I've wandered the beautiful Pacific Northwest my entire life, growing in my ability to close out the noise of our modern society. It isn't always easy, with the realities of life screaming from what seems like every direction. Still, I keep going to find the quiet -- forests are a great place to start. Oregon and Washington State are both chock-full of trees, indeed, but … [Read more...] about How to connect your heart to the Redwoods in Oregon
Parks and Gardens
Olympic Peninsula road trip — 3-day epic winter tour
This is an updated version of an article originally published January, 2020.Washington State is a diverse land with topography ranging from high desert to fierce waves crashing against soft agate beaches. In the northwest corner of the state is the majestic and remote feeling Olympic Peninsula. Often dubbed the rainiest place in the United States, this area is home to the only … [Read more...] about Olympic Peninsula road trip — 3-day epic winter tour
Seattle in November — 10 easy ways to find a nature connection
Mud puddles the size of cars are not an uncommon sight in the down season of the Pacific Northwest. When the wind howls and rains fly sideways it can feel like entering into another realm. And with a few more minutes of darkness each day, it might seem like the world is closing in. But November in Seattle can be full of a regenerative spirit, refueling your soul with subtle … [Read more...] about Seattle in November — 10 easy ways to find a nature connection
What kind of ancestors do we want to be?
On this Mother’s Day, among many things, I’m thankful to my mom, Maureen Kessi, for inspiring the love of nature and gardening within me — a gift that continues to provide peace, comfort, and balance in my life. In fact, we’ve spent many Mother’s Day outings together touring local gardens and exploring flowers, ferns, and mushrooms, amongst all other organic … [Read more...] about What kind of ancestors do we want to be?
Pacific Bonsai Museum — the beautiful twisted balance of nature
Not far away from Seattle, along the busy Interstate 5 corridor, is a peaceful 22-acres of land wedged between two frantic freeways. The location is on the historic campus of forest-products giant Weyerhaeuser, long known for their iconic vegetation-covered building that seems to flow with the contour of the evergreen space. Just as the quiet corporate building seems to blend … [Read more...] about Pacific Bonsai Museum — the beautiful twisted balance of nature