Reflections on Reinvention

This one is for reinvention! On so many levels, it feels great to find a new outlook. The highlights: I got mine at Reflections Salon where stylist whiz Melissa Edwards coiffed my locks in the most delightful way! I walked out looking a decade younger! The weave rocks.

However chic, it is not just a chick thing, guys can benefit from a new do too ... Find yourself in the current running through Tri Cities.

Join the Club ... Ride A Yamaha!

The latest driving force led us to NorthwestGolf Cars for a Yamaha! We fell for a sexy black number with tan seats ... and, of course, champagne wheels.

Accessorized with a ball washer, a sand bottle, an enclosure to keep us warm in the cooler season, and etc., the cart was delivered right to our door. We quickly took it for a spin. Get yours ... and ride the current that runs through Tri Cities!

Moving Experiences

It has been an adventurous time of late. My family moved from the dream home we built in order to pursue a new dream. This one lands us on the green, green grass of the golf course. Now home. Watch for more about our own Big Amazing Renovation, right here in Tri Cities.

Another moving experience we celebrated of late is that of Columbia Valley Luxury Cars. They have found an incredible venue for showing and selling inventory of sexy vehicles. My husband is drooling over a Ferrari with low miles and high curb appeal. I like the convertible BMW. There really is something for everyone.

Enjoy the current ride through Tri Cities ... see it in a roundabout way.

Get Your Bass Out Here

Fish on! Okay ... it is nearing the end of the line for many fish in town. Pun intended. From Salmon to Bass to Sturgeon to Trout and many in between, there is a bite just waiting for you. Enjoy the many luring waters of Tri Cities.

And, afterward, get a bite of your own. Bonefish Grill offers a sumptuous menu if you want to linger over your meal and get the "white tablecloth" treatment. Or for a more casual nibble, swing in to Brickhouse Pizza. A pitcher of ale will pleasantly wash down a delightful array of toppings.

Catch something when you catch the current running through Tri Cities!

A Parade

If you are in search of ideas to employ when remodeling, building ,or decorating your home, the Parade of Homes is a great event to visit. But don't limit yourself to the selection of award winning houses. Make it a point to travel to new developments, whether local or out of town, where you can walk through model homes in an effort to get the widest perspective possible (bring a camera). With every new intrigue, there sparks a light that might lead to innovation or even invention. It's also fun to dream outside the box.

After being indoors for the view, take a break to enjoy nature ... hike a trail on Badger Mountain. And notice the call for donations - it is never too late nor too little when you give to preservation of nature. "Gimme my space!"

Be the current that runs through Tri Cities!

Happy Happy Happy

Well it's back to school, back to the grind! And, there are always many reasons to celebrate. Gather at Tagaris and enjoy flatbread pizza while sipping Kokkino. Linger indoors, or hang out on the patio while the weather remains friendly.

There's a new venue in town, Casa Vino. Swing by and swirl some wine in your glass. Breathe!

Catch the current that runs through Tri Cities ... let it carry you away!

Amusing Grace

It has been a roller coaster ride to the end of summer. Having experienced everything from Hurricane Harbor & Magic Mountain to Disneyland to Silverwood Theme Park and finally the local fair, suffice it to say "there's no place like home."

The lessons from Acres of Diamonds glisten ever more brilliantly after recent travels. For a water park, Boulder Beach is a nice drive away. Closer yet is the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center! Either offers a splash of a good time, comparable to Hurricane Harbor in sunny SoCal. Or for a free soak, step into the river!

Then there is the ride thing. Get bang for the buck at Silverwood ... or wait till August and enjoy the fare at the Benton Franklin Fair!

The fun rivals that of any amusement park or attraction! Catch the current running in and through Tri Cities.

Join the Club ... Experience Tri Cities

There are many ways to get connected in Tri Cities, and many options for involvement.

Join the club. Among the clubs to explore : Meadow Springs Country Club, Tri City Country Club, Canyon Lakes Golf, Horn Rapids Golf Club. These clubs usually offer a range of membership opportunities from Social for those who wish to enjoy club activities (dining, the pool, wine tasting, bar be que, special events, and etc.) to Family to Regular which includes almost unlimited golf opportunites. What a joy to swill mojitos or margaritas and swapping stories after any sort of play!

