Ode to Bellingham

Loving where you live isn't enough to make you happy, but it sure helps! And I am very fortunate to absolutely love where I live. Today I went on a hike in the woods. I saw a beautiful waterfall and sat at a bench near the crook of a river with no sign of civilization (except, of course, the bench). And this was all just walking from my house! If I had walked in the other direction, I would have been downtown with tons of local restaurants and breweries. We have not one but two food co-ops, and two farmers markets! There is a birth center where well over 500 babies have been born. If that's not for you, there are also tons of midwives who will deliver you baby at home. Last night I had dinner at a great little creole restaurant and even had some Abita Turbodog all the way from Louisiana! This place truly values good beer and makes plenty of its own, but it was nice to remember my southern days.

I also love my neighborhood, even though it's not a "good" neighborhood. Though really, even the "bad" neighborhoods here are pretty good. But the other day I watched a deer wander onto the neighbor's porch and touch noses with a cat! My other neighbors are Native Americans and have a sweat lodge from time to time.

I even love the weather. Granted, I am a pureblooded PNW so gray days and dusk at 3:30 is home to me and I find it cozy, while others might find it suicide inducing. I embrace these days with soups and cozy sweaters. I will love spring whenever it gets here, but for now I am loving autumn, and I will also love winter.

The people here are also great. Tonight I will be drinking mead (yes, mead, locally made) with some lovely ladies, many of whom share the same opinions and values as I do. I am very excited. So many women here share my gentle parenting philosophies. Many of them also use cloth diapers and nursing toddlers is nothing rare. I read online about women who feel ostracized for being a more "natural" parent. I feel the complete opposite! And I couldn't be more happy.

So if you DON'T love where you live, why are you living there? Do you know a place that would be perfect for you? If you do, you might want to find a way to get there. It will really help.