…from my beloved pup Linley and me 🙂
Happy Earth Day!
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Weekend in Washington (Part II)
Once again, I’ve allowed too much time to pass between posting about my Seattle trip. I really need to carve out some time each week to write and reflect on my travels…
Friday, March 26: Downtown Kirkland
Kirkland, a college town near Seattle, is a must if you want that happy-medium of calmness and the hustle and bustle of downtown. Bethany, her dad and I had quite a hectic Thursday – filled with trying to find food and navigate through an unexpectedly busy crowd, and hiking several miles prior to – so we needed a relaxing afternoon and evening in a new place. Bethany hadn’t visited Kirkland yet, and we really wanted some leisurely walking, eating and drinking in town.
Whenever Bethany and I travel together, we are constantly reminded of our first adventure in Sweden (can’t you tell?!). Seeing the Swedish flag always makes us happy 🙂
After our obligatory selfie, we decided that Thai food was a must. It was a windy, cooler day and yellow curry was at the top of our list. We enjoyed some warm, yummy food and some iced Thai tea (our favorite!) by the water. The best part? All the dogs and ducks we were able to befriend!
The two of us chatted and talked about life. The previous day with her dad was more casual and laid back, but the two of us had to share some personal things with each other. We laughed, cried and hugged as we confided in one another. Our lives have always been strikingly parallel and intertwined somehow, which is one of many reasons I believe we were meant to meet in 2016.
Once we finished our food, conversation and gazing at the animals around us, we had to grab some warm tea and window shop. Our ginger chai lattes were worth the wait and we were able to check out some funky shops before dinner.
We weren’t ready for dinner just yet; the waterfront was far too enjoyable to leave. Bethany and I walked the pier and reminisced about our time along the Kalmar castle five years ago. The sea air instantly brought us back to when we first met, and we cherished the moment as best we could.
The two of us allowed the day to take us along for the ride, without any game plan. Luckily we were craving the same kind of food, so we decided to drive toward home and stop for sushi on the way. Not pictured: the best vegetarian sushi and green tea I’ve ever had. Bethany and I were able to sit outside next to a heater and continue laughing and sharing past memories. I really don’t know what I would do without Bethany, and where I would be without her friendship ❤️
Photos taken Friday, March 26, 2021
Nature Haiku: Arboretum in the Spring
Linley scurrying
Sticking his nose in the dirt
Looking up at us
~
Wind in our hair
Sun shining on our skin
Wanting to be spring
~
Trees moving about
Creating outside movement
That is much needed
~
Linley loves water
And he starts digging in it
To find something new
~
We all need newness
During these uncertain times
But now there is hope
~
Walking with Linley
Is the most underrated
Joy in this great life!
Happy International Women’s Day!
To all of my adventurous, driven and tenacious female friends: I love you and wouldn’t be where I am without you!
❤️❤️❤️
Friendship in February
I immediately thought of the infamous Spongebob song “F is for friends who do stuff together…” when I typed the title of this post!
In all seriousness, February has been one of the best months I’ve had in a LONG while. The quality time my friends and I have given each other is one of the best gifts 2021 has given me. I’m grateful because I know for many, February wasn’t as easy and giving for those in other parts of the country and world.
We can all (or at least mostly) agree that it’s hard to imagine that our lives were almost turned upside down one year ago; we’re still experiencing the whiplash of COVID-19, the restrictions and uncertainties of the pandemic, and the lack of normalcy in our lives overall. Any bit of sanity and time well-spent with friends is exactly what I’ve been craving and desperately needing!
I hope you’re all staying safe, healthy and happy!
Cate
Nostalgia is Bittersweet
I’m thinking of Sweden on this Saturday morning…
A few days ago I Skyped my friend Bethany, who has been featured in several of my posts, most notably for our travel experiences together. We met in 2016 as two eager U.S. students studying in Kalmar, Sweden and we haven’t skipped a beat since! Bethany now lives in the Seattle area and I’m hoping to visit her as soon as possible. She’s truly the friend you can always rely on, no matter the distance.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been FIVE YEARS since we began our Swedish adventures. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude, but also with watery eyes. I have a love-hate relationship with looking at old photos. I reflect and feel myself in that moment again, sometimes with sweet nostalgia and other times with immense longing to be there again. But why?