Save the world. Get in on the fundraising action by participating with any of many guilds or foundations. The Children's Hospital Guilds plan events to increase resources. This is one of many opportunities.

Hit the trail. Become one of the many Friends of Badger Mountain. Efforts for land preservation and conservation put a wonderful hike at your feet! Remember to bring plenty of water (but not too much because the loo is at the base of the hill).

Run with the river that runs in and through Tri Cities.

A River (or Three) Runs Through It ...

This one is all about finding balance ...

A recent death in the family has helped remind me all how precious life is. "No one gets out of this one alive." Be boldness. Be love. Be beauty.

A stroll along the river led me to wade in the cool waters. I was thankful for the refreshing treat to my toes. While standing ankle-deep at the river's edge, I stumbled across an infinity of beautiful colors as the wet stones revealed their authentic selves. So many attracted my attention, however I restricted my selection to three. These I held in my hands and "inscribed" them with my thoughts.

Peace. Forgiveness. Opulance. We can change the world, together. Then I tossed them back into the water. Then, last evening, I watched as lightening lit up the sky with a show of power and focus. Thunder drummed past overhead. And, drops fell from heaven.

Embrace and add to the blessing that travels with the current running through Tri Cities.

Follies & Fashion & Fidelitas

TAN YOUR HIDE, HIDE YOUR TAN ... Artwalk and the Water Follies visited Tri Cities bringing many out to the river's edge. In the warm summer sunshine, many were tanning their hides while showing off various forms of body art ~ tattoos, piercings, cleavage, crevices, and more! Fashion statements abound.

To hide the tan come September, CAbi representatives introduced the Fall Fashion line up. A full house gathered at the Café at Queensgate to enjoy the runway models in CAbi wear. I particularly taken by the flapper style shift dress. It moves in the most delightful way.

While viewing the clothes, we were treated to the most delightful treats ~ my favorite being the vanilla mini cupcakes with pink frosting.

I ended the week with a delish dinner at P.F. Chang's ~ ambiance and all! Usually a take-out diner, we snagged a rare empty table. Thus I sat for a while sipping through a bottle of Fidelitas 2004 Optu with family, reminiscing about hydroplanes and flappers, enjoying our food piping hot!

The current runs deep and wide ... step into it.

Digging It ... Here & There.

This week was an adventure in getting to know the neighbors!

First, a road trip to the state next door - Idaho - for rockhounding! Just a drive out of Tri Cities through Pullman (Cougar territory) and past Clarkia (as close as one can pinpoint it on a map), the road leads to the Emerald Creek Garnet Area where Star Garnets are tucked in the soil. These 12-faceted gem stones look like dried raisins covered in cocoa - if you can find them. Clean 'em up and you will see the deep burgundy and purple hue in the light. One lucky digger came up with a golf-ball sized gem that might likely host a star inside, thus fetching thousands of dollars! Our take was more conservative. However, the quest for treasure unearthed priceless fun.

Returning home, we were beckoned to a block party & barbeque! Sweet summer sizzle as families gathered in the cul de sac to share dishes, swap stories, and play. Karaoke, step aside! The center of attention was the Wii Rock Band Special Edition and, since three neighbors own Wii sets, we could Wii, Wii, Wii all the way home.

In the Tri Cities, the current is strong ... go with it!

One Affair After Another ~ FUNdraising Tri Cities

The buzz around town is usually alive with the latest philanthropic affair. These events are unique opportunities to gather, imbibe, socialize, and ... bid, buy, beget.

There are many memorable opportunities in which to indulge while giving to a worthy cause. An example is the New England Clambake we bid for last spring. On this particular weekend, we enjoyed an exquisite and exclusive feast for twelve, brought fresh from the coast to our local Cañon de Sol winery!

