Occasionally a reader will write and ask me, “Where are you?” Well, sometimes I wonder! So today I thought I’d write you from my favorite little café and share the view.
Greetings from Port Angeles, Washington:) A far cry from Kentucky! A heavenly spot to have some Chai tea and my favorite bacon and bleu sandwich with a side of harvest slaw:) Nothing like the ambiance of those mountains and all that blue water for dessert!
I love to come here and write and think. Sometimes a girl just has to get out of the woods! This spot is not far from my house, thankfully.
My only regret is that you aren’t with me!
Happy Wednesday…
Be the first to receive writing updates, try her favorite recipes, and get her FREE guide: 10 Beloved Books (that inspire me professionally and personally).
Almost perfect. (But ‘perfect’ would be English Bay in Vancouver.)
This shot is STUNNING.
I even love the name ENGLISH BAY, Jennifer. It sounds beautiful and big and historic! And I imagine there are a few beautiful ships there, too. Canadian history is something I would love to delve into if I only had more time. Fun to share this with you and everyone here – thanks!
Oh, that IS beautiful, Laura. No wonder you turn such wonderful books! There is absolutely nothing but openness to allow those characters to roam in your head! I knew you lived in Washington, which I thought was funny, because as a mountain-lover, Mount Rainier is on my “list.” Washington and Wyoming are the westerns states I’d love to see!
Thanks for sharing. I am going to try to stamp down on my envy. 😉
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity…”
― John Muir
Oh what a wonderful quote! That’s exactly how my Randy feels. He’s always loved living here and was born here, can’t imagine living anywhere else. This place as I said above really does have an epic feel to it. And a few forests Lael and Morrow and Roxanna could easily get lost in…
I don’t doubt you’ll make it out here or to Wyoming, or both. We’re trying to plan a trip to Yellowstone but things keep getting in the way. Montana is beautiful, too, and we’ve enjoyed being in Glacier National Park. Took the train to the historic lodge there when the boys were younger. Wild and wonderful ;)!
Thank you for the books comment. You understand where inspiration comes from and how essential it is for the writing soul.
Wow, such a lovely view! We are having some thunderstorms today in Southwest Michigan! I am thrilled that it is not snowing! I have seen enough of the white stuff for a loooong time!
Emma, I am SO glad you’re getting warmer weather! We hardly had a flake here all winter except up in the mountains. I was so disappointed! But the grass is always greener as they say… I must say I LOVE thunderstorms. Try to insert them in every book I write:) Which reminds me to do it with this one, lol… Happy day to you, my friend!
Hi Emma, Wishing you could send some flakes our way:) We didn’t get any except in the mountains here this winter. But I DO love a good thunderstorm and those are very rare here for some reason. In fact, when the boys hear thunder they always ask what it is! It’s that rare. Which reminds me there’s a thunderstorm in Love’s Awakening ~ just for you :)!
Yay! I can’t wait. I love thunderstorms. When I lived in Arizona we had a rainy season where it would rain everyday for a few weeks. We would get a few really amazing storms then, but other than that, we may go the whole year without a single one! I am thankful to live in an area now where they are more frequent! I look forward to reading that scene in Love’s Awakening! We got a lot of rain last night! The little boy I baby sit got a new puppy, so I have to take her out several times per day, and my boots were soaked through by the end of the day! Their yard just cannot hold anymore water!
We have webbed feet here in the northwest, as they say, and the ground is like a big green sponge! That puppy sounds wonderful to babysit along with the little boy 😉 We’re such puppy fans here. I just thought of the thunderstorm scene in LR, too – had forgotten that. First kiss! LA’s stormy scene is kind of tame in comparison…!
What a spectacular view for a writing day! Such an inspiring place. Do you see the snow caps from where you sit?
Yes, Jan, it’s really an epic place as far as scenery. The Olympic Mountains are SO BIG they’re pretty much seen all over town (population 19,000). It’s still snowing up there while it’s getting warmer down in the foothills. But not by much. Would love to sit in the café with you and talk writing. I’m sure we’d have much to discuss!
Nice! We’ll not get a word written LOL! But we’d have lots of tea, to be sure 🙂
Snowcaps remind me of my family’s Alaskan vacation. Lovely mountains. Chilly in the summer too 🙂 But sounds like you’re having a bit of nice weather now.
Thanks for the lovely photo, and happy writing! I’ll just sit here where the only view during the day — when I can even get a word into my mss — are trees, blue birds, robins, squirrels, sometimes rabbits and deer 🙂
So will we be seeing WA as a potential setting in your future novels? Mid-1800s maybe when it was still part of Oregon? The entire WA, OR, and northern CA areas are to die for. Would love to go back there and do more amateur photography. I once visited Fort Clatsop in OR where the Lewis & Clark expedition ended. Perhaps a CBA author could write a novel set up and down the Columbia River 🙂
Jan, Alaska and Washington are very similar, that’s for sure. And I love Oregon and the history there. You tempt me to write novels right here in my own backyard :)! I have considered setting a trio of books on Lake Crescent with the historic lodges there (I worked in one of them 2 summers and loved it) and there’s some very lively history amidst these loggers and woodsmen. Kind of frontier-ish… That’s a good call about a novel set along the Columbia. A stunning river with some very intriguing history behind it!
