There's a Reason I Don't Shop Online

Some day I may buy something from an actual retail box store rather than scouring Craigslist, Garage Sales, or Goodwill. When that day comes, I plan to start with World Market. They currently have a "small space" collection & a "mid-century modern" collection that I admire. Here are the items on my won't-actually-happen-very-unrealistic wish list.

$229.99 Jacquard Print Upholstered Neyla Armchair

$229.99 Rose Pink Tyley Chair

$549.99 Charcoal Gray Nolee Folding Sofa Bed

$449.99 Wood Flynn Hairpin Dining Table

$31.96 Aqua Henley Salad Plates Set of 4

$24.99 Gigi Floral Table Runner

$279.99 Green Hazel Split Back Dining Chairs Set of 2

Saving up,

SJW

Anniversary Getaway Part III | Local Lopez

While Orcas & San Juan Island certainly get more hype & attention, I think our hearts were pretty taken with little Lopez. Much quieter, this island is incredibly scenic & homey, perfect for day-driving or biking. Our time there was certainly shaped by our stay at Hummel House, a gorgeous little Airbnb on the center of the island. Owners Carol & Al have have been residents for 40 years & recently opened their self-built home as a Bed & Breakfast, complete with toasted homemade bread, eggs any way you want them, & homemade granola.

With locals & visitors to chat with over breakfast, we definitely got a unique experience. Otherwise, I'm not sure we would have learned about the dump, the recycling center complete with a take-it-or-leave-it section. We took a little mid-century modern table for free & gifted it to our friends M & L, who now have a matching set.

We also stopped by the Saturday Lopez Farmer's Market, a definite highlight. Charming quirks included the bowl with free plums & the random John Deer tractor parade through the center of town. 

We ended up buying some veggies at Thornton's Garden stand on our way to Shark Reef & Iceberg Point, two great spots for viewing wild life. We ate carrots & spied on harbor seals for a good while.. 

A Lopez Advocate,

SJW

Anniversary Getaway Part II | Whale Tales

On day two we ferried to Friday Harbor for small town exploring, whale watching, & deluxe dining.

(No vacation is complete without a bit of puzzling & binocularing.) 

Although we didn't bring a car to San Juan Island, we still got to see much of the island from our whale-watching boat. The lighthouse at the southern tip is wonderfully iconic.  

My first time seeing orcas in the wild, I was surprised to see them feeding so close to shore. Although we didn't see them breach, it was pretty neat to learn about the different pods & know that that dorsal fin is approximately six feet tall!

Our trip was topped off with an unexpected siting of humpback whales. The naturalists on board were noticeably excited, so we knew to be excited too. It was pretty easy, because, not only can you get 100 yards closer, but we came upon a pretty active bunch . One even waved to us!

After venturing to see large marine mammals, we decided it was time to eat. The decision of where to dine was easy as my company manages Friday Harbor House, a hotel & restaurant just walking distance from the ferry landing. With no where to be except a 10:00pm ferry ride, we took our time, ordered every course, & enjoyed the most leisurely dinner I think we've ever had. I recommend the duck fat fries, the Bourbon, & Fried Chicken.  

 Sunsets are a prize,

SJW

Anniversary Getaway Part I | Orcas Island Overture

Mr. Fleece & I enjoyed a trip to the San Juan Islands for our four year anniversary this month. It's been a somewhat stressful season for the two of us, so the convenient getaway to a PNW paradise was very much welcomed. We explored the three largest islands that make up the archipelago, Orcas, Lopez, & San Juan. Day one was spent on Orcas Island.

We started our adventure hiking Turtleback Mountain, which has to be one of my favorite hikes I've done. The views are absolutely phenomenal!

After summiting the mountain, we explored East Sound, briefly stopping by Girl Meets Dirt, a local preserves factory on the island, and left with a jar of Orcas Pear : ) For a mid-day snack, we stopped by Clever Cow Creamery for a smoothie. We should know by now that ice cream always trumps smoothie.

We stopped at Mt. Constitution to take in more beautiful views & get our bearings using the map that explained which island was which. 

To end the day, we ferried to Lopez Island to eat dinner at Haven -  a spot I highly recommend, both for the food & charming atmosphere. The Cuban sandwich is amazing & I'd go so far as to say it's better than Paseo's (the bread is softer!). The Kentucky Derby Mint Julep cocktail is a good choice too : ) To top things off, we enjoyed some pitter-patter romance rain sitting under the patio umbrella. 

Another great 14th of July.

