Star Wars and Gingerbread Houses, a Galactic Match

Once Star Wars: The Force Awakens is released in theaters nationwide it will likely break box office records as droves of fans flock to theaters. The latest installment picks up about 30 years after Episode VI Return of the Jedi ends. With several members of the original story returning, the film will likely be a hit with fans. Leading up to its release today it seems like everything is getting the Star Wars treatment. Including the Gingerbread Village on display at the Sheraton in Seattle. I'll have more on the amazing display in a moment.

Paint Nite Plumage

The peacock on top of the bookshelf is my very first masterpiece.

Watch out Picasso.

Well…

Not exactly.

I’m still proud and giving myself a pat on the back though.

Here’s how it all began.

In elementary school I dressed up as an artist, a la Georgia O’Keefe style, for a Halloween party at church. I wore a long sleeved striped shirt that was a little too big for me, black pants, and some sort of hat. In my mind I pulled off the artist look flawlessly. Later that night I became the queen of bobbing for apples as well. We used tongs instead of submersing our heads into a bucket of ice cold water.

Scored. Every. Time.

LEGO time! Get Your Brick On

Seattle Mariners player and Safeco field.

Over the weekend I ventured over to Seattle Center for the BrickCon Exhibition, an annual convention for adult Lego hobbyists from around the world.

Welcome to the Pacific Northwest Edge family

Mom and I at Seattle Center

Once in awhile I forget 3,000 miles separate me from my family.  When it happens I'm usually venturing out into new territory here alone. I look around and have a "you're not in Kansas anymore" moment. After not seeing my family for nearly two years the distance went to zero when my Mom, Justin (nephew), and Kai (niece) flew into Seattle from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Whoo hoo!

Coming Soon...

If you follow this blog or just check in occasionally you've probably noticed that it's been awhile since I've written a post. Long story short life got in the way and I couldn't quite get it together. I have about five drafts in various stages of completion and my goal is to finish them soon. Fresh content is coming soon. YAY!

I know you're excited.

You should be :)

Until then I wanted to share this inspirational quote. I'm not letting fear get in the way of what I want to accomplish in life. Neither should you.

It’s a Great Day in South Carolina

This morning I woke up at 6:45am, turned on MSNBC, and anxiously waited on the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Statehouse grounds. Since I couldn’t fly home to SC to witness it I wanted to watch it live on television from new home in Seattle. As the Honor Guard pulled the flag down I could hear the crowd chanting, "nah, nah nah nah, hey hey hey, goodbye."

This is an important moment in history.

This is the completion of an extremely long and exhausting struggle decades in the making.

Day Trip to Deception Pass

Deception Pass

Impromptu trip to a historic landmark?

Sign. Me. Up.

Recently Jeff surprised me with a plan to drive up to Deception Pass. Located about 80 miles north of Seattle in Anacortes. Deception Pass is a strait between Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands. For about a year now I’ve been wanting to go up there so I was elated by this news. Deception Pass offers beautiful views of Puget Sound, Skagit Bay, and Macs Cove. It’s a popular sightseeing destination in the Pacific Northwest that I can now (excitedly of course) describe first hand.

12 books in 12 months: #3 Undead and Unwed by Marie Janice Davidson

In Undead and Unwed, Betsy Taylor is laid off from her job as a secretary, killed in a car wreck, then wakes up as a vampire in a casket at a funeral home. She loves designer shoes (think Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, and Manolo Blahniks), is obsessed with her appearance, and doesn’t mince words. Betsy, along with two human sidekicks, is thrust in the middle of a vampire feud. She doesn’t want to pick a side and certainly doesn’t want to follow any vampire rules. I quickly devoured this hilarious novel and enjoyed every bite.

Kayaking 101 on Seattle's Lake Union

The rest of my classmates returning to dock.

Sunday morning I stepped out of my comfort zone and into a kayak. As part of a bucket list of sorts, I ventured down to Seattle’s Lake Union to attend a basic strokes kayaking class held at Northwest Outdoor Center.

I was nervous and equally excited.

This is the first time I’ve done a water activity. There’s no jet skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, etc. in my repertoire so this was truly a new adventure for me.

12 books in 12 months: #2 Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Autobiographies aren’t the type of books I typically read but when I was gifted Amy Poehler’s Yes Please I was pretty excited to dive in. From Saturday Night Live to this year’s Golden Globes to watching her on Parks and Recreation, I enjoy watching Amy. She always makes me laugh and when paired with Tina Fey there’s no doubt I’ll be entertained.

