As a strong introvert, I keep having to re-learn a truth that is screamingly obvious to any extrovert: humans need community to thrive. Although writing haiku and making art are usually solitary activities, I still need to connect with other like-minded souls for ideas, support and a sense of greater purpose.

Late last month I attended the annual Seabeck Haiku Getaway in Washington State. I’ve joined (and presented at) several haiku conferences via Zoom during the pandemic. But this was the first one that I’ve attended in person, fortified by my Covid booster shot and reassured by the required proof of vaccination and masks.

one red leaf
just inside the door
haiku welcome

It was deeply nourishing to spend three days talking, writing and breathing haiku with other members of this unique tribe. I knew some people from previous Seabeck gatherings, others only as bylines in haiku journals. Some participants were newbies and others were longtime leaders in the field, but all were true fans of the elusive art of haiku. 

It was especially affirming to give a presentation on my haiga (art combined with haiku) to a warm and appreciative crowd. A section on my senryu (haiku’s funnier cousin) elicited waves of laughter. I thought, “These people get me!”

At Seabeck, we connected over meals and in a cedar grove where poets gave readings. On a trail through the woods to an overgrown cemetery and on a fun “bouncing bridge” on the conference grounds. In dozens of sessions and conversations, I found inspiration and community. The theme of this year’s conference? “Togetherness.”

the bouncing bridge
shakes loose our giggles
sun through cedars

Especially with people gathering for Thanksgiving this week, I am reminded that we all need community to make our lives rich and meaningful—even us introverts. I’m grateful beyond measure for all of it. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

sideways rain
a stranger’s umbrella 
brushes mine

More about the special magic of Seabeck.

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Makino Studios News

Thanksgiving special: Free shipping all week, no minimum orders! Use code THANKS21 at checkout for free first-class shipping on any order within the US. Offer runs through midnight this Sunday, Nov. 28.

Top 10 reasons to shop local for the holidays: On Nov. 16, the Eureka Times-Standard published a column I wrote for their Business Sense series. The article also shares ideas for meaningful holiday gifts, especially from local artists and craftspeople. 

Holiday shipping deadline: The US Postal Service advises that for first-class packages to arrive by Dec. 25, they should be shipped by Dec. 17. 

2022 mini-calendar: My calendars of art and haiku are going like hotcakes! They are available on this site and at select stores in Humboldt County, California. They feature 12 colorful Asian-inspired collages with my original haiku. $12 each. 

Water and Stone: My book of art and haiku, Water and Stone, makes a lovely gift! It includes 50 watercolor paintings with my original poems. Cost is $24.99. You can find it online here, on Amazon and in select local Humboldt stores. 

Made in Humboldt fair: The “Made in Humboldt” event at Pierson Garden Shop in Eureka, CA runs through Friday, Dec. 24. This will be the only fair where you can buy my calendars, books, prints and boxed notecards this season. 

Art prints at Blake’s Books: This sweet bookstore in McKinleyville currently has a selection of my framed and unframed art prints, ready for gifting! They also carry my calendars, notecard sets and single cards.