Its been a while … and I apologize. I took most of the spring and summer off
hoping to heal what ailed me. Thankfully the time off occurred during our long
record breaking hot dry summer and I was able to give much needed attention to
the garden. Thirsty whiskey barrels grew
a multitude of tomatoes, peppers and even the trellised cucumber where all more
than grateful for my attention. The daily needs kept me busy both body and mind
and the garden thankfully offered me purpose.
(garden goodness!)
At the beginning of my forced respite and after my brain
had allowed me once again the ability to comprehend and retain what I was
reading, I bounced about reading various articles on the web. I ran across a piece in the New York Times
that listed the top 40 most beautiful places in the world that one “must
see.” Coming in #2 on this list was the
San Juan Islands. The article said that the ferry ride through these islands
alone was worth the trip. As I read
about these islands that sit north of Washington State overlooking Canada I
became captivated. The in depth peaceful
descriptions transported me from my frustrated state of being to a better
place. While dear husband was away on business, I began to entertain the idea
of a getaway. On his return home, we
began the planning. Sure, I advertised this as a trip to celebrate my entering
another decade, but the planning and visualizing took my focus and frustration
off of where my mind had settled.
We started in Seattle, where we fell in love
with Pikes Place Market and especially the quaint Italian grocer
DeLaurenti. The perfectly sliced for us
Sopresetta, fresh Chevre and fig-hazelnut jam were enjoyed on several occasions
throughout our trip. A giant bag of all natural-dried Honey Crisp apples served as the best snacks one could ever imagine! You see this trip was
different that anything we have done in the past. We rented homes and immersed ourselves into
all things local. We kept things simple. We cooked and dined in.
We sat. We relaxed. We took in
the world around us at an unimaginable relaxing pace.
(sunrise San Juan Island)
We ventured a mere two hours north of Seattle and drove
onto the Anacortes ferry that took us through the island spotted waters to Friday
Harbor. Upon our arrival we headed out of town through the winding tree
lined roads stepped into the living room with its two story expansive panoramic
windows. I looked out onto the Salish Sea and the tears began to flow. It was not only JUST what I had imagined … it
was even better. The peace and quiet
that this place gave soothed me and settled all of the anxiety that my injuries had created over the last 9 months. What was meant to be would be. Worries
left me. Time stood still.
(this is how every morning should start)
This little trip was the best gift I could have given
myself. Dear husband and I truly had the most stress-free, blissful, and peaceful time. Life requires that of us sometimes. Take a step back, replenish ... look at things differently and then start in again.
(Sunset as we settled into our rental on the Oregon coast south of Cannon Beach)