Turning it over…..

As most of you know, one of our favorite things is to participate in the NW Flower and Garden Show with our State Landscaping Association, WALP. This year we combined forces with the State Nursery Association, WSNLA and knocked it out of the park with our collaborative garden. What a great experience and since we were able to take a back seat and just help out where needed it was a lot less stressful than in prior years. And pure magic that it won just about every award, including the coveted Founder’s Cup!

Kudos to Rob Boyker and Kirsten Lints who led the charge for both Associations.




(below; two views of the WALP/WSNLA garden, Natures Studio and left; us with 7 Awards won)

Nature's Studio: The Build Part 1

Nature's Studio: The Build Part 2

And hope for tomorrow...

The cold dreary of winter always warms my heart and fills me with excitement and anticipation for spring. It is the only time of year when I feel I can act with purpose and not just respond to the next most important thing. I start planning our vegetable garden and ordering seeds. I have time to catch up with old friends and meet up for coffee.

I make time to go to the gym. I read books curled up by the fireplace. I love to take pictures of the winter landscapes. And I am a great fan (albeit fair-weather) of the Seahawks!

Reflections for the New Year…..

When I reflect on the past year, it is interesting that the things which ultimately brought me the most joy were sometimes the most challenging at the time. Jeff and I both agree that our efforts at the 2013 NW Flower and Garden show were more than fulfilled when we won a gold medal. Our son deciding to join the company while a surprise provided a great opportunity for emotional growth. Finding that work/life balance continues to elude us and our goal for 2014 is to laugh more often, share more sunrises and play more golf!

Picture below taken in January 2007 when at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

The Gift of Giving…..

We are living in turbulent times. Turn on the TV and you will find a half a dozen reasons to feel afraid, hunker down and hope for the best. It is time to step beyond the borders of our comfort zone take some risks. What brings me the greatest joy in life is the gift of giving and being able to receive with grace. Each of us are given natural talents and strengths and when I focus what that gift might be in whomever I meet I am giving the gift of presence. The joy I feel and connection I make when I find that hidden gem or passion is the gift I receive in return. It may be math, cooking, writing, humor (like our friend who channels Elvis below) or heart but there is always a special trait waiting to be discovered. As long as I have the courage to risk rejection, speak candidly and be willing to own what makes me unique I will have a successful life.

The Season of Thanks

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists after suffering a long and arduous journey to the new world. Shared their first season’s bounty at an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations. It was not until 1827 that Sara Josepha Hale started lobbying to make Thanksgiving an annual tradition. It took her over 30 years and she introduced the recipes we know today for Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce and Pumpkin pie. The holiday as we know it is due to her efforts. The tradition of celebrating the harvest of the year is observed in many cultures but we are probably the only one that offers presidential exoneration for a turkey. In 1989, George HW Bush had the honor of becoming the first president to formally issue a pardon to a turkey and every president since has followed suit.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!