How did we get so lucky? That is a question we ask ourselves often since building a house in a new neighborhood on Seattle's East side.
Our neighbors are a kind and happy group that love to gather and connect. My grandmother always said to me, " You've got to make your own fun." The fun this neighborhood has cooked up so far (Block Party, Gingerbread House Making, Ladies Night, Cooking Class, Succulent Party) has been part of our successful transition to the West coast.
A few weeks ago, our neighbors A & A declared that a neighborhood Friendsgiving was in order. They said, "Bring 2 sides, salads or desserts and come have a feast with us in mid-November." They cooked 2 huge turkeys (roasted & deep fried) and the neighbors supplied the rest of the food and chaos. I brought my striped mashed potatoes (it was gone in a flash) and a sheet pan pecan pie.
They managed to provide seating for 30 (!) and the house looked warm and welcoming. Twinkle lights, fresh flowers and food. Again, how could we be so lucky? I hugged ladies from my street. I met husbands that I've only seen through Facebook. I heard stories about moving in, growing up and starting fresh. We had the conversations we needed to make friends and build relationships.
Just before the meal, the host raised a glass and said that he didn't know if we realized it, but he & A had moved into their house 1 year ago that day. Their happy home that was currently brimming with voices and laughter was mostly filled with people they had met within the last year. He thought that it was incredible and so did we. We all silently acknowledged how grateful we were for this same group of people for the very same reasons.
Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Friendsgiving. May these new friendships continue to grow and thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Amen.
#friendsgiving2018 #friendsgiving #thanksgiving #thankful #momentsofdelight #entertaining #turkeyday #newneighbors #pnw
One of the things I love about summer is meeting friends for breakfast at Martha's Leelanau Table. During the year, it isn't realistic to think that we can meet for a leisurely breakfast; our schedules just don't allow for it. Yet when friends of mine are on vacation out on the Leelanau peninsula (Suttons Bay, Leland, Northport, Glen Arbor), it is the "breakfast" time slot that makes a lot of sense for us to get together.
Their children are still asleep or puttering around the house with dad having pancakes and the big plans for the day (dune climb, boating) are scheduled for later in the day. My friends know that I am in Leland for big chunks of the summer and call me to meet up for a visit and some one-on-one chats.
I always suggest Martha's Leelanau Table because the food is delicious, the atmosphere is bistro-like and we can usually score a table on the garden patio outside. Who doesn't enjoy eating breakfast al fresco?
I like their huevos rancheros (corn tostada with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, black beans, Martha's salsa and sour cream) and on this particular morning I had Dan with me, so we split an order of cherry bread french toast (french toast made with cherry bread and served with cherry preserves
and Leelanau maple syrup) too. Yum yum yum yum yum.
The next time you are on vacation within reach of a good friend, put "Meet (insert name) for breakfast" on your list of things to do. Somewhere after "go kayaking" and "eat S'mores." You'll make a whole different kind of vacation memory.
I believe in the power of positive thinking. I believe in the power of suggestion. I believe in positive reinforcement. All of these concepts were fulfilled by this humble crepe.
I have never met a crepe I didn't like. And unless they become the "cupcake" of 2012 and appear in shops and carts at every venue in every town, I will continue to order one on the spur of the moment whenever I get the chance. They are small, delicious and always feel like a special treat.
By ordering this butter and sugar crepe at the farmer's market on Sunday, a lot of things happened. When it was presented to me, I immediately set it down on the tablecloth to take this photograph. I actually saw the vendor stand a little straighter when he saw how I valued his product.
Then as I happily ate this crepe while I meandered past the other market stalls, I noticed a few other patrons line up at the crepe table. Did my impromptu snack suggest that hot crepes were available and delicious (based on the powdered sugar on my cheeks)? Absolutely.
We are affecting each other by our actions more than you know. Slow down and try to notice if your actions have a positive effect. It is good for your state of mind.
