Appetizer for Dessert

Appetizer for dessert? I’ve done this twice, maybe three times.

I have no shame in the game of loving good food. I love a great dining experience built on the success of atmosphere, food, presentation, and service.

Dining out was not something my family did much of when I was growing up, and actually, I don’t think it was for most people of my age.

Now, most of my highlights from travel and life are built around great dining experiences. Palate memory is real, at least for me. Lingering dinners with candles flickering and stemware dangling from wrists with ounces of wine left in their bowls swishing back and forth from the rhythms of conversation—these are the moments I live for.

It was the year 2013. I was in Connecticut with a girlfriend, dining in the back bar of Tre Scalini, enjoying my Osso Bucco when I took a bite of the Parmesan risotto. OH MY! I don’t know why this particular night the risotto was so good, but it was soo good. At the end of the evening, my friend ordered tiramisu, and I ordered another portion of Parmesan risotto. For dessert. I ordered risotto for dessert. No regrets.

I know the best risotto, when done right, is cooked to order, and I know they made up a fresh serving just for me at the end of the evening. I also know my life was changed that night. The service, the food, and everything combined were a 10/10. I’ve been back one time since 2013, and I am happy to say Tre Scalini is still open. It was established in 1994! Next time you’re in New Haven, Connecticut, go here and tell them Estelle sent you. Happy 30th anniversary, Tre Scalini! I still think about you often… from Oregon.

It was the year 2017, and I was traveling in Italy with a different girlfriend. We were in the beautiful town of Varenna, on Lake Como. It was a perfect sunny May day filled with some strolling and a little day hike to the castle on the hill to see the ghost sculptures. Our feet were tired, and we were looking forward to our reservation that we, by some miracle, snagged at the ever-popular Al Prato Ristorante Enoteca. The combination of asparagus and a soft-boiled egg yolk slowly oozing across the spears is one of my favorites. Topping my list of dishes I have thought about often over the years is this one. And honestly, maybe too often.

By the time the entree course was over, I was longing for the appetizer again. I requested another serving of the asparagus and egg bliss as my dessert, while my friend ordered a traditional dessert. This caused a spark in the kitchen. Again, no regrets. Our bill arrived and was met with this message from our waiter, “The chef would like to invite you into the kitchen before you depart