Looking through her bedroom window, Ree Huston discovered nature’s treasures in Sequim.
She set her sights on a bird feeder where raccoons, hummingbirds, deer and others would congregate.
As a poet for most of her life, she’d craft writings around the animals and for the last 10-plus years she’s been shaping them into her book “Nature’s Gifts.”
Its chapters center on an animal or landmark with poems, facts and history, art projects, recipes and photos from around the North Olympic Peninsula, many taken by her husband, Dan.
Huston, a former substitute teacher, said the book is for people of all ages with parents reading to children, visitors seeing elderly friends and those needing a book for a trip.
“It’s positive stories about nature and life,” Huston said. “It’s something to talk about other than how you are feeling.”
She and Dan retired and moved to Sequim in 1994. They met in church and will be married for 63 years this January. They have four sons, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Although subtly referenced, Huston said her writing is influenced by her faith and people can catch that if they read thoroughly enough.
Much of her writing, she says, comes to her in the middle of the night, and as a cosmetics maker she believes God inspired the recipes for those and her writing.
Huston was featured in two poetry annuals and was selected as editor’s choice both times. She has two other copyrighted books that aren’t published yet. The Hustons once created and sold greeting cards and cosmetics at the Sequim Open Aire Market.
Her next book, “The Rescue of Buster Bus,” a picture poetry book, is set for release in the next month online and in stores. It’s a true account of her son on a trip gone bad in Missoula, Mont.
"Jimmycomelately Creek"
by Ree Huston
Some creeks run slowly as you see.
Jimmycomelately runs to the sea.
Sometimes it’s slow, when snow melts, fast.
Fingerling Salmon hatch at last.
They swim to live far out at sea.
But they’ll swim home, just wait and see.
They find Jimmycomelately again to come home.
We’re told it’s in their chromosome.
"Hummingbird and Crow"
by Ree Huston
Curious hummingbird,
Peeking in my window.
We join in love
For Sweet flowers.
His quiet presence
In my life
Adds cherished memories.
Hear the raucous crow?
