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I grew up in Vancouver. Washington – home of the apples and evergreen trees. I’m 350+ miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. I grew up in the Southwest region of Washington state in a small country bumpkin town called Orchards which happens to be a part of proper Vancouver, WA.

Let me tell you about the ‘couve (this is what we locals like to call our town) is known for: the beautiful Columbia River, Mount St. Helen, the historical Fort Vancouver, big ass Sturgeons wildly jumping in the Columbia River, explorers Lewis and Clark and the biggest 4th of July fireworks display West of the Mississippi! I kid you not. It’s the largest growing county in the state of Washington and only five to ten minutes from the Oregon border, where you can shop for tax free stuff.

Vancouver, Washington is my home. It’s where my heart is, my mom, grandmother and family members still reside and it’s where I have made long lasting childhood memories and friendships.


A couple weeks ago, Jason and I flew to PDX for my childhood friend’s wedding, was a bridesmaid for the 7th time! and to visit my family and friends. The weather was perfect. Temperatures in the low 80s and a sweet cool soft breeze. We wandered around the neighborhood in search of wild blackberries, were on a mission to gorge ourselves with tons of seafood such as dungeoness crab, fresh oysters from B.C., mussels, wild salmon, and ate at places with a view of the Columbia River. And, indeed we did get our fill our seafood.


After a few days with my mom and grandmother – we took the train and headed North to Seattle, a place I also call home. I spent 10 years there — for years of it was studying at the University of Washington and the other six was work and play. This time it was all play with our beautiful friends and my siblings. We ate until our jeans could no longer fit. I got to see my best friends and we shared a meal at Staples & Fancy (it’s a must if you live or are visiting Seattle!). We also drove up with my brother to Mt. Vernon to visit my sister’s home who lives right on Lake Murray where we fished, reminisced and consumed a delicious BBQ.

Looking back at our trip and sifting through pictures — the best part was just having family and friends near me even if it was for a short amount of time. It was wonderful to hear their sounds of laughter, the memories of how our friendships started and where it is today, and the sweet joy of being surrounded by people who care, love and know you inside and out.

These are the people who live in Vancouver and Seattle. They are my heart, my life and my connection to the Pacific Northwest.