[Year Three Not Pictured - we went to Ray's Boathouse for dinner]

2014 | Two Year Celebration

2013 | One Year Celebration

2012 | The Celebration

SJW

Bucket List | Summer 2016

Summer is alive & well. A healthy little season full of joy & sunshine, I want to take full advantage of the good weather & long days. Here's my little bucket list for the next three months.

- Explore the Washington Arboretum
- Explore Edmonds, WA
- Bike to Ballard (stop by the Pie Bar)
- Go camping with Mr. Fleece
- Swim at Colman Pool
- See an Outdoor Concert
- Eat at Westward
- Picnic at the park
- Go on a couple hikes (Oyster Dome, Mailbox, Poo Poo Point, Diablo Lake?)
- Day trip to Edison/Bellingham
- Try a new Farmer's Market
- Attend the Uptown Artwalk
- Happy Hour at the new Culture Kitchen 
- Hammock/read as much as possible

We went boating on Lake Washington last week!

Summahhhh time,

SJW

Midwest Memories

Mr. Fleece & I went to Missouri earlier this month. Perhaps not a popular destination for most, my family has been vacationing here for years. Both my parents were raised on midwest farms & we've returned to my Papa's Farm (maternal grandfather's property) pretty much every year, summer after summer, with several Christmas vacations mixed in as well.

These trips filled my childhood & I experienced the best of the best: climbing in the barn, digging up potatoes from the garden, making up a frisbee golf course, swimming in the pond, shooting off fireworks in the field, grilling hotdogs on the sand rocks, taking walks up and down the lane, hiking the creek, painting rocks (yes, painting rocks), hiking in the woods, swinging on the front porch swing, playing games at the kitchen table, watching Judge Judy & Jeopardy on daytime TV, eating Central Dairy ice cream, & so much more.

Life at the farmhouse epitomizes summertime to me, so after a hectic start to 2016, I was excited to return to this familiar place to relax, recharge, & unwind. I was able to soak up time with my parents, uncles & aunts, and my last living grandparent, Framma. This trip was significant in the fact that it showed me I'm not a little girl anymore. I'm living in a big city, with a big girl job, and doing life with a big-hearted husband. Realizing this shift in my life, & reflecting on how I myself have changed was hard but good.

I know I can't just wish away my adulthood troubles, anxieties, or stresses. The 40+ hour work week is real. Life responsibilities are real. While I may daydream of escaping them (#sabbatical2017), I know the more realistic option is to face them head-on, make a list, pray regularly, set boundaries, do the chores, & trust Jesus with the results.    

Constantly growing up,

SJW

Life Wright Now | May

Warm nights. Seattle sun. Happy dog. Hammock lounging. Yummy BBQ. Coffee dates. Planning trips. Garden plants. Monopoly Deal. More bookmarks. Yard Sales. Walking commute. Baby shower. Phone calls. Beach sunsets. It's been a good start to summer : ) Here's some more happenings from the past month -

Watching: The Big Short is a solid movie. Although the characters do a great job describing the housing market crisis & economic crash, I still paused the film every few minutes to state to Mr. Fleece in my own words what was going on. It's a pretty incredible & eye-opening account of what went down pre-2008! Similarly, we watched Concussion starring Will Smith. I guess we were really feeling the exposé theme - as each movie sheds light on some powerful decision makers & outcomes in this country. I'm convinced that football is not the safest sport.

Eating: Molly Moon's is great (particularly when they have cinnamon or snickerdoodle available) but honestly, Cupcake Royale is where it's at! Mr. Fleece & I love their Bananza flavor & the Red Velvet Cupcake Ice Cream comes in a close second. We went to the Queen Anne location for Mr. Fleece's birthday & may have been seen playing Chinese Checkers here on at least one other occasion. Birthdays are meant for ice cream.

Reading:Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer with the famous quote What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. I am realizing how little I know, think, & meditate on who and how God is. I've been convicted that I think of God in human terms and underestimate how wonderful, holy, & perfect He is.

Here are some other eye-opening & heart-diving thoughts:

We must break ourselves of the habit of thinking of the Creator as we think of His creatures. 

Origin is a word that can apply only to things created.  

We can never know who or what we are till we know at least something of what God is. 

At attribute, then, is not a part of God. It is how God is....Love, for instance, is not something God has and which may grow or diminish or cease to be. His love is the way God is, and when He loves He is simply being Himself. 

Listening: Hummed Low by Odessa. My coworker KV got me hooked on this song! The harmonious voices paired with the rhythmic instrumentation = yay!

Looking forward to vacation,

SJW