Birthday gratitude

I've officially turned a year older and rather than be solemn about the occasion I'm celebrating. Dinner, cake and cocktails with people I love. In past years I haven't always met my birthday with welcome arms. This year feels different.

The splendid tulip fields of Skagit Valley

On the drive up I-5 to Skagit Valley I was pretty psyched to see the much talked about and photographed tulip fields. Since I wasn’t able to take time off during the week to see them Jeff and I woke up early to beat the crowds and the rain. The closer we got to our first stop, Roozengaarde, the more excited I became. The tulip festival is a driving tour but Roozengaarde is one of two places with display gardens you can walk through.

Weekend Winter Wonderland

We’re thawing out now but for about a day or so snow blanketed much of the Seattle area. While the mountains are always capped with snow the lowlands of the Puget Sound region are a different story. We get snow about every other year. Typically it isn’t very heavy and is gone quickly.

When a dream you didn’t know you had comes true

Luvvie and I at the Seattle Public Library event.

Luvvie Ajayi recently graced the cover of the weekly newspaper I report for. She’s a self-proclaimed supporter of shenanigans, a side-eye sorceress and social justice warrior. On the internet she’s known as Awesomely Luvvie and I never thought I’d get the chance to interview her. But as the title states, sometimes dreams have a way of finding you before you even know they’re there.

It began a couple months ago with Luvvie posting an event on her Facebook page. She and Lindy West (another talented writer who lives here) were going to be appearing together at Seattle Public Library for a conversation about Luvvie’s debut book, I’m Judging You.

Why I Write

Earlier this week #WhyIWrite was trending on Twitter. Many people shared thoughtful and introspective reasons for writing. One of the most popular tweets spoke of the challenges accompanying the craft – insomnia, stress and isolation. The gif of Kermit typing furiously on a typewriter was added for dramatic effect.

Three years down, a lifetime to go

Over the summer we visited Snoqualmie Falls. The hike to the bottom wasn't bad but it was a beast going back up.

I know, I know. It’s been awhile since you heard from me. A few weeks turned into a couple months which turned into a ridiculous amount of time to update this blog. If it helps, I’ve thought A LOT about crafting a new post. Even started a few. As you can see actions speak louder than words and well…

Anywho. I’m here now.

BIENVENUE!!! Comment allez-vous?

Hopefully life is treating you as well as is has me the last couple months.

UW's cherry blossoms usher in the start of Spring

Flowers blooming, warmer temperatures, and the start of longer days signify the beginning of Spring. A group of trees attracting attention from hundreds if not thousands of people each year in the Pacific Northwest are the Yoshino cherry trees on the quad at the University of Washington. This weekend they were blooming at 100%. It's a magnificent sight.

New Year, New (and Renewed) Goals

I don’t know about you but I’m welcoming 2016 with WIDE OPEN ARMS. I’m ready to start a new year and look forward to all the great things that are on the way. I'm already claiming it. In light of the start of the new year I’ve spent the last few days thinking about what I want to accomplish. 

Vision board? Check.

Focus and resolve? Check.

Preparation for new challenges? Check.

I love making lists so this time of reflection is perfect for me. Here’s a look at what I’m planning and some of my favorite moments from 2015.

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.