The Islands from Chuckanut Drive

While doing home work I was feeling nostalgic. I miss spring, ambling down Chuckanut drive, and much more. This is the longest part of the year, just before the world comes back to life. So! To make myself feel better and to share something pretty, I found a picture to share.

missy

Then as I was growing in my hippie ways, I became more locally focused, more devoted to my favorite town in the world – Bellingham. I belong here. It fits like a glove. The farmer’s market is divine. We have two co-ops, a natural food store, Trader Joe’s, a flea market, at least two vegan restaurants that are almost completely gluten free, and lots of locally focused businesses that are super awesome. Did I mention that we have at least four bookstores?
The mountain rests just behind us, the ocean and her sea gulls sit just below us. It’s a beautiful place that just hugs you. Bellingham hugs you. I want to grow old here, return here from road trips and other travels, to buy a house and have a HUGE garden, go to the library, the Board Walk. It’s mine and I’m only sharing a little bit.
Sorry, sounding a little possessive. I love this town. She’s been good to me in the last year and half.

Also, while not all the posts have been published, many of them have become more locally focused. I don’t want to think too generally, I want to think within Bellingham. There was an idea to start another blog focusing entirely on my favorite town. However, I didn’t want to leave “The Modern” behind. She’s my baby, my bit of fun that I can have whenever I want.

Within the last week, while avoiding homework, Rick and I had a chat about this site’s name and “url” – that little “www.somethingornothing.com” thingy. We learned who owned what, and finally I decided to take the plunge. Bellinghamhippie.com was available and it could be all mine, a sweet new home where this hippie could share the stuff she learns. Yeah, it felt good.

Another thing that has been brewing is a thought about trying to get this site to pay for itself. The adsense, those pesky little ads on the side, help, but I’m not sure I want them there forever. This site is outgrowing them, evolving into something else, more pure, more grown up.
With that said, I’m planning on putting up a donate button, not asking for money, but as a digital “tip jar”. I compile a lot of information and if it’s useful you can toss the pot some digital cash. If you want. No pressure, I’m just going to put it there and see what happens. Nothing comes for free, and while we can still afford this site, we are much more mindful of where our money goes. This economy and being self employed as taught us that nothing is stable, nothing if forever, so be prepared. Meaning, we are paying off debt and looking for ways to stop occasional monetary leaks from our life. (Too cheesy? Oh well.)

I’m also going to put up an Amazon book list. Bookworm that I am, I read a lot, some health related, some environment related, lots of fiction, and much more. No reason I can’t put a book list up. The way those things work is if you click through my list and buy something I get a small fee for referring people. It’s fairly common, perhaps you’ve done it before. I’m telling you about it though, this place is not for sneaking stuff from people, it’s for directions on roasting chicken, hair experiments, and honest recommendations. If it bothers you that I put something like an Amazon book list… well, okay? I don’t know why anyone would be bothered but I’m sure it’s possible.

So basically, bear with me as I move stuff around, make it lot prettier (this could take a little time), tell me if something is broken. Thanks!

Newly termed,
Bellingham Hippie

Snow Kitty-Isis in the snow

      So it was frozen for about a week. I can home from Everett to beautiful snow and drivers whom didn’t seem to understand that slowing down does not affect one’s manliness. And as usually happens I forgot something – outside – in the snow – for about two days. My cacti and my jade plant, the big one. This is what is left of it. Kinda sad really.

Sad jade plant

      Our view has changed but it’s still pretty!

Winter view

      Changed from yellow glowing leaves. Our little slice of Bellingham is beautiful. *Sighs*

Leaves

Lovely.

Flowering Cherry Tree

     This will be our first spring in Bellingham. And since I have my trusty new Memoir phone, 8 pixel camera and all. I’ll be taking pictures like crazy!

     This one, of a blooming cherry tree a couple of blocks from Western, though far from perfect, shows just a small part of Bellingham. The charm of the chosen street side trees, looking vibrant, even on a foggy, overcast spring day. I LOVE Bellingham!

Beautiful Ocean View from Bellingham's Boulevard Park

     Rick and I took a walk in Bellingham’s Boulevard Park last week. It was mostly grey with some sun peaking through making the water sparkle. I love this park. Though, it can seem busy, everyone seems to keep to themselves and does their own thing. Here is a place you can be alone in a crowd. It feels great. Even if the weather is questionable, you will probably find a beautiful ocean view.