Where Is Here?

I was recently asked by someone who was doing a blog feature on artists in this area,  to take a picture of myself in a favorite northwest spot. You may remember me mentioning in a previous post that I tend to shy away from the camera and the idea of having my picture taken sometimes makes me anxious. But, it sounded like a fun project so I agreed to go along with it. Besides, I am meeting so many wonderful people via the web, that it is a great opportunity to share where "here" is. In order to get this picture however, I needed Chris' help (the camera timer can only do so much). Our schedules are a bit crazy these days & Chris started teaching at the college yesterday. Which means our window of opportunity to get some photos before my deadline was very slim. Yesterday had to be the day - after class, and on the way to pick up Sayer from my parents' house, that the pictures would be taken. 

True to the reputation of this area, we have been experiencing a lot of rain lately and yesterday there was a downpour! Being that this was the only time to take pictures, I was a little concerned. However, I did want the pictures to be authentic so when Chris got home we just headed out - I grabbed a hat and that was that. One thing about the weather here, is that there are little sun breaks now and then. I have learned that it is better to go with the flow and work with the weather, rather than fight it. So we did and it was a lot of fun. We started on riverfront in downtown Mount Vernon (where the farmer's market is), then took the backroads, all the way to La Conner. We stopped when we saw something we liked. 

I have cruised these same backroads since I first got my driver's license. They are peaceful and picturesque. As much as I moan about living in my home town now- I never tire of the scenery. Chris and I both love old barns and have always dreamed of renovating one to live in. There are so many cool ones scattered throughout Mount Vernon. This is just one of them that I made Chris stop for yesterday. 

As we got closer to La Conner, we had to make another stop - for a family of deer. We were in one of my favorite Mount Vernon areas and not too far from a place I used to work in high school (a little pottery studio that is no longer there). 

So, this is where I am from and where I now hang my hat. I have to say, I am at peace with being here finally. I have fought it over the years, but having my own family and seeing it through their eyes gives me a whole new perspective. Having lived other places, I do now realize how beautiful it is in Mount Vernon.  And seriously, how many places can you see a peacock cross the road on your way home?