This book covers much of Amy’s life – from her childhood, to trying to lose her Boston accent, to the birth of her two sons. She writes about her friendships with other comedic actors like Rashida Jones, Rachel Dratch, and Louis C.K (just to name a few). She also tackles being a woman in Hollywood and the challenges it can bring. Along the way she sprinkles in advice in an insightful and humorous way. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

From Blondes to IPAs to Sours, Beer Lovers Toast to Seattle Beer Week

Whether you’re new to drinking craft beer or a longtime fan Seattle Beer Week is your chance to join thousands of others who want to enjoy what the market has to offer. The ten day celebration kicks off today with dozens of bars, pubs, and breweries hosting several events showcasing a variety of hop based beverages. It’s no coincidence Seattle Beer Week is successful. According to the Brewers Association, Washington State ranks second in the nation in the number of craft breweries creating batches of a drink first created in ancient Mesopotamia.

Quote of the Day

Evergreen State Gem: Green Lake Park

Turtles sunbathing at Green Lake Park.

If I were creating a list of my favorite outdoor spots in Seattle, Green Lake Park would make the top five. The loop around the lake is almost three miles long and is usually bustling with activity year round. It attracts people who want to walk, run, bike, roller blade, etc. You can also play tennis, fish, and put a small craft in the water.

Photo gallery: Picture Perfect View of Seattle

View from Kerry Park.

One of the best views of downtown Seattle is from Kerry Park in the Queen Anne neighborhood. When the weather is nice you can count on a steady stream of people from locals to tourists enjoying the scenery. When I first came to visit in 2010 my friend Amber took me there and I was amazed by the picturesque view. You could argue it’s what sealed the deal in wanting to live here one day. Although at the time that seemed like a far-fetched dream.

A weekend of firsts: Pacific Science Center, Space Needle & Pacific Northwest Ballet

Each year millions of tourists descend upon Seattle and the surrounding areas to visit places like the Space Needle, Pikes Place Market, and Ballard Locks. Recently I explored one popular area of the Emerald City which turned out to be a weekend of firsts.

Quote of the Day

This is one of my favorite quotes. It's in the same school of thought as “opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work,” which is credited to Thomas Edison.

In part, this blog is my dance. Most importantly I enjoy crafting new posts to share and I trust the right “partner” will come along and ask to join me.

Quote of the Day

It's been a busy week for me but I wanted to share this quote. I've heard a lot of no's in my life but something better has always come along in the end. I'm keeping this in mind this week as I keep working hard to accomplish my goals.

I'm Still In

A few days have passed since Super Bowl XLIX. Today the shock and horror of that game ending play is a little easier to accept.

Here we were. Seconds left on the clock and I could taste victory. I just knew we were going to win. We were thisclose. After Jermaine Kearse’s unbelievable catch it seemed like the odds were in our favor. The ball bounced off his body and he still caught it. We gained significant yardage and it put us in a position to defeat the Patriots.

Super Bowl Repeat? #GoHawks

This morning the Seattle Seahawks boarded a flight bound for Arizona. One week from today they’ll face off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. As expected thousands of 12s decked out in navy blue and lime green lined the streets to see them off. If you’re interested in checking out the pictures they are here, here, and here.

I’m still kind of in shock.

Be Stubborn

I'm keeping this quote in mind this week.

Evergreen State Gem: North Creek Trail

North Creek Trail is a little gem in Snohomish County. Recently I went for a walk there as part of my commitment to moving my body more this year. I’ve been to this trail before during the summer but this is my first time walking it this winter. The trail is home to several ponds, wildlife, and of course tall trees, some decades old. In total it’s about eight miles long and connects Bothell, Mill Creek, and Everett. On any given day you’ll find people jogging, taking a stroll or walking their dog.

Pinterest Win: Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash Bake

Four of my Pinterest boards

For about a year now I’ve been pinning photos of beautiful faraway places I want to visit one day, quotes and recipes to boards set up on my Pinterest page. When I find a recipe that looks good I immediately pin it to my “one day I’ll cook this” board. I have every intention of trying it out at some point but there’s a fear that it won’t turn out well. There are several places devoted to Pinterest “fails” and the outcomes are pretty funny.

Thankfully not everything on Pinterest is a Martha Stewart style perfectly perfected advanced recipe that can never be duplicated. I can attest and happily so. Recently I rolled up my sleeves and tried out a new recipe, Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash Bake posted on the website Alaska from Scratch.

Bienvenue 2015!

I’m starting 2015 watching “Jennifer Lopez: Dance Again” on HBO. It’s a documentary of sorts about her recent world tour. JLO is one of my favorite entertainers and I’ve been a fan since the beginning of her career. The fact that she’s still performing and garnering headlines is a testament to her talent and work ethic.

Whenever I watch actors and musicians perform on stage there’s a mix of admiration and envy that flows through me. I want to be up there singing, dancing, and wearing glittery costumes. It’s a fantasy. An elaborate one that one that happens in my head.