Where You Belong

I believe that dreams are necessary to life. To my life, they certainly are - they are the map which tells my soul what direction to move. 

I love the place where we live, I really do. It's beautiful and peaceful, not overly populated, easy access to everything we like or need. But one day, I want to live in this town where citizens cherish old buildings (such as this 1930s shopping center and first "talking pictures" Historic Lynwood theatre) and don't destroy them, clearing the space for a brand new mall. Where citizens nourish arts, culture and education. Where new daring beginnings don't vanish into thin air, unnoticed by both town leaders and community members. Where on every square foot you feel with every fiber of your being just how special this place is to people who live there, how much people care. I will take walks on these streets, buy vegetables from the local farmers, taste wine in the local wineries and write my heartwarming stories with little action and big heart. I will smile and laugh a lot and not feel lonely anymore. Some day I will arrive there and not hurry back. I recognize it by the longing in my heart every time I visit, the way you know when you found your soulmate - you know that this is your home. 

Fresh produce from the Heyday Farm... and freshly baked bread and pastry from Pane d'Amore were amazing.

I ended up buying one of the hats I tried on.

Anya, the dancer, actress, creative writer and visual artist, is exploring another passion of hers - music, and is getting ready to learn playing guitar. Alan Simcoe, the owner of the charming store Village Music, who custom builds guitars and other string instruments, was kind enough to share a couple of the first things to know about guitars with the young aspiring musician. It was a very special visit for us, and both Justin and I think when we're ready to purchase a guitar, we will come to Village Music.

I don't know another town which greets its guests and citizens with an art museum - which is the first thing you see as you arrive on Bainbridge by ferry from Seattle (only 35 minutes ride). It is one of the most beautiful contemporary museums I've been to, and what's even more amazing, especially for such a small community (only about 24,000 people live on the Rock as locals call the island), Bainbridge Art Museum is free for everyone, every day.

The grounds around the art museum and KiDiMu (Kids Discovery Museum) are a true work of art too, with artful plants, rocks and water arrangements... I heard all sorts of feedback about Bainbridge from all sorts of people. Some think that it has become commercial and touristy, while others believe that it is sort of a "bubble" - a utopia town. I can see how it can strike one this way. Yes, there are thriving tourism businesses on the island for sure - people do tend to come to places that are both interesting and welcoming. But it's only the bare surface... Last year, we spent six months living on the island and getting to know it better. It was a much more personal experience than a once in a while "perfect Sunday afternoon" kind of a visit. I know that I have not been to another place where every outing is a pure joy, where it is not only safe, pretty and friendly, but also peaceful and yet stimulating with everything going on there. My heart is happy every time I arrive and aches every time I have to leave. And if it is a bubble or a utopia, then I want to live in this bubble and be a part of this utopia. I'm rather good at utopias, really.

Do you have a dream place to live? Is it a general idea or a particular spot on the map?

My outfit contains pieces that I love and have owned for a while:

Jacket (probably 5 years old or so) is by Isabella Bird and is an escapee from the donation bag

Blouse - vintage, via Goodwill while visiting Oregon

Skirt - Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant

Malachite ring - festival 9 years ago

Shoes - Josef Seibel via Nordstrom Rack (love them and want to find them in red!)

Joining the new #iwillwearwhatilike link-up!

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PS I wanted to experiment with Google+ commenting, and added that option to see how it works for you and for me. While I enjoy the ability to send my replies to your comments directly to your email box, I just found out that this option disabled leaving comments if you're not with Google+. That's a bummer. There is probably a way to enable either way of commenting, but for now, not being the most technical blogger in Bloglandia, I'm switching back to the old way, to keep things simple. I hate to loose the comments that you left using Google+ (and they do disappear when I switch back), so I copied your comments and posted them under my name which looks funny, but at least I don't loose your lovely comments. Sorry for the temporary abracadabra.