“The View From My Window.” Sound familiar?  It should to Sea Ranchers.  That was the name of the column Frank wrote for the Bulletin every month from 2010-2020. When & Where – 2 to 4pm at the Gualala Arts Center on Sunday, June 13th. This party is hosted by The Sea Ranch Vision Committee and all are invited.

From this tough-looking dude, Frank Bell, come interesting ways of seeing and understanding what goes on around here.  His insightful perceptions, judgments, and wisdom, in addition to judiciously applied grumpiness, made his monthly columns must-reads.

Christine Kreyling, who wrote the book’s introductory notes, states, “Frank’s columns demonstrate how writings conceived as musings-of-the-passing-moment, once the moment passes, can be useful for lots more than lining the bottom of the bird cage. Although if you’d told Frank that’s what you did with them, I can imagine him congratulating you on your aptitude for creative recycling.”

Whimsical word collages by local artist Jackie Gardener reflect upon Frank’s writings and expand the reader’s understanding of what it is like to live at The Sea Ranch. They are colorful, witty, and pop off the page. In addition, at this event Jackie will have eleven of her original word collages on display and eight will be for sale, with all proceeds going to Gualala Arts.

The View From My Window was created by local talent. It was the idea of Vision Committee Member, Hanne Liisberg, richly illustrated by Jackie Gardener, brilliantly designed by Hall Kelley, with an incisive essay by Christine Kreyling, and edited by Andrea Lunsford and Mary Alinder. Donations from community members made this book possible by fully funding it.

You can buy the book on June 13th for $25 and have it signed by Frank, Jackie and Christine while you wish Frank and his wife Linda, who can’t be here, well in their new home in Wyoming.  Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted.

Come join the farewell to Frank.  You don’t want to miss it.  See you on Sunday June 13th. If you can’t be there on Sunday, “The View From My Window” will be sold at TSRA office on Annapolis Road, Gualala Arts, and the Dolphin gallery.

And The Sea Ranch Archives Committee will be selling copies of Donlyn Lyndon’s new book, “Place at the Sea Ranch: Architecture/Landscape Markers on our Trails”.

No refreshments will be served at this Covid-careful outdoor event and masks are required.