And the decision of her life “Where am I going?” she mutters. Pulling up to the red stoplight, she compresses lightly down on the brake with her left foot, which slipped partly out of her Birkenstock, allowing the car to roll to a halt. In front of her, cars criss-cross back and forth, speeding off... Continue Reading →
7 Northwest Lavender Fields to Visit this Summer
Summer in the Northwest. It may bring blue skies and hot days but it also brings something just as beautiful: lavender! Of course, you could fly to Provence to view the majestic, purple fields - or you could stay close to home and travel to a few areas around Western Washington, like Sequim, Friday Harbor, Port Angeles... Continue Reading →
Skagit Valley’s Viva Farms wants to create a strong and just local food system
It’s a cool but sunny morning as I meet Michael Frazier, executive director of Viva Farms, at the farmland deemed Viva 1, located on 33 acres in Skagit Valley. In the height of the growing season here at Viva, they are growing more than just fruit and vegetables. There are three main branches to what they... Continue Reading →
When Your Kid Moves Out, It’s Okay to Feel Loss
Just remember to embrace the pride you feel for them too. As I pulled out of the driveway, my eyes misted over and there was a physical catch in my throat. The car slowly moved out into the street and away from my daughter’s new apartment. Also away from my daughter. If there is any... Continue Reading →
How to Get Started with a Gratitude Journal.
Finding happiness in the big and small of every day life. We all desire more happiness in our lives. Right? what if I told you there is happiness and goodness right in front of you? Would you believe me? Sometimes we look for happiness outside ourselves. It might seem like our partner makes us happy... Continue Reading →
Bucks spices it up at downtown Olympia apothecary
What’s for dinner? Is it a new Moroccan dish you're trying out, slowly simmering over the stove, or an old stand-by noodle entree needing some new life? Whatever you cook, it's the addition of herbs and spices which bring each food to their fullest flavor. Oh, snap! The recipe you are drooling over on Pinterest... Continue Reading →
International Mermaid Museum opens in Westport, WA
JUNE 09, 2021by MARYROSE DENTON Heading out to the Washington Coast beaches always captures a magical feeling for me. And what adds even more mystical fun to time with the surf and sand? Mermaids!! Yes, mermaids and they are in Westport, WA. On March 29, 2021, the International Mermaid Museum opened its doors to the public. The... Continue Reading →
When Unconditional Love Becomes the Groundwork for an Authentic Life
MaryRose Denton・June 2, 2021 Becoming a parent for the first time filled me with a jumbled array of emotions—excitement, awe, and even a little worry. Would I do this right? Holding my newborn baby and looking into those deep, dark eyes, I simply fell in love. Everything else fell away. Love became the groundwork in which... Continue Reading →
Fill your cup at Old Towne Grainery Tea Room in Skagit Valley
MAY 02, 2021by MARYROSE DENTON “Life is like a cup of tea. It is to be filled to the brim and shared with friends!” This is the motto of owner Jenni Belisle at the Old Towne Grainery Tea Room in Mount Vernon, which resides inside a historic grainery building from the 1900s, which only adds to the... Continue Reading →
Kaffeklatsch: ‘Gather around coffee’ at this German bakery in Lake City
APRIL 25, 2021by MARYROSE DENTON Grab a coffee and a treat, then relax inside this open airy café. At Kaffeklatsch on Lake City Way, the comfortable vibe suggests slowing down, staying awhile, and connecting with good friends. Owner Annette Heide-Jessen began her German bakery 10 years ago. It happened during the recession of 2008 when both she... Continue Reading →