Your view sounds perfect – and the wildlife, too. Inspiring. I keep thinking what a fine writer you must be given your reading choices. BTW, and please excuse me if I’m repeating myself, but I have my son hooked on the James Patterson books for middle schoolers. Whew – can that man write or what?!
I’ve almost finished the heroines post – had fun playing with PicMonkey and doing a montage. Thanks for the fun idea :)!
I would love to read an inspirational historical fiction set in Oregon! Your backyard! Short research trips LOL. Oooh love the idea of a historical Lake Crescent novel. Nice!!
When we went on our photography vacation, I noticed the rich, rich history in the Multnomah Falls area, logging and all. That river… if it could speak, what stories it could tell. The wind, the waterfalls, the meandering roads. The view along the river. What would an 1830s woman see standing there up on the mountains. The train around the mountains. The invading species brought into the area… Oh, I could go on and on 🙂 Must stop now. Alas, I have to go grade homework assignments LOL.
Jan, You need to write that book! I sense a passion in your words when you talk about it. Grading papers aside ;)!
Happy Wednesday to you too, my friend! What a beautiful view! No wonder this is a favorite little getaway spot for you 🙂
Our business season is just starting up (Spring is blessedly blooming!) so I haven’t had too much time to stop by and say hi, or comment on your last post! Oh, heroes! 🙂 Yours are always the BEST! I mean it. I’m actually rereading TCL again (I think it’s my 5th or 6th time actually, lol!). For some reason when I reach for one of your books to revisit I always gravitate towards that one – even though you know what a Red Shirt and, now, Silas fan I am 😉 Just something about Colonel Cassius Clayton McLinn… He gets better and better with each trip I take to Fort Endeavor. And talk about a memorable, strong, heroic name! Anyway, I know that post is over a week old but couldn’t resist putting my pennies in here 😉
Praying all is well with you, dear Laura! At least it looks like your weather there is nice for the moment 😉 Ours was beautiful all day but now looks like the rain prediction will come to pass. Wish I was there with you, too, my friend! Happy writing 🙂
Blessings,
Amanda
Amanda, SO good to see you:) And it’s never too late to check in! I know spring has you crazy busy in a good way. I’d so love to come to your neck of the woods as it’s so rich in history and beautiful, I know. Especially in spring, I’m thinking! I’m so glad you’ve stayed near home and haven’t roamed like me. I’m still trying to get back to KY…
I can’t tell you how touched I am that you would pick up TCL again and reread that many times:) And that our Colonel might improve with each visit. I so wish I could return to Fort Endeavor. That brought a lot of joy while writing. Actually, I have some favorite books by other authors and wish there were just ongoing sequels for best loved books. Maybe it will be that way in eternity – one endless library of never ending books!
Things are going well here with all my men. We survived spring break and had our first sunny Easter in 20 years:) Now THAT was a blessed event :)!
Thinking of you and praying your week is blessed!
Wow! What an amazing view!
Anne, I was tempted to post a picture of how it is MOST of the time ~ raining buckets but this was so pretty I couldn’t resist:) Spring is coming. And I could sure use some of your bluebells about now!
I can picture you and I enjoying a cuppa chai together! I know one day it will be a reality :). Isn’t your birthday coming up on the 19th. I thought we are both April babies.
Love, Stacie
Stacie Hope, Happy early birthday! There are so many of us here who have April birthdays! My trouble is remembering them – and mine ;). We’re not doing much but will go out to a Thai restaurant we’ve been wanting to try. I’d so love to sit down with you for some Chai anyday! Birthday or no! I hope you have something special planned – am sure you do! And you’re just back from that wonderful trip of yours!
I already had my birthday 🙂 lol Remember, you were the first to wish it to me. It was the 3rd. Yours is the 19th right? My dear friend your head is probably spinning with your new novel details. Not to worry, my brain is just starting to work again after the wonderful Gulf Shore vacation me and my family had. I read six books while listening to the ocean surf crash onto the sand.
Xoxo Stacie Hope
OH MY, dear Stacie Hope, As I was fixing dinner, it did occur to me that you have already celebrated and I had left a note on your page!! Sigh. I am afraid my social stuff, lol, is on overload but I know everyone here BEST and and can keep up with you better!! The gulf shores and those books sound absolutely heavenly:)
Absolutely breathtaking! Thanks for sharing a favorite haunt and dish. I’ve never tried a bacon and bleu, but now I just might. 😉
Spring fever is in the air. I took my son to the park today, and he had a blast. He is getting so tall, and talks incessantly about his lastest fascination, the moon and sun. 🙂 Hope you’re getting some warm sunny weather in Washington!
