As first published in Seattle Refined on January 19, 2023 It's a misty morning in the PNW as the Amtrak Cascades train rolls into the station. The sound of its whistle is heard first, moments before the outline of the big engine is seen coming down the tracks to a full stop. We're gathered with fellow travelers... Continue Reading →
True North Coffee Roasters has a mission bigger than their really good coffee
If you have lived in the Pacific Northwest for a while, you most likely have become accustomed to many of the icons of the area: the Space Needle standing sentinel along the city skyline, Mount Rainer majestically showing her white peaks on a sunny day, hearing how grunge music was born here. Of course, Seattle... Continue Reading →
Keeping PRIDE Visible All Year Long
And 5 Other Ways To Support The Folx You Love Recently, a family member I had not seen for a while casually asked me how “my girls” were doing. She meant well by the inquiry, I am sure. She probably did not realize her faux-pas, at least not at first. In the past, I usually... Continue Reading →
Imbolc Festival and the Coming of Spring
Phot credit: Jeena Paradies on Unsplash
All are welcome at Catalyst Cafe in Everett
Turn off the busy arterial of Colby Ave in Everett, and amidst the quiet side street neighborhood on 23rd sits Catalyst Cafe, an all-inclusive local gathering space creating meaningful change in Snohomish County. At first glance, it looks like any other neighborhood coffee house with a warm, inviting and welcoming vibe. Catalyst Cafe is all this... Continue Reading →
Pigs Peace Sanctuary, a place where pigs find a home in Snohomish County
Did you ever read "Charlotte's Web" as a kid? Do you remember the opening scene of the story — the one where Fern rescues this tiny baby piglet, whom she names Wilbur, from an untimely death? Did you ever wish you could be more like Fern? Well, there is a real-life Fern living on a... Continue Reading →
Preserving history (and a lighthouse) on Stuart Island
Imagine the most beautiful place in the world. Not hard to do, living here in the PNW. Now imagine a remote island in the very farthest northwest corner of the San Juan archipelago...This is Stuart Island, and for Jim and Linda Bergquist it is the most beautiful place in the world. The Lighthouse and Museum(Image:... Continue Reading →
New Central District plant nursery is a small business with deep roots
The corner of 23rd and Jackson serves as a main junction in the Central District, and on this corner at 2311 is a small business with deep roots in this neighborhood. booSH (pronounced ‘bush’) is the Central District’s new plant nursery, and so much more. The Black-owned plant shop opened its doors to this intimate, 520 square... Continue Reading →
Vegan & hungry in Bellingham? Look for Sage Against the Machine
When you are vegan and hungry in Bellingham - look no further, my friend, than Sage Against the Machine. This plant-based food truck can be found all over Bellingham, hopping around from Kulshans and Stones Throw breweries to the lunchtime plaza at Barclay Village. Just look for the green food truck with the fist logo. Inside the green machine are... Continue Reading →
The Tree of Ages
A short story of life, love, and moving on She leans back against its trunk. The rough feel of tree bark pushes into her spine and skin. Closing her eyes she lets the warm summer breeze blow across her face, slightly rumpling her hair. Wispy strands of her mousy brown curls fall across her lips,... Continue Reading →