Love Letter to Whidbey Island

Dear Whidbey Island, Washington.

Even though I do have you tattoo-ed upon my leg, IT'S NOT ENOUGH!!!.  Oh, how I miss you, Whidbey Island.

Since I met you in 2005, I have had the great good fortune of taking the ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton many times a year.  

In 2009 and 2010, I spent huge, long, wonderful amounts of time upon your shores.  I even rented a house there.  Right across the street from one of the loveliest libraries in which I've ever spent time.

That even has A FIREPLACE IN IT.

Which comes in handy.  Because when I visit you from late September through April, dear Whidbey, you are often cold and rainy.  And even snowy.  But always, with some of the best sunsets around.

Oh, how I miss you, Whidbey Island!  Because even though I really wanted the card business to do well -- and it's indeed chugging right along, and I'm grateful for that -- what that means is that I can't pack my stuff and the dog up into the car and drive on up to see you as often as I used to.  Or as I'd like.  

Which means that I don't get to eat pie at the Whidbey Cafe in Greenbank, and see my friends Steph & Ruth.  Deb.  Tracy.  Tina & Susan.  All my peeps down on the South End.  Or eat at any of the great restaurants down there, like Prima Bistro.  Or see the Django Fest in September. 

Which means that Gracie the dog doesn't get to run wild up on the trails at Greenbank Farm.
Which means I don't get to catch flicks at the fabulous Blue Fox Drive-In, with its kick-ass snack bar. 

Which means - damn it! - that I don't get to eat dinner at the wonderful Oystercatcher, run by fabulous Joe and Jamie and wait-staffed by Dea and Jeannie.  Or stay at the LoveJoy Inn and The House Next Door, run by terrific Mitch and Lynda and all their daughters.  Or see anyone else in Coupeville . . . like all the folks at the Front Street Grill.  Rita and Chris and their kids at delicious Mosquito Fleet.  Virginia at the post office, who is always so kind and helpful.  Cindy at Aqua Gifts, who has supported Bean Up The Nose Art from the beginning.   Dianna who teaches yoga.

Missing walks at Ebey's Landing.

And driving through Prairie Perks (of which I was Foursquare Mayor) for a latte on the way 'cross island.

Back to "downtown" Coupeville, where sea stars live under the wharf.

Where you can buy more great coffee at Local Grown, sold by William .

And I am missing MJC Copy and Stationery, the first place that reprinted Bean Up The Nose Art's goodies en masse.  Where Katrina does a wonderful job, and is always kind and fast.

I miss other kind vendors, like all the gals at Collage/The Rusty Chandelier in Oak Harbor . . . who hosted my very first Meet The Artist Night.  And luggage-tag making parties.  So, so, so kind :) 
And up in Oak Harbor, too, boy oh boy do I miss Skip and all the folks at Mount Baker CrossFit/Whidbey Island.

And how could I not miss amazing The Star Store in Langley . . . one of Bean Up The Nose Art's first and classiest of vendors?!?!?!

And while we're in Langley . . . . I miss seeing movies at the Clyde Theatre, and treating myself to its $1 popcorn.

Any theatre that has stars in its sidewalk is a true gem.

I miss you, Whidbey Island.  From bottom to top, and every place in between.  I don't get as much done when I'm other places.  And I miss my crafty, silly, kind, hardworking friends who these days I don't get to see as often as I used to.  Having some California people over this weekend to celebrate my 50th birthday . . . and they are wonderful, too . . . but I wish you all -- even the rocks on the beach -- were here, as well.

Hoping to see you soon.

Much love and peace,

Tamara