Gwen, I can tell you’re having some fun in the sun back there just from the tone of your email :). Little boys are so much fun! And I’m charmed that he’s fallen in love with the sun and moon. Oh, those were the days…
The funny thing about that bacon and bleu sandwich is that I hate bleu cheese but they make this amazing bacon relish with it and grill it and OH MY! One is never quite enough…!
Oh Laura, that is a simply gorgeous view. I love it! Hope you enjoyed your tea, and your time away. Would truly love to sit down with you there. 🙂 I’d have hot chocolate or an iced coffee though, lol.
You would have loved the weather here in Kentucky today. It was in the 80’s and just sunny and beautiful. Definitely your type of day. The pollen count is very high though. 🙁 I’m already suffering from problems.
Oh, Michelle, those KY allergies are very tricky! Though 80 degree temps might make it go a bit better! I had a friend from Louisville tell me it was a high of 84 there – I’m still green with envy ;). We got a wee bit of sun but the wind is blowing like a tornado is headed our way now. Never a dull moment. Wishing you were here to share it with me!
Prayers with you about those allergies. I have them, too…
Thank you so much for the prayers! I cannot begin to tell you how much of a sore throat I have right now. 🙁 Needless to say, with my job, today has been a rough day.
I’m listening to rain outside my window. Hopefully it will wash the icky green pollen away.
I’m telling myself that chocolate makes everything better, hence the Reece cups I’ve had since getting home. 🙂
Oh, hate those sore throats, Michelle. And it does make work so much harder and the time so much slower. Here’s praying you get a good night’s sleep – weekend coming! I know you have a good book on hand! Chocolate is the best medicine. Ask Mary – those chocolate cupcakes!
I have to smile because I bought Randy a whole CASE of Reese’s cups at Walmart yesterday on clearance from Easter – there were 39 of them in a box for only 17 cents a piece ;). Is he spoiled or what? But he says I bought them for me!
What a beautiful and peaceful view. It would make a great setting for a book!! No matter how simple the story line I have always had a special place in my heart for any book set on the Oregon or Washington coast. When we lived in Salem, Oregon I could see Mt. Hood from my kitchen window. I never took it for granted. I would delight in sharing a cup of tea with you, Laura. How ironic that you had a bacon sandwich. In a rush today I had a quick sandwich made with leftover bacon. Yummm… I spent a couple hours today testing chocolate frosting recipes. If any one ever asks you if a person can get tired of eating chocolate frosting…the answer is yes!! I’m trying to create the “perfect” (tongue in cheek) filled chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting. This is for a special occasion. Even hubby suggested we freeze some of the cupcakes. Two people can only do so much sampling. Now I’m going to go put my feet up and finish Jody Hedlund’s new book “The Noble Groom.”
Oh Mary, I want to come to your house! Chocolate frosting taste testing is right up my alley. And so is the precursor, bacon ;). I never seem to buy enough of it for the boys. Wyatt is just crazy about frying it! I must say chocolate cupcakes are my fav but I have to tell you about a little cheat that tastes homemade that I resorted to for Valentine’s Day when I was under deadline. I bought (and I’m usually a from scratch kind of gal) the new DUNCAN HEINZ DECADENT RED VELVET CUPCAKE mix which has a little pastry bag within used to fill those cupcakes. Let me tell you, Randy never suspected I hadn’t slaved all day! I have another box sitting in my pantry… They really do taste homemade. But I must confess I’ll take a chocolate one any day!
I’d so love to enjoy a mountain view with you and talk books and cooking and everything else. But am thankful we have a little meeting place here. Enjoy that book! There are some great ones out this spring :)!
Hubby is doing the grocery shopping tomorrow, so will have him pick up the Duncan Hines Decadent Red Velvet Cupcake mix. I MUST try it! I too am thankful for a chance to share thoughts and ideas in cyber space. When you have time PLEASE tell us about any of the new publications you are considering or have already enjoyed. Reading suggestions are always welcome here and I love discovering new authors.
Mary, Oh, I hope you like that mix! I think the secret is not to overbake them which I sometimes do as my oven runs hot. They’re super fun to make, too. Hope your hubby enjoys them, too!
And I’d love to do a “what are you reading” post – will plan that for next week:) Bless you for the idea! I’ll try that on my Facebook author page, too, and bring that info over here. Bless you for the idea, my dear friend. I will be combing through my reading list and books I’ve recently read to pass them along. See you again soon!
The view is glorious!!
Love the word “glorious”, dear Carla. I think the Lord must, too, as that has Him all wrapped up in it! Thinking of you and hope you’re days are spent happily writing :)!
Chai tea is my drink of choice at my favorite coffee shop, but my view is no where as nice as your view. I guess that’s what I get for living in one of the biggest cities in Kentucky. Enjoy spring. I am looking forward to the end of the semester.
Carissa! Counting down with you – you’re nearly there!! And then you’ll be out for summer and have a little more reading time and Chai time 🙂 I actually would trade your view for mine in a minute. As they say you can take the girl out of Kentucky but you can’t take Kentucky out of the girl!