The Cheesy Finish to My Summer Road Trip and a Bit of Greige

September 18, 2015 | Coleen Patrick

Hey all!
Um, please excuse the paint.

Nine shades of greige

We’re sort of swimming in a sea of greige right now.

According to our realtor (and more importantly, Pinterest), greige is the BEST paint color to sell your house. So we’re awash in neutral.

Anyway, back to where I left off weeks ago. Which was that pretty cool Pacific Northwest road trip we took in early June. For weeks I’ve been blogging in my head about it (and other topics my mind would like to figure out, like how I might sell dust bunny crafts on Etsy, bc I’ve found OODLES of dust bunnies behind bookcases my friends), but as cool as you all are you probably can’t read my mind (this is a good thing, it’s dusty in there).

So without further ado, here’s the last bit of our trip.

The Oregon coast highway 101

The BEST part of this day was waking up knowing that the only thing on our agenda was getting from point A to point B, with miles of awesome stops and discovery along the way.

Sea monster on the beach…or driftwood?

The views on the other side of the road were spectacular too.

Netarts Bay. Loads of clams and crabs. And muck.

Dear mystery couple in the muck,

I’m sorry for taking your picture.

And for being entertained by you.

And for using you as entertainment here.

That’s all. xo

This is Nye Beach.

It’s like a million miles to the water’s edge here, but we stopped at plenty of beaches along the way. Including one with dozens of ladybugs on the sand.

Unexpected. And pretty cool.

Ladybugs are my jam.

We like factory tours. Tillamook was delightfully cheesy.

A Tillamook grilled cheese sandwich with gluten free bread. Yay!

Have you ever found something unexpected or interesting at the beach? Or been to a factory tour?

Happy Friday!

Finding the Big and Tiny on the Avenue of the Giants

July 13, 2015 | Coleen Patrick

Since we got home from our Pacific Northwest vacation last month, I’ve basically been busy in a “middle place”.

There’s been some ~~pulling books out of the brain~~ writing.

Saw this artwork – Allocation of Memory by Malia Landis – in a Eureka, California bookstore.

But there’s been more working at the library and house stuff. Did I mention we’ve started the process to downsize from the big house we’ve lived in for 20 years to a smaller one? #emptynestchanges

Yup, another winding, somewhat foggy journey.

But like the road above, the journey has got some cool stuff to discover.

Avenue of the Giants, California

Ever since we visited the Redwoods, the idea of big vs. small has been on my mind.

Especially because lately there’s been so much living in the in between space. There’s the daily work that has to happen–and even the stuff that perhaps doesn’t (the part where I become one with my TV).

A crab at Shelter Cove beach in California (Sometimes I’m crabby and like to hide too).

The middle, at least for me, is not really the place where I do creative stuff. But sometimes I really like when I have work that makes me feel mindless. Where I can take a break from thinking, I suppose.

Drive thru tree. Do not try this at home.

But then there’s that big and small thing. I love when I discover and enjoy those really small things. Maybe it’s a great cup of coffee. A new book. Or maybe, you happen upon a quirky realtor at an open house, who drives a mini Cooper (complete with British flags covering the side mirrors) and tells you a funny story (in an accent of course) and just makes you laugh.

Or you find a TINY snail on a leaf in the middle of all those giant Redwoods.

Then there’s the big. For me the Big Picture is made up of the dreams and hopes and awesomeness (read: whatever is your personal fairy dust) that honestly make me feel like ME.

When I first walked through the forest of gigantic trees, I thought, It’s nice to be tiny. I could breathe (and it wasn’t just the woodsy freshness). In that moment, I wasn’t in charge. And honestly, I felt relief.

I can just be.

But then lately, as I step away from the middle place and participate in my BIG: write, doodle, find the story in a photo.

Create.

I feel relief too. And I need to make the time for my big stuff–as well as note all the good in the tiny joys

Another Redwoods snail

–because then, not only can I just be,

I can just be me. 🙂

Note: The Avenue of the Giants has a picnic spot and Los Bagels in Eureka, California is a great spot to grab a gluten-free lunch before driving down.

