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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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West Seattle

Where to enjoy Seattle forest bathing in the rain

January 24, 2023 by Matthew

Forest bathing in Seattle is a delight when the light shines through the collection of fir trees like in this photo with a spruce and younger hemlock tree with moss dangling from the branches.

The wet season in Seattle can feel oppressive. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest and connecting with nature from an early age, I enjoy the healing and well-being that comes from forest bathing – rain or shine. But sometimes, this glee for mud puddles and wet cedar branches feels unique.   Now you might be looking outside your window, watching vast droplets of … [Read more...] about Where to enjoy Seattle forest bathing in the rain

Seattle in Spring — the best outdoor things to do

March 24, 2021 by Matthew

Seattle in Spring is a sight to be seen. It's as if the hibernation working feverishly under the surface of damp earth is finally ready to burst open into a display of color and textures. The race begins with fragrant daphne bushes and delicate hellebores opening up around the beginning of March (technically still Winter) and then kicks into full throttle after April Fool's … [Read more...] about Seattle in Spring — the best outdoor things to do

Seattle in Winter — the best outdoor things to do

November 27, 2020 by Matthew

Matthew Kessi stands along the banks of the Salish Sea in Seattle, Washington wearing a green rain jacket with the city in the background.

Seattle may be best known for our well-watered greenery, particularly during the darkest, dampest time of the year. Thoughts of moss practically growing underneath the shoes go hand in hand with brooding coffee shops and entire garment industries supporting waterproof everything. No, we don't use umbrellas -- thank you! And, while I've written about Spring flowers as a salve … [Read more...] about Seattle in Winter — the best outdoor things to do

The best things to do in West Seattle, including Alki Beach

May 10, 2020 by Matthew

Beautiful spring sunset from Alki Beach in West Seattle. The light waves wash up onto a rocky beach while the pier juts out into the water. The Olympic Mountains in the distance create a backdrop for the peach, yellow and blue colors of the sky with a bright yellow ball of sun getting ready to set.

Go West! The formal start of Seattle traces roots back to a group of settlers from New York who arrived on Alki Beach, at the point of West Seattle, in 1851. It's believed the eager pioneers chose to name the point of land jutting into Puget Sound "New York", and one of the Duwamish Indians added "Alki" to the end, which was a Chinook Indian term for "by and by." The name … [Read more...] about The best things to do in West Seattle, including Alki Beach

I owe my life to West Seattle

May 10, 2020 by Matthew

Alki Point Lighthouse is a great thing to do while visiting West Seattle. The pebbles of the beach lead up to larger boulders covered with driftwood. Beyond this seawall is the lighthouse with red tile roof and sharp white colored walls. The sky is blue with streaks of puffy white clouds.

Happy Mothers' Day It was the end of the summer, 1965, and a young teacher lived in an apartment at 3625 S.W. Beach Drive in West Seattle. Fresh from two years teaching in Spain, and an additional year of Seattle fifth graders, she looked forward to another year with students in the Burien neighborhood school Gregory Heights. Her friend Mary, also returning to the … [Read more...] about I owe my life to West Seattle

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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