Unlikely Return

I left Seattle almost 5 years ago and never thought I would return. I quit my job, fell in love and moved all the way up the Western seaboard to begin a new life. We didn't work, we lived off our savings, explored the Pacific Northwest and attempted a relationship. It sounded like a really good idea, romantic really, but I was not prepared for it all. Seattle's sun hid after a month and the relationship's foundation wasn't very solid. The snow fell, hearts were broken, I sold everything that didn't fit into my car and left the Emerald City in tears. There was no way I ever wanted to return.

This past week, duty called and I found myself driving into the city with a colleague to work for a couple days. The sun was shining brightly, it was warm and unexpectedly I was okay. I was actually worried about returning, but as the day progressed, I became happy to be in Seattle. All of my good memories returned and I felt complete gratitude that I was able to live there and explore for a while. I reflected on how blessed I was to have a city as my playground and realized that I had created a very good sense of place there.

I guess that is what letting go/evolving feels like--joy and gratitude even when faced with bad memories. Now when I speak of Seattle, I need to replace my doomsday "snow and gloom" stories with the memory of love and exploration. I no longer need to refer to that move as my worst mistake, but as an amazing opportunity to be daring and carefree.

The Road and Me

I have been thinking a lot about the amount of time I have spent driving in my life. I remember not wanting to get my driver's license when I was younger and the fear of learning to drive. Now you can't keep from the driver's seat.

It all started with drives to the Mendocino Coast in college. These getaways were perfect for my love of the sea and adventure. The roads were windy and heavily forested only to open up to the gorgeous coastline. These days were spent exploring beaches, cliffs and seaside towns. The necessary coffee stops were made and picnics were packed for the beach in coolers.

Then, I transferred to school a couple hours away from home and spent some weekends driving home to see family and friends. These drives could have been done with my eyes shut by the time I graduated. Each drive brought a sense of excitement. My little brother was a toddler when I moved away and it was wonderful to visit and see how much he had "grown up" since my last visit.

After college, my commute to work was over an hour long, until I transferred 2 blocks away from my apartment. However, the need for movement had me put in my transfer all to way down in San Diego. I was already driving down there to visit friends and decided that I wanted to live there. So, my drives home were now 8 hours long. But, the road warrior in me loved it...even though I did get very tired of driving I-5.

Wanderlust grew fast inside me and I left my job after 4 years to travel and explore the Pacific Northwest. This move was from San Diego to Seattle. Once there, we drove all over Washington, Idaho and Montana, discovering the wonderful natural places of the area. The most memorable drive was down the glacier mountain pass in Montana and stopping by a lake for sunset with Huckleberry wine.

My adventures ended when I had to go back to work after about a year and found a job as a courier. This appealed to me because I was able to drive all over wine country stopping at beautiful wineries and vineyards to deliver supplies and pick up samples. Then my current position opened up and I am driving all the time from Monterey to the Mexican Border. Spring was absolutely breathtaking this year in Santa Barbara County with all the flowers in bloom among the vines.

I have seen some of the most beautiful places from the windshield. I am so grateful for the invention of cars. Without them, I am not sure how I would satisfy my need for movement and exploration. I am fortunate to have owned 2 cars that have been wonderful in cooperating with my constant driving. Most important, I am so grateful to live in such a beautiful state. California never ceases to amaze me with its beauty...coastlines, forests, deserts, mountains and even cities.

Spokane Sensory

Love

 I spent last weekend in Spokane with Jenny's family. Visiting Jenny, fills my senses like no other visit. One of the reasons is that she has 4 children who surround me with loving hugs and kisses. Another reason is hearing their sweet chatter and laughter. Then, Jenny makes amazing food and serves it with love. Finally, you can't visit their home without seeing the love that has grown in their home.

Inside Chaps

 Everything about my sister, is sweet. She is an amazing mom, sister, wife and daughter. She cares deeply and  is quite genuine. I am fortunate that we are close. I know many women who are not close to their sisters and I have 2 who are my best friends.

Swirl and Sip

 We did spend some sister time together and this was my favorite part of the trip. Both of my sisters are wonderful moms, but I know that that is only one of their roles. When I visit them, we try to go out, just as sisters and catch up. Jenny and I headed to Left Bank Wine Bar and spent the evening sipping wine flights, eating Gorgonzola bruschetta and chocolate truffles. There were many laughs and sister stories shared.

Boo-da-be-BOP!

 Jazz and wine go well together and luckily, these guys were there to set the mood!

Food Coma

 I was told to go to Elk Public House to eat because it was on some TV show. Since I don't have TV, I had never heard of it. Thank goodness I followed that advice. The food was AMAZING! This place was an old pharmacy and it even had an old PacBell phone booth inside...gotta love history!

Symphony Sunday

 On our final day together, we went to the symphony. My ears were so happy!

Sisters

Thank you Chissa for a wonderful visit! I love you!