1. I’m craving new adventures and memories (aren’t we all?). In all seriousness, travel is my decompression. It’s an escape from work, from people, from life at home. Those long weekend getaways with a close friend, my husband or parent, and lengthier international adventures mean more to me than any material thing.
2. I don’t love where I am right now. I believe people looking into my life (especially through photos) would want what I have: a husband, a dog, a home, a job… but I am not emotionally where I’d like to be. I know deep down that I need to rediscover myself and what’s important to me, which is why I’m in need of positive change.
3. Sometimes the past is more appreciated in the present than it was back then. Sometimes I’ll look at an old photo and think “wow, that was an awesome day!” and maybe I didn’t even realize it at the time. It’s such a shame how our minds can trick us this way.
I’m trying not to beat myself up because all of us can experience these feelings. We can all look at old photos or reflect on old memories with a multitude of emotions ranging from sadness to warm-hearted joy.
I hope we can all create new memories – be it solo, with loved ones, or even strangers – this year and for many years to come 🙂
Dog Days of… January?
Some of us are excited for what 2021 will bring. Some of us remain uncertain and are maybe even afraid for the future. I’m almost certain that no matter which bucket you fall into (if not both!), you’re ready for some normalcy. And one of the only beings in my life who is loving all of this is my pup, Linley.
Snuggles with Linley, inside and outside!
For Juan and me, January has been filled of some quick (and safe) visits with friends, tons of work after hours, and the occasional date with just us two; but mostly it’s filled with Linley-related quality time.
I hope that the remainder of 2021 involves more time with friends and more traveling, which includes more adventures with Lin!
Niagara Falls
My friend Alice, who is visiting during the holidays, has always wanted to see the Niagara Falls. We went to the Canada side over the weekend and we were blessed with some good weather and great views!
Best. Wedding. Ever.
As I currently lay in bed with puffy eyes, a clogged nose and a sore throat, I try to reflect on the good of 2019.
2019 was by far the most challenging year I have under my belt. It was the epitome of struggle and adversity (especially when it comes to family and work). But 2019 has also brought many unexpected blessings, which shouldn’t be overlooked.
One of those blessings (perhaps THE best thing that happened this year) was the honor of standing by my best friend’s side as she married the man of her dreams.
Looking back at these photos makes me feel nostalgic and homesick in a way, because Carolyn, Ryan, their friends, family and bridal party all made me feel welcomed immediately. I might attend nice weddings in the near future, but none of them will ever top this feeling…
Lunch in an Igloo
I took my Little Sister to one of my favorite hometown restaurants: The FireHall. As you can probably infer from the name, this used to be Fenton’s fire station, which now has some of the best BBQ, homemade mac and cheese, and unique eats.
Another unique thing about this restaurant is that you can dine in heated “igloos” during the winter months. There is usually a long waiting list to dine outside, but we were able to snag it this time!
The food, the ambiance and the company were all 10/10!
Fall Feels
Autumn is a wonderful time of year; the air is brisk, the colors are vibrant and the clothes are cozy as can be. This weekend truly felt like fall with my loved ones.
Witches Night Out
My parents live where I grew up (Fenton, Michigan) and recently moved into the oldest home downtown. On Friday night, we dressed up as witches and spent the night shopping, drinking and dining in costume!
Pumpkin Patch
My little sister and I went to a giant pumpkin patch in Saginaw. Aniya and I escaped from the corn maze in 40 minutes (our new record!) and had lots of hot cider on such a cold and windy day!
Brunch in Downtown Flint
Say what you want about Flint, but their downtown is booming and better than ever. The Flint Crepe Co. never disappoints, especially when you can order all of the gluten-free goodness your heart desires. The company didn’t hurt either, because my best friend Danielle always has me crying from laughter! There’s even some new murals downtown.
Apple Orchard
Nothing screams fall more than visiting an apple orchard, getting some donuts and strolling around with your mom and pup!
I hope you’re enjoying autumn as much as we are!
Finding Peace in Prague (February, 2016)
Prior to visiting Prague a few years ago, I was going through a rough time in my life. Whatever pain you are experiencing, know that you, too, will get through it. 🙂
Traveling with the Traceys 