High On Life

Did you know that the artichoke is a thistle (чертополох)? 

Well I didn't! Until Justin pointed out how similar they look. 

I think I am a bit of a thistle artichoke myself. 

Not just a flower. Not only a vegetable. 

Big, bright and bold. 

Surprising. Unexpected. Unusual. 

With a myriad of tiny flowers

and a big heart.

Justin and I went to see an improv comedy at Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA) this weekend. Unlike him, I did not even know exactly what improv comedy meant. I remember my friend telling me about it back when when we were teenagers and she attended an acting class (I was way too shy for such things myself). I think they called it "etude", like in music, though the spirit was pretty much the same - short improvisations on random subjects. Guys, I loved it! It was fun and fresh, and we laughed a lot! My head felt so much lighter after the performance - thanks to these funny and talented actors. I love the idea of improv for so many reasons. It's like a first draft which you do as a writer when you feel inspired or intrigued by something - no planning, just dive in and see where it takes ya! Up to this point, pretty much everything I write is improv at heart. I often store something I write for a month or two, totally forget all about it, then rediscover it, and either I like it or I don't - but I never rewrite. I just don't. The first draft, with all the imperfections it has, is the most genuine one. It is the very reason I love reading blogs more than I love reading printed books these days - blogs are so much more genuine (well, not all the blogs, and not all the books, there are always exceptions). What else is an improv to me? It's like jazz. I love jazz with all the endless ways to interpret the same old tune, with its liveliness and lightness, inspiration and enthusiasm - the most optimistic, life loving music to my heart. And it's like life itself. Have you ever thought about it in such terms? Life is the ultimate improv. It throws stuff on you, and you just have to deal with it. The best you can at this very moment. Not the person next to you, not your teacher, friend, mentor, mom or dad. It really doesn't matter what they would do in your shoes. They all have got their own improv going anyway! Sometimes you meet and improvise together, and other times you each go your own way. We don't have a chance to relive our life - only to ever begin again, begin fresh. And if you drop the ball, well, then you do! So you hide in a corner for as long as you need and then begin again. No plans, no scripts, just pure inspiration and improvisation. Your own.

When it comes to stuff, I don't plan either. When I see something which makes my heart jump and brings a smile to my face, I don't think with what I will wear it or what part of my house it will fit. If it works for my heart (and my money), I just get it. I know that somehow it will find friends - in my closet, in my home. These things don't have to be considered special by others - only by me. Like this little bead ring which I found at a small boutique in La Conner, WA - it was in a dish of $5 items. I thought that even if it would fall apart after a couple of outings, it's not a big deal - but it has become my go to ring which works with almost everything in my wardrobe, and I wear it practically non-stop for almost 2 years by now. The bracelet is by Chico's, made of acai and some other natural thingy, can't remember the name right now. I did not go for a matching necklace or earrings, no need for that. The dress is also by Chiso's, found later. They seem to be made for each other.

The length of the dress is a bit extreme for me, but I like it anyway! 

As I leave this town, I am giving away one of its best hidden secrets... it's definitely worth visiting if you're a foodie like me!

Pomegranate lemonade for Justin and Malbec Andeluna for me.

Love the inviting, warm and whimsical interior of this place!

"I can accessorize too!" said Justin.

Yep! I'm a foodie - I love food, food is a huge part of me, yes, and literally too, it's no secret. I have nothing against others who follow strict diets, or enjoy eating mostly grass and seeds - that's all fine by me. But I love food and pretty much all of it, and more than anything I appreciate the food made by inspired cooks. They can have their own preferences for a certain kind of cuisine, ingredients, ways of preparation - it doesn't matter, I'm sold. When it's made with passion - it's always great!

This place called Pimienta Bistro and Bar is definitely the most unexpected in Federal Way / NE Tacoma area, and worth dining, despite the fact that it's located in a strip mall by a gas station. Once you're inside, you'll forget about the location - you are in the owner and chef Blanca's own magical world, and even the interior speaks volumes (I'd live in this place - and I most probably will paint walls in this color soon). 

Delicate and savory potato mushroom soup with rustic bread - great appetizer! 

The food is amazing! Best ingredients, full flavors. Blanca is not only the owner and creator of the recipes, but a very attentive, friendly server who doesn't overwhelm you (it is such a delicate balance, and she feels it perfectly in my book). I've been here a couple of times with friends, but never with Justin, which is super unusual for us as a couple of goofball soul-mates who explore almost everything in this life together. And I definitely wanted to introduce him to this place before we move. 

Justin had Pollo Rostizado (roasted chicken with pea risotto)

I had Paella Valenciana with a great mixture of seafood, chicken and chorizo. 

I often pick either seafood when I eat out, or something I don't cook much at home (like lamb or eggplant).

Blanca, apparently, has just opened a second restaurant in West Seattle, Greenbridge Cafe, which is open for breakfast and lunch. I intend to check it out some day. Joni, maybe you'll try it before me - I'm sure it's wonderful. 

And no - I was not paid in any way to write so many good things about Pimienta. I just truly admire when people do what they love and do it with passion!

Seattle sky is a champion in the cloud department, but this shape is unusual for us! Polka dot sky, or strings of pearls...

Well, that's me, really. Now tell me about yourself! What was surprising, unusual or unexpected in your life lately? Are you as high on your life as I am on mine? :)

Dress, duster and bracelet - Chico's (sales, sales, sales)

Ring - $5 boutique find

Purse - via TJ MAXX

Shoes - Born via Nordstrom Rack, super comfy!

Joining marvelous Sacramento and her Share-in-Style: Flowers