Hart, Smith Make For Sublime Summertime Memories in Vaughn, WA

Above: Darden Smith reaches for a glass of water during his evening performance last night on the Key Penninsula.
Copyright 2010 by Mizu M. Sugimura.

What do some of the folks who write on the "In Your Neighborhood" blog here at TNT do in their spare time? Kim Bennett Thompson, our ever active Gritty City Woman was spotted yesterday at Word & Music's simply enchanting evening featuring poetry by the Neighborhood's amazing, Lorraine Hart , and soothing sounds by the talented and personable night's Texan headliner, Darden Smith.

Above: Kim Bennett Thompson.
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Smith, an all-around singer, composer, and musican who traveled up from the great state of Texas, is no stranger to the land of lumber, laptops and latte. He mentioned at least two of these products at several points in his equally sharp, mostly humorous and self-depreciating running commentary.

Above: Darden Smith, a Texan who truly appreciates a mug of Northwest Joe.
Photo by Mizu M. Sugimura.

To link with Darden Smith's website and details on his latest work click here.

Apparently Smith's performing skills are not limited to the stage and recording studio. In addition to at least eleven studio albums and CD's under his belt, he is a gifted teacher as well. Prior to his performance it was shared that was mentioned that many youthful converts had been made during prearranged workshops for area boys and girls sponsored just the day before.

Access information about Words and Music click here.

Above: Lorraine Hart.

The folks at Word & Music deserve many showers of accolades for carving out a cultural island of beauty and creativity and energy in the South Sound and Key Peninsula. And in an ideal world, it's the opinion of this writer whose first introduction to the group was also yesterday night, that every community ought to be as fortunate!

Above: And the setting sun played the very last notes of the day. Copyright 2010 by Mizu M. Sugimura

Getting Out the Word: Lyme

Lorraine Hart has written extensively about her experience with chronic Lyme disease. She is my heroine. I am sure she’s her daughter’s heroine, too. Because of her tireless efforts to get the word out about how to protect loved ones from this insidious disease and how to seek treatment for those who have it, people’s lives will be saved.

Because of the upcoming screening of “Under Our Skin” to be held at Gig Harbor High School (instigated by Lorraine) I sent out an email to the staff there and discovered that Lyme has touched more lives that I would have thought.

Even if you think you’ve become educated about Lyme disease come to the screening. Email your friends, family and neighbors. For ride pools. If Lorraine could, she would knock on every door in Pierce County to help educate the public about a tiny bug that can devastate a life. Anyone can become a Lyme warrior and help stop the disease cold. Let’s help her by getting out the word that Lyme hurts. You may be surprised to discover that it has already touched the life of someone you know.