Art in unexpected places is a joy to see

At the Fort Ground Grill on Saturday, I was enjoying some of the kitschy decor in the historic Coeur d'Alene tavern. One artistic display was exceptional, featuring books and their pages all along one wall. With origami-like folds giving three-dimensional "life" to the written words, it really moved me.

I learned that the exhibit was created by Marie Widmyer and Sally Barlow. Marie told me the project was a bit of whimsy that they hoped wouldn't be perceived as disrespectful to those who love the literary. As a wordsmith I assured her it was a most appropriate and well-executed celebration of the beauty of books. I love discovering art in the most unexpected places. Thanks Marie and Sally.

Each year the Heart of the City Church hosts a luncheon for women, led by Raydeane Owens. I've attended a couple of these empowering gatherings and never cease to be amazed and uplifted by my friend Raydeane. This year's theme was The Wonder of Women, focusing on strength, depth, passion, power and beauty.

With the backdrop of the beautiful lake at the Hagadone Event Center, Raydeane was joined by JoAnn Zijcheck, Kate Thomas, Cathy Shortridge and Jame Davis at the speaker's podium. Any one of these presentations would be a viral success like a TED Talk.

Cathy shared a most personal challenge that she's facing, cancer. Stage 4 cancer. She's in the midst of the battle and was ferocious - and at the same time filled with grace while she spoke. I was thinking how generous it was for her to open her heart to share such intimate feelings with a large room filled with people. Her faith and hope were palpable, especially when she spoke of being told just a few months ago that her cancer was terminal. Cathy's response to the diagnosis: "I'm not terminal - I'm eternal."

The start of spring is just three weeks away and we're anxious to see if March comes in like a lion or a lamb. February is definitely going out like a lamb for Dave and Marnie Fair, who've welcomed nine new little lambs the past few days, with about three dozen more babies to come.

Happy birthday today to Nathan McLeod, Barb Dietrick, Rosalie True and Jimmy Conrow. Tomorrow, Daisy Huggins, Brad Medlock, Tina Hough, Carolyn Peterson, Clara Hester, Ivy Fox, Sunny Day and Ron Gonzalez will celebrate.

On Friday, John Darlas will turn 80 years young, joining Karen Cocoran, David Sheridan, Tawny Brown, Camille Carleton, Steve Lux and Mary Herrick in blowing out their birthday candles. Don Pischner, Bridgette Lowry, Gary Dagastine, Bob Flowers, Al Telles, Maurie Bruce, Dean Walsmith, Allison Gerzina and Robin Gerzina celebrate their birthdays on Feb. 28.

If there were a Feb. 29 this year, Nancy DiGiammarco would be a year older but she gets to wait until the next leap year to age. On March 1, Faye Griffiths, Connie Chalich, Bud Kobs, Megan Aker and John Billetz will enjoy another trip around the sun. LeeAnn Cheeley, Lisa Honnell, Sharon Menti, Rhonda Shippey, Ginny Easterly, Alexander Endo, Randy Hurt and Nickolas Aker were all born on March 2. Tuesday is the birthday of Rebecca Kilmer and Gail Kinlock.

Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.