The chefs were wearing "new hats" as the team from Henager, Black & Ciabattoni Dentistry donned aprons and concocted the brew of shellfish, potatoes, corn, onions, and spices. A dozen diners were treated to a feast of cool hors douvres, an array of wines, a whole lobster accompanied by oysters and clams, plus all the sides. For dessert, barrel tasting and cigars ... next time, we will bid higher!

Create a current in that which runs through Tri Cities.

Tri Cities Treasures

The Pasco airport is definitely a destination when I am headed out of or in to Tri Cities. Greeting me either way is Florentyna's offering regional flavors and refreshing savors for all travelers! There is a full restaurant in the airport (that offers catering, too!) and a snack bar once on the inside of security. I have had lattes & muffins in the morning and margaritas & nachos in the evening ~ and I have always been delighted.

Traveling and taste buds are not the only reasons to visit PSC (the airport code for Pasco) ... now there is another inspiration to swing by ~ finding local treasures to treat one another, here or there, with the finest gifts from the Tri Cities area. The goodies are all displayed neatly in the River News & Gifts store presented by Florentyna's. My personal favorite, of course, the t-shirts! Eat My Dust, Drink My Wine © ... and Atomically Correct © tell a tale of Tri Cities spirit and culture. Get one on. And, grab a mug, some sassy Blue Q gum, Chukar Cherries, plus MadHatter Munchies for the road! Remember to get a good book or magazine, too!

Put together your own gift selection to capture the current running through Tri Cities ... Pass it on!

Looking Out, Looking In

One of the pleasures of the Tri Cities is the theater of skies. Ranging from clear blue to billowing clouds to multi-colored reflections of the setting sun and more, there is always a breathtaking view. Mine was hindered by spotty, dusty, smeared windows to the world.

Yes, I had become behind in my spring cleaning efforts and the window washing task was daunting in light of all my tasks. Thankfully, I enlisted help from Brian Kinnaman's Window Washing Service. I recommend the service and the refreshing outlook!

Having this done, I could return to other pressing matters ... preparing for my Master Mind meeting. This monthly gathering inspires development and enlightenment as we look within to identify and address the behaviors and emotional habits that create barriers to achieving happiness. Some inspirations that guide our current endeavors include the works of Eckhart Tolle (A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment), and Wayne Dyer (Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao), and Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"). Looking in can help one understand the world, thus giving one wisdom in our responses and reactions.

A current runs through us ... and through the Tri Cities ...

Join the Club! Golf Tri-Cities Washington

The weather in this region coupled with available land has spawned golf galore. Yes, I have caught the craze. And, I decided to get into the swing (pun intended) of golf, again. My game has been erratic, sporadic, enigmatic, to say the least. This time, I am serious. I have a plan. I am making a commitment to Play Golf.



First step, I signed up for a one-on-one lesson from Meadow Springs Country Club pro, Jackie Stevens. In one hour, with one club, I repeated three magic moves that would get my game on. Stability or the ability to coil rather than swoosh through a swing; fingertip grip on the club to allow it to flow (I finally got this one after blistering both hands); and, what I refer to as a wing - pulling my elbow away from my ribs. After the hour of power, I said thanks to Jackie, and we agreed to meet again once I "owned" this motion series. So, I stayed to swing the club for another half hour, hoping to never forget what I was beginning to know.

My fatigue tapped me on the shoulder, on the lower back, on the thighs, on the forearm ... I was wiped out. At home, I recalled the wisdom of Homer in The Iliad "Whenever a man is tired, wine is a great restorer of strength."

Thus, I reclined and self-medicated with a bottle of Cañon de Sol Syrah ... que syrah syrah. The deep red jammy fruit and spice coursed through my veins, relieving tension in every muscle. Ahhhh. And, with this prescription my palate was quite pleased.

There is a wonderful current running in and through Tri Cities ... go with it!

A River Runs Through Us ...

Summer Solstice. The weather invites me out to play while the rivers rush by carrying greetings to the sea. As I stroll through Howard Amon park, I stop to count my blessings, whispering each one to the waters of the Columbia, knowing they will travel to the Pacific, and perhaps beyond ...

