The Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire

Kristi Bonham

Cavallo Equestrian Arts provided thrilling entertainment throughout the day.

The famous Blue Fairy

The Bawdy Juggler

Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Mary of Scotland.

This steel wyvern was created from recycled spoons.

With my friends Keith Westlund and Beth Easterday.

With my friends Beth Easterday and Carmen Foss.


I joined several of my friends today at the 2009 Washington State Rennaissance Fantasy Faire. We started the day with fabulous crepes, visited the many merchants and enjoyed the exciting shows. There were also many fabulous costumes to admire. A fun day was had by all.

UPDATES : Additional Photos from the Faire by Chris Yetter.

Hobby - Jewelry Design for the Chris Elliott Fund and The Ruby Room

This bracelet was designed for the Chris Elliott Fund's Gray Ribbon Gala on October 2nd. The bracelet includes gray freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, laser cut sterling silver beads and a sterling silver ribbon charm.

This bracelet was designed for the Ruby Room Benefit Fashion Show and Auction on August 29th. It includes freshwater pearls, garnets and Swarovski crystal. The toggle clasp in embedded with two garnets.

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This week I designed two bracelets that will be auctioned off to support great causes, the Chris Elliott Fund and The Ruby Room. It is a pleasure to be able to help these organizations. Please consider donating to their causes.

Carbon Offsets

In order to make my trip to Mrs. America carbon neutral, I purchased carbon offsets for my round trip flight to Tucson. I have included information on carbon offset businesses below in the Links of Interest section.

Doing Our Part

I thought I would share some of the things my family is doing to reduce our carbon footprint.

Our electric/gas hybrid heating system.

Reusable shopping bags.

This is my first attempt at growing our own vegetables. This year I started with zucchini and yellow squash and a lone pea plant. They are doing pretty well so far. You can't get more local than this, plus they are organically grown.

Buying local. Snohomish County values it's farms so we are lucky to have a variety of sources for locally grown products. Bob's Corn, pictured above, is one of our neighbors. Purchasing local products not only reduces your carbon footprint, it also supports the local economy.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle through Waste Management.

We replaced all the lighting inside and outside with compact fluorescent light bulbs.

According to the World Resources Institute Data, 13.5 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are transportation related, the majority of those are emissions on roads (9.9 percent). In Washington State, transportation energy use is both the largest greenhouse gas producer and the fastest growing sector. My family purchased a 2009 Toyota Prius this year as our main driving car.

Women and climate change

Women around the world taking action on climate change.

Mothers for Alaska

Mothers for Canada

1 Million Women for Australia

Youth Against Climate Change

Irish Women act on Climate Change in Africa

Bangladeshis Rally Against Climate Change

Swedish women more likely to act on climate change

Women call for more action on climate change

National Night Out Against Crime

South Everett Neighborhood Center

Snohomish County

Snohomish County's new arson dog "Topper" and his handler, Deputy Fire Marshal Mike Makela. Topper demonstrated his fire investigation skills at the event.

Rex the Mountain Lion is the mascot for Ready Kids disaster preparedness

The annual National Night Out (NNO) is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The campaign involves citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Lake City Pioneer Days Parade

Davy Jones and the Captain.

"Ancient One" Kerry Dean

The Seafair Pirate's shenanigans and formidable float, the Duck, are a huge part of the Seafair experience. The pirates appear at several events and parades each day during Seattle's Seafair Celebration. They also make dozens of appearances annually to hospitals and nursing homes.

Sivona Lingle, Miss Seafair 2009 Third Princess.

Kiana Kobayashi, Miss Seafair 2009 First Princess.

Jacqueline Saarenas, Miss Seafair 2009.

My ride, a 2010 Mustang GT convertable.

Lincoln's Toe Truck.

Thank you to Mustangs Northwest and Ford of Kirkland.