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Drengson sisters continue to shine

 

Here we come tumbling into September. I used to easily remember the seasons; now they just seem to pile up one upon another with nary a breath between.

I have noticed a slight crispness in the air, new just this week. Not yet cold, not nearly yet wet, I can feel the change. It's welcome, even after such a mild summer as the one we're set to send off down the river of life.

Last week I promised you a mountain lion story. Several Fridays ago on a pale, moonless, starlit night, I was driving home alone on Bennett Valley Road. Near where Bennett Valley connects with Warm Springs Road, down in a hollow, I saw, not 30 feet ahead of me, a magnificent, full grown female lion. She was spectacular. I slowed to watch her calmly stroll across the road from the Fridell's driveway to the ranch across the way where veggies are sold. Her looping gate was lovely, the tuft of her tail held high and her awesome black patch at the edges of her smile distinct.

I feel honored to have witnessed one of nature's wild creatures and am grateful, hoping that Zara McDonald's Felidae notes this sighting continuing their important preservation work.

Back to town ... and beyond. Thursday night's awesome presentation by Natasha Drengson at Readers' Books was memorable. Slipping in the back gate, I didn't initially notice Tasha's trademark flower-strewn sidewalk on Napa Street, but I did relish the aroma of gardenias in the loo. Lovely. Tasha's bright purple plumeria lei settled on her shoulders like the mantle she deserves.

Tasha was at her miraculous best that evening, with more laughter than most of us can muster up in a day, and a few tears, especially for her beloved Papa who died exactly two years prior. The reader's garden was packed with friends and relatives with everyone rightfully proud of this hometown hero. Tasha spreads love and happiness wherever she roams. Among the crowd was Tasha's sweetie, Jason Jacobsen, who has been featured on the telly with his flaming fire table.

Tasha's sister, Amy Tamano, provided noshes. Bonnie and Ray Fredricks were especially enchanted by the petite wooden Saki boxes filled with salmon sushi. Lovely presentation. Amy recently won a contest in Emeryville, where she and her sweetie, Peter Tamano, run their catering business.

Amy submitted a proposal for a new kiosk business at the popular Emeryville Bay Street Mall. She is opening a Doggie Boutique with blessings of the mall associates. There were 150 submissions to the contest, which were then whittled down to 25, with five finalists doing presentations. Sue Braito, mom to these two talented young women, attended the festivities, where Amy was declared the winner. Her kiosk will be opening soon in front of the Apple Store (most frequented corner in the mall). We are especially fascinated by the re-fashioned, re-cycled dog outfits made from discarded human clothing.

Charissa Drengsen, Sue's third daughter, is talented in her own right, currently practicing the art of collage. Her steampunk-inspired tarot set is among the most awesome I've ever encountered.

I'm hoping that the three Drengson gals will be at the Glen Ellen Village Fair this year, but that's never guaranteed.

As for that famous Glen Ellen Village Fair, this year's date is Sunday, Oct. 9, and we'll have more news about that next week, as well as more wedding bells and a re-hash of the Glen Ellen Historical society's awesome presentation past and one to look forward to. Glen Ellen, as always, is the place to be. And thank our lucky stars (eh, PJ?) that the tea party did not choose Glen Ellen as their celebration site. We have much to be grateful for.

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Share your good news with friends and neighbors in Glen Ellen. Call or write me at the numbers up there by my smile. Or email me at creekbottom@earthlink.net.