Thank you. Thank you for the bounty of farm fresh produce and the Farmers Markets offering a cornucopia of delights. Today, I visited The Parkway in Richland where locally grown goodies are available every Friday from 9-1.

Thank you for a season of outdoor delight. Thank you for the friends I have grown to cherish, and for those I have yet to know. Thank you for the salmon steaks, the grapeseed oils, and the wonderful wines to sip and savor.

With gratitude, I intend healing for and through the life sustaing waters of earth, of air, and of all. Finally, I thank Dr Emoto for showing us the expressions of water, giving me greater reverence for every single dew drop. Splash peace around town ... and over the rivers ... through the woods ... etc. Catch the current running through Tri Cities!

Get Your Groove, Girl Friend

This one is dedicated to the feminine ... and it might be of interest for guys, too ...

Never having looked at an episode of the television series, I went to see the film "Sex and the City." What a wonderful surprise. I was stirred through laughter, tears, frustration, and a deepened appreciation for my friends of the girl persuasion. The story exposed so many facets of feeling ~ love, loyalty, betrayal, regret, fear, healing, tenderness, tolerance, truth ... and, did I say, love?

Afterward, we headed to the bar for Cosmopolitans, of course. And, though we were at an Applebee's, it resonated as well as any bar in any area code ... where two or more are gathered, girls rock!

The highlights were revisited with every social opportunity. One friend asked me how I could find the film so moving among all the provocative scenes? To which I replied that we've all seen nudity, what's the big deal? "Sex and the City" includes sex ... and ... the ... city. 'nuff said.

Meanwhile, I am reinventing me in (very early) preparation for my 50th (for which I finally have a role model of both what I want and what I don't). In an effort to remain true to my authentic self, I revisit my Style Statement. Creative Presence. Crafted for me by Carrie McCarthy, co-founder of Carrie & Danielle and co-author of "Style Statement," these two words encapsulate my nature, my essence and provide a filter, when needed, in decision making. Get the book and give it a try!

And, then, to really dig deep, I recommend EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) with instructor Anne Wendt, owner of Realign Abundance. The EFT process is used for a variety of goals including professional growth, sports performance, and stress relief. Anne guided me through the tapping sequence while visiting painful memories and the consequential anxiety I had been experiencing. The result is an emotional lightening and a baggage dump. How refreshing. Next time, I am going to ask Anne to help me tap my way to an improved golf game!

There is a current running through Tri Cities ... catch it!

Wine, Women, and Song ...

Experience Tri-Cities Washington.

A couple events this week were remarkable, and they are highly recommended! First, do consider booking a barrel tasting with winemaker John Bookwalter. Eight of us arrived at the Bookwalter Winery in Richland and were graciously escorted to the barrel room. We enjoyed white wines with fine cheeses and charcuterie, pickled vegetables with warm fondue, chicken skewers, and toasted breadsticks.

Then came the red wine. John presented the Merlots first, contrasting flavor subtleties achieved from different barrels. We moved to Cabernet Sauvignon and then Syrah as we realized the deepening hue in our glasses. Finally, the treasured blends ~ these that set apart the winemaker from all others. And, as at the wedding in Cana, we were delighted with the best wine saved for last ... Finally, we retreated to the lounge to enjoy a bottle recommended by our host while we listened to live music and enjoyed lively conversation, happily ever after.

And, then, an evening of music appreciation and the exploration of art and healing hosted by the Tri Cities Cancer Center Foundation. It was deemed a perfect opportunity for a "high heels night" (new moniker for girls' night out). Four of us donned our seasonal black and white with a dash of browns and khaki, stepped into our stylin' shoes, and gathered at the Battelle Auditorium in North Richland. We clacked our heels in line for a glass of Fidelitas and Country Gentleman hors d'oeuvres while we enjoyed the fountain~surrounded building.

Then we were treated to an exclusive , soul stirring, spirit-lifting, mind-enhancing performance by Ashana. Quartz crystal singing bowls resounded and hummed along with soaring and chanting vocals that left one feeling lightened ... peaceful ... and perhaps even encouraged.

There is a wonderful current running in and through Tri Cities ... more to come.