I forgot to tell you one of the most important things that happened on the late, great Hawaiian cruise.

I saw the Green Flash!

Yes, its true, it really does exist and I never believed that it did. I thought that all those people who went on and on about it were high on something or just messin with me. I was ohsowrong.

Our dining room aboard ship was all the way aft (do you just love how I can now say aft and forward and midships and port and starboard with such authority?) with picture windows all around. One night, as we walked in to be seated, the sun was just setting, so we stopped to watch that daily wonder. As the golden orb slipped like butterscotch pudding into the sea there followed a green line just for a second but it was there. One problem with my never seeing it before might have been definition. It was not a flash, but a solid green line and I saw it, just for a second. So, now I will be not only a believer but also a proselytizer. I might even start carrying a sign saying: Believe in the Green Flash and be saved. Or not.

There are any number of events, happenings, parties, performances, etc. coming up for the holiday season. To mention a few: at 7 p.m. Dec. 14, the Cannon Beach Chorus will present its Christmas Concert at Cannon Beach Community Church. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 503-436-0378. This event is part of Haystack Holidays 2012 and always a performance both merry and bright.

The seven-week run of Scrooge: The Musical is winding down at the Coaster Theatre it will close Dec. 29 – but there is still time to enjoy this version of Dickens age-old story of a man brought back from his mean-spirited existence by three very helpful guides all set to music. The music is based on the 1992 stage musical with book, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. It is also a faithful adaptation of the 1970 movie musical starring Albert Finney.

As so often happens with a winter play, the cast has been stricken with pneumonia, bronchitis and various nasty respiratory gremlins but the show must go on. They are all troupers battling bugs and high notes to bring each audience a wonderful experience of the season. Come to the theater, enjoy yourself and show support for these talented and brave thespians.

Another Coaster Theatre event coming very soon is sponsored by Tolovana Arts Colony. Once again, concert pianist Mitchell Vines will play in a special Friday evening program at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4. Start the New Year right with Mitchell Vines joined by Martin Hebert, principal oboist and Carin Miller Packwood, principal bassoonist of the Oregon Symphony.

The three musicians will perform Francis Poulencs masterful trio for oboe, bassoon and piano, plus works by Vivaldi, Saint-Saëns, Schumann and Satterwhite. A hosted Meet the Musicians reception will immediately follow the concert in the theater foyer. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and Tolovana Arts Colony members. Get your tickets at Coaster Theatre, 503-436-1242.

The streets hereabouts are mighty quiet these days. I think its because Thanksgiving was way too early this year and people are not yet in panic-mode about Christmas. They all have that plenty of time feeling. Of course, the gloomy weather doesnt encourage people to wander the streets either. Sunset might be at 4:35 or thereabouts, but all the lights are on everywhere by 2 p.m. these days.

So, while we arent shopping, what are we doing? I am lamenting the fact that if we lived say – in Ashland, we could see Argo, Lincoln and Anna Karenina all on the same day and I probably would. Instead, we are stuck with every animated, special-effect-laden, story-deprived flick known to man. If it doesnt explode, kill or maim someone, it doesnt come to Seaside. Oh, and it must have a sound track best played at about a million decibels. Harumph and ick!

So, I have started knitting a sweater. I can get a really good movie on Netflix, turn up the heat, tuck up on the sofa and still accomplish a little something while I am entertaining myself. Its a break from my steady diet of reading and playing cards all the time. Varying the menu works for me. Yes, I do work now and then; of course I do.

Val Ryan owns Cannon Beach Book Company. Her column appears every other week.