They have giant gluten-free cookies too!

What tiny joys make you smile? Have you experienced the Redwoods?

Happy Monday!

When the Fog Lifts: Crater Lake National Park!

June 24, 2015 | Coleen Patrick

So driving, or rather co-piloting, on a foggy mountain road in the rain is kinda one of those life defining moments.

Turns out I’m sweet, patient, and my language completely complies with all FCC broadcast regulations.

Yup.

And here’s a beautiful view of Crater Lake:

June 1st at Crater Lake National Park Lodge, Oregon

Okay. So the view was non-existent (and I’m a nutcase when it comes to mountain roads).

The first 24 hours the weather was rain, freezing rain, sleet and then snow. But the worst was the fog.

I really wanted to see the lake!

A remnant of Mount Mazama after a volcanic eruption, Crater lake is the deepest in the United States, and a beautiful blue.

So they say.

The hub and I went for a hike anyway. We walked the rim, trying to find the water, the blue, something.

A Clark’s Nutcracker (name derived from William Clark from the Lewis & Clark expedition)

This little bird wanted to hang out. Much to the worry (or quite possibly egging on?) of his/her family/friends. The other birds chirped loudly every time this bird perched near me.

Rebel bird (or the one who drew the short straw). 🙂

We moved on and well, like it does (even when it seems like you’ll never get clarity), the fog lifted.

Wizard Island. Magical.

Totally worth the wait (and okay, the scary drive on the mountain road).

This was what was behind all that mist and fog!!

Then we also walked the Sun Notch hike.

At the top there’s a viewpoint

The Phantom Ship

Crater Lake is awesome.

And right before we left, we really got to see the lake in full color

Blue.

Bye bye, Crater Lake.

Btw it’s easier driving on the non drop off side. 🙂

Note: The lodge at Crater Lake is really nice. Somehow I got the impression it would be rustic. So I was pleasantly surprised. Bonus, both the dining room and the casual eatery, Annie’s Creek restaurant had plenty of gluten-free options.

Next time: California! And if you missed the last stop click here: Columbia River

How do you feel about driving on mountain roads?

Happy Wednesday!

Gorging on the Columbia River Scenic Byway (and Doughnuts)

June 15, 2015 | Coleen Patrick

And the road trip continues…

Twenty four miles from Portland, Oregon is the Vista House at Crown Point

View from inside

Stairway to vistas

The Columbia River Gorge is gorgeous!

8 miles from the Vista house…

Multnomah Falls seems to be the must see waterfall in the Columbia River gorge area

but I really liked Latourell falls

even though the Multnomah stop had ice cream

It’s a quieter spot compared to Multnomah

and you could feel the spray of the falls. 🙂

After our hike we headed back to Portland,

and searched for a spot to watch the sunset.

Skidmore Bluffs overlook is tucked away in suburbia

and stay as long as you like because Voodoo Doughnuts is open 24 hours

Is it really necessary to put frosting on a fritter?

Okay, so that question may be sparked by jealousy, as Voodoo doesn’t have gluten-free treats.

But I found plenty in Portland, my fave being the Back to Eden Bakery (for regular eats with gluten-free options we also really enjoyed Teote and The Tin Shed Garden Cafe).

Next post: Snow in June? Stay tuned. 🙂

And if you want to see our first stop it’s here: Seattle

So do you think fritters should be frosted?

Happy Monday!

My (Almost) Summer Vacation

June 9, 2015 | Coleen Patrick

Warning: Vacation pictures ahead.

The hub and I just got back from a road trip (my favorite kind of trip!). We flew to Seattle and then rented a car

and drove 1700 miles in 7 days.

This is just the beginning…

Peaceful space above the clouds. A sharp contrast to the turbulence in my mind (I’m still a work in progress when it comes to zen and the art of flying).

Ah. Coffee. The best? Storyville Coffee at the Pike Place Market.

Note: We passed seven Starbucks (in less than one mile) to get to it.

So I’m conflicted as I post this pic seeing as I tend to post more lively photos of wildlife,

but it is a big part of the Pike Place Market in Seattle.

And I could not stop looking at the eyes on that pink fish!

And now in case you need soothing, here’s a monster cookie.

And bonus, if you need, it’s gluten-free, from Cinnamon Works.

(Another great gluten-free option at the market: Coffee & Specialty Bakery)

A more lively bunch of Salmon at the Seattle Aquarium.

This guy was a total ham for the cameras.

Mt. Rainier as we saw it from Seattle’s Great Wheel.

This was my hub’s favorite snack. A smoked mozzarella mushroom and broccoli pie.

He enjoyed it so much he immediately got back in line to buy the sweet cinnamon cardamom braid. 🙂

A good spot for eating your market snacks is the Urban Garden at Pike Place.

Whimsical, right?

This is a popular section of post alley at the market.

Reminded me a bit of Diagon alley from Harry Potter,

except if you look very closely at the walls

you will see

Gum. Lots of it.

Some of it artistic. Some philosophical like above. #chooselove

And yes, a wee bit gross.

So hypothetically, if you were to leave your gum mark in Post Alley, what flavor would it be?

Me? Cinnamon Trident.

Next stop: Portland, Oregon. I think. I haven’t gone through all my pics yet. But Oregon for sure will be represented!. In the meantime, it’s back to work!

Happy Tuesday!

Some (More) Reasons I Love New York

October 17, 2014 | Coleen Patrick

I love New York.

Maybe it’s because I was born in New Jersey and lived my pre-K years with a view of the Manhattan skyline.

Or maybe it’s just because NYC is awesome.

There’s always something new to see–and taste!

For me last weekend, that was at the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop (East Village)

Order the Salty Pimp (don’t be shy)

Chocolate dipped soft serve injected with salted caramel (even the cone–which can be gluten free if you need!)

It’s SO good.

And zero guilt, because in NYC you can just walk it off

Which we did in Central Park!

And the High Line

And at High Rock Park, Staten Island (just a ferry ride away)

And lots of walking on the streets!

Luckily a good coffee boost is easy to find in NYC.

My latest fave is the cappuccino at 12 Corners (Lower East Side)

Coffee that shimmers!

I loved this cappuccino so much I went back for another the next morning. 🙂

(Bonus gluten free tip: Tu-Lu’s Gluten-Free Bakery has the best coffee cake.)

But by far my most FAVORITE reason to visit New York now?

It’s where my daughter lives. 🙂

Where have you been hanging out lately? Any cool treats or sights to share?

Happy Weekend!

A Road Trip: Thirty-Four Sweet Hours

May 27, 2014 | Coleen Patrick

This weekend we took a quick road trip to Washington D.C.

Somehow we packed three or fours days worth of touring into 34 hours.

We practically had monuments coming out of our ears.

We left home at 9 am on Sunday morning, drove about 100 miles, and then stopped for brunch at The Diner in D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood.

If you’re gluten-free, I highly recommend the pancakes. YUM.

My guys want you to try the tater tots.

Tater tots are good for your taste buds.

After pancakes, bread pudding french toast, and a veggie Reuben, we walked to the National Zoo.

Note: The ape house is NOT good for your nose.

After mouth breathing my way through the ape house, I’d opt for a day outside too.

We walked A LOT. In 34 hours, I clocked 47,000 steps on my pedometer.

That’s about 20 miles.

I’m moving a little slower today.

Luckily there was plenty of sustenance.

Top Chef alum Mike Isabella’s Graffiato is a fun food adventure.

And that night we had a relaxing moonlight trolley ride around D.C.

This was a fitting way to spend Memorial Day weekend.

The next morning we walked to the National Mall and toured the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

My son will be waiting a long time to get a car loan at this dealership.

But waiting is not so bad.

We waited in this line at Georgetown Cupcakes (yes, we also toured Georgetown!)

Easy wait when this is at the end of the line:

Especially because the chocolate lava cupcakes were gluten-free.

Then, home again, home again, jiggety jig.

But not before we picked up a souvenir.

