A Soulful Forest Cleanse in the Rain on Mount Everett
Written April 18, 2021
Hiked March 28, 2021
I thought rainy hikes were left in the Pacific Northwest, but – alas – my Gore-Tex gear came in handy in Western Massachusetts! My brother, Kenneth, and I joined forces on a super soggy hike of Mount Everett in Western Massachusetts. Our intention was simple – to connect, adventure, and appreciate nature together.
At the time of our hike, Kenneth was a few weeks away from his departure for the Appalachian Trail, with intent to walk 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. On this day, April 18th, he is on his way to the adventure he’s been visualizing and working towards for years (with a pack that weighs less than 20 pounds, might I add!!!).
This is a report to remind me how important it is to embrace ALL weather. If we are joined by the right people and the right mindset, no weather can dampen our spirits. No storm is too mighty to break us down when we consistently raise each other up. Despite the relentless rain, Kenneth and I made it to windy summit of Mount Everett, where we met face-slapping, horizontal rain… but also a sensation of freedom and connection to Mother Nature. It was special to share this hike together, as our chosen path intersected with the Appalachian Trail! We walked northbound on the A.T., though turned around a little before the end of the trail… hah! What a joy to share this adventure with my brother before he heads on his own.
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Feeling Free in the Love that Connects Us All
Written March 29, 2021
There was a time in life where I felt entangled and imprisoned by connections. I felt there were people in my life I held onto and I judged myself for this. I had difficulty letting people go because it felt so disrespectful to do so. I didn’t want to forget how I felt in these connections, nor could I deny what they meant to my life and personal growth. Through my travels and adventures, I have been blessed to intersect with people all over the world. These connections have explored many depths of my heart, giving me profound perspective on life and a new way of seeing myself. If the people we meet are mirrors of ourself, what a beautiful way to learn about the self through connections with others!
Over time, I’ve learned that letting go does not mean forgetting. Letting go does not deny the meaning of these connections, nor does it erase all I’ve learned from people across time and space. Through this act of letting go, I have become more free. These people never truly leave me, but instead become a part of me. I integrate these connections into my heart and spirit as a way to grow in love.
The Red String of Fate theory in Japanese culture suggests we are destined to meet people in our life – romantically or not. Once we meet these people, we become connected by a red string. This string may tangle and stretch, but it is never broken. We are forever tied together. Our red thread of connection originates at our heart and flows through the ulnar artery to our pinky finger, then extends beyond our pinky as a red string, ready to entangle with those we are fated to meet. Once our strings intersect, they are forever together.
Fate has brought me boundless connections and there is immense freedom in recognizing the love that connects us all.
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Mountain Therapy Before the Shutdowns on Washington’s MTTA
Written March 15, 2021
Experienced March 15-16, 2020
It’s pretty incredible to think one year ago, I was sitting with my friends, enjoying a Reuben with a gorgeous view of Mount Rainier. We had been nervous our trip would be canceled with the pending pandemic, as we began hearing about things closing and changing in the world we knew. Yet, our reservation persevered and were amongst last groups to stay in the Mount Tahoma Trails Association hut system for 2020 (…and 2021 thus far, as they are still closed!).
Waking up to the sun rising on Mount Rainier, we didn’t know what would be in store when we returned to the city and cell phone service. Our innocence and sense of presence was slowly washed away in the coming weeks, yet these moments of mountain respite carried us into an incredibly tumultuous 2020. I will always reflect back on our trip to MTTA’s High Hut as the moment of calm before the storm. For this, I am incredibly grateful.
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Unique Stops for Coffee and Breakfast in Washington State
Written February 28, 2021
When driving to or from the mountains, one of my favorite things is grabbing a special cup of coffee, treat, or breakfast sandwich burrito to-go. It can be fuel for the day’s adventures or a little boost for the (typically) long drive home. During my four years in Washington State, I lived in Olympia, Yakima, Seattle, and Everett. Living throughout the state led me to many different scenic drives to and from the mountains, so I’ve accumulated a list of go-to spots across the state. While Seattle is the home to Starbucks coffee, you won’t find S-bucks on this list. I’m sharing spots that are NOT chains, but instead locally owned. Supporting small businesses is important to me and I wanted to highlight these gems!
This is a list of my favorite, unique coffee and breakfast stops in Washington! Emphasis on the “stops.” Most of these places, I have never sat down to enjoy a meal/cup o’ joe, but that’s not the point of this post! I’ll share some of my favorite cafes at a later date, for SURE. Nothing beats a good cup of coffee + ambience to match the vibe you’re looking for. You might call me a cafe enthusiast. I’d be okay with that.
But c’mon. NOTHING beats a good breakfast burrito… am I right?!
Read on for my favorites and please share any of yours in the comments!
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