I made a vow to my dear friend who just lost her son to Leukemia, on Sunday, May 23rd, 2021: In memory of Sean,  I would try to live the best possible year I could live.  It has made me rethink how I spend each day. 

Hopefully in another year, it will be habitual. Take more risks and seize life’s precious moments. You know how we all fall into our ruts. An event like this shakes your whole reality and wakes you up to the fragility of life. You realize just how precious each unique experience and memory with a loved one is.

So I picked up a pen and sketchbook recently and drew for the first time in years, just for pleasure. And I actually challenged myself to get in the cold water with my daughter, which felt wonderful.

An enormous tree floated down the Willamette River landing right in this charming cove that was a new discovery for us, just across the bridge from Astoria, OR on the Washington side at a park called FT COLUMBIA.

My daughter who loves to swim was determined to get in since access to pools has been non existent this past year.  This is also where the Chinook Indians used to hide their canoes.

As you enter this historic park, you will soon drive up a hill to an overlook with bunkers and officers’ houses built at the turn of the century. This was once Chinook Indian Nation territory There are lots of trails and secluded beaches. Two of the restored buildings are available for rent – for reunions, retreats…the view is stunning, at Chinook Point, near the mouth of the Columbia River.

I love all the maritime themed objects you come across like buoys, paintings of old ships, shells, sea dollars, oyster serving platters. Astoria (and the surrounding area) is the oldest town on the west coast so there is some good loot to be found.

Another fun spot is this little nursery in OCEAN PARK that has antiques in the back. The owner, Judith, is a character, adorned with Southwestern jewelry including a bear claw necklace and this amazing bracelet.