How did you spend your weekend? Do you have a favorite tourist spot?

Happy Tuesday!

A Food Reunion: My Big Fat Gluten-Filled Week

October 22, 2012 | Coleen Patrick

I’m drinking the day and eating the pizza.

Because I am having a bit of a carpe diem moment this week. My doctor ordered me to eat gluten to prepare for a test.

So, for the last week, I’ve been busy with some serious cramming.

And it’s been a dizzying sort of delish, the kind that begins with pizza and well, will probably end with pizza. Because you can’t have a serious study session without pizza.

Gluten-free pizza cannot compete with this crust.

After more than a year of eating gluten-free, I’m having quite the food reunion.

Meet the star of Thanksgiving 2010.

My old friend, stuffing.

And her distant, but sweet cousin pie showed up too.

I was so touched when my Pinterest food boards made an appearance at the reunion. After all, I haven’t known them that long. It was comforting to see them get along so well with my dear friend the bakery case.

The bakery case, shimmering like a mirage.

In the corner (of the freezer) I found the last cupcake from my daughter’s birthday last month. What a treat!

Cupcake with a cookie dough center.

I met delightful strangers . . .

Pumpkin whoopie pie

And pals that always got me in trouble when we hung out. . .

Frosting with a little scone.

And no get together would be complete without a few partypoopers. They always show up, right?

Don’t worry, I ate ’em.

My closest friend, warm crusty bread was there. I can’t seem to find any photographs, though. Couldn’t stay still long enough, I suppose.

But believe me, we had plenty of face time.

Good thing, because my gluten party is almost over. Will you pass me a napkin? I’ve got a date with exercise.

Just as soon as I emerge from my carb coma.

What food is the star at your party?

Tell me in the comments! I have three more gluten days to go and I might’ve missed something (it’s possible). 🙂

HOW YOU COMING ON THAT NOVEL YOU’RE WORKING ON, HUH?

August 10, 2011 | Coleen Patrick

The writing process is slow. Couple it with the publishing process and the fact that writing is mostly a solitary living-in-a-shell like activity, and you are looking at a lifestyle that is turtle club worthy.

At least it comes with a great motto:

Slow and steady wins the race.

This is a good thing to keep in mind, especially when you emerge from your shell for food, showers, more work (you mean there’s other stuff to do?) and seeing your family and friends only to hear questions like:

You still working on that novel?

Do you have an end yet? Because I have a really good idea…

When am I going to see it in Barnes and Noble?

What’s for dinner? (Oh wait, you may or may not get that one, depends on whether or not your kids are old enough to call for pizza.)

When I hear these questions, my mind scrambles for some sort of summary update, sifting through all the work looking for something that is akin to handing them a hardcover copy of my book.

Um, yeah.

You write. You read. You edit. You write some more. You put the story away for a while and start work on another. Then you pick it back up and read. Then you edit, write some more. Then get some people to read and comment and then edit some more. Then write a query letter and edit that, and get some people to read that. Write. Edit. Then send it out to agents and/or some small publishers (because the big ones will not look at it without the agent). Wait and wait. Work on the next story . . .

I am going to stop here because if you are a writer you know all this, and if you’re not, then you are probably wondering why anyone would actually comply with such a process.

It sounds crazy, right?

It’s a slow process. Turtle-y slow.

So I remind myself to take a chill pill when I get the questions, because yes I’m still working on that novel (actually two, both with endings, but you never know I might use your good idea someday).

(Oh and the dinner question? Only requires microwave skills, because the pizza is in the freezer.)

And as for Barnes and Noble (or Amazon)?

I don’t know–yet (this is the key word here, print it, cut it out and attach it to something).

Because if you love it, you do it and when the questions come, you can think about Stewie.

Yes, I give you Stewie. Because sometimes I just need to relax about the whole process and squeak out a laugh instead of taking myself too seriously. Besides, as Stewie says, we all deserve some time off (even if we sometimes let our kids eat pizza from the freezer).

Speaking of pizza, if you’re headed to the freezer can you get me some? It’s the gluten free one, with the tapioca cheese . . .