Oddly enough, the reunion organizers ended up having it in October so I missed it, But I still did the ride."

October 18, 2011
A perfect fall Sunday afternoon greeted these walkers, who took advantage of the beautiful weather to take their dogs on a stroll through the neighborhoods surrounding Doc Harris Stadium and Hayes Freedom High School.

Falling into fall color

Leaves crunching under your feet. The cool, crisp smell in the air. Shorter days with the promise of cold nights.