Artist Date: Flower World, Maltby, WA
A trip to Flower World is phenomenal therapy for me. My case manager took me last week to buy unusual flowers. She had never been to Flower World, and I think it blew her socks off. The grounds are lushly landscaped. Chickens, ducks, and geese roam freely. I noticed lambs and baby goats hanging out … Read more
Artist’s Dates: Edmonds, WA Tide Walks
A stay-cation means a trip to the Edmonds waterfront. Edmonds reminds me of South Haven, Michigan ~ my favorite retreat when I lived in Chicago. I was ecstatic to discover a restaurant has finally opened a patio next to the beach and is serving juicy burgers. We’ve been blessed this Spring with a series of … Read more
Artist’s Date: Mill Creek, WA Trails
My late cousin Judith Vollbracht was a cartographer (she drew maps for a living). She created the maps that became the planned community of Mill Creek, Washington. It came to life as a golf course community and grew to have its own town center. Hiking trails are laced through reforested old-growth wetlands and around the golf … Read more
Artist’s Date: North Creek Park, Mill Creek, WA
Mill Creek, WA celebrates reforested old-growth wetlands. North Creek Park is a huge urban wetland with a 3/4 mile floating boardwalk. This massive old growth tree is at the south entrance of the park. The limbs are so huge that they bend at the ground and appear to each be a tree. In a month, the … Read more
J2J: Bulbs in Bloom, 2012
My flowers bring me tremendous joy. I love the romantic blend of pale pink, lavender, and white. Hyacinths are favorite bulbs because they herald Spring. I discovered these tiny grape hyacinths in Edmonds and love their delicate addition to a container of bulbs. When this hyacinth bloomed, it took my breath away. The daffodils this … Read more
Good Grief, Charlie Brown! I Need a Vacation!
A quarter is about as simple as math gets. The quarter is our most popular coin. Little kids who can’t count know that a quarter is 25 cents, and it takes four quarters to have $1. The US Mint uses the quarter to promote celebrations (bicentennial quarter in 1976) and coin collection (50 states and national parks). Yet, this … Read more
Happy V-Day 2012: Celebrating Navigating Uncharted Water’s Third Anniversary!
Happy V-Day, dear readers and subscribers! Wow! It is hard to believe this all started just three years ago today. You all have changed and expanded my life dramatically. Thank you! Bless you! It is hard to imagine my life without the friendships and professional connections we have created, nurtured, and sustained. … Read more
11-11-11: Wearing Purple & Free at Last
Tonight I’m celebrating my 400th post with Bitzie curled up next to me and wearing her purple. We are celebrating the veteran survivors of wars fought with the terrorists in our own homes. In October, I wrote 31 survivor stories and invited everyone to wear purple to express their commitment to end domestic … Read more
J2J Day 12: St. Patrick’s Day in the Pacific Northwest
Mayor Daley’s Last St. Pat’s Parade St. Patrick’s Day, 1992 was a rare warm and sunny day in Chicago. Mayor Daley was up for re-election, and the Irish eyes were smiling. I voted and hopped on a plane for my first trip to the Pacific Northwest. I was nostalgic this year because he had walked in … Read more
