Sammie Pinkerton

Today was Columbia City Farmer's Market day.

But it was more than that.

It was Columbia City Farmer's Market day with Suzannah! Oh yeah!

And guess what?

We bought a whole salmon! A beautiful, adorable, big, fresh salmon. His name is Sammie Pinkerton. Sammie, obviously, because he is a salmon. And Pinkerton, well, because he's a pink salmon. I've wanted to buy a whole salmon in Seattle since I moved here two years ago. And today was the day!














Oh Sammie, you are beautiful. And so delicious.

I also got:

- kale
- peaches
- sweet red pepper gouda (are you kidding me?! Yum.)

Wow. I am pretty happy right now.

Lately I've been all about all things restorative. Monday I took a much needed hike in Larabee State Park, close to Bellingham. I felt like I needed to drive, drive, drive. So I did. Then I hiked. Hiked, hiked, hiked. And then I sat on a bench, overlooking the San Juan islands, reading Anne Lamott. I had this consuming sense of peace, the kind I feel like I only read about in books on prayer or discipline. I was on a mountain, so I'm guessing that helped my perspective.

Then I got to play with Bethany. Always restorative.

Then I drove home. More good alone time. Plus good tunes.

I want to take care of myself well. Sometimes I don't know how to do this. Or I do, and am too busy listening to other voices, trying to please everyone, etc. to give myself needed space. When I was on the mountain the other day, I realized how difficult it is for me to settle down, sometimes. I kept wanting to move around, get up, check my e-mail (sick). I wasn't upset that I felt restless; I more just noticed. So I let myself be a little panicky, and then I eventually became comfortable with the quiet and could be still. I guess it makes sense that this takes time. But it does make me sad that it's more difficult to be in a state of rest than it is to be moving around always.

Ok. I'm tired and signing off. So much for ending gracefully. Ha! This one's for you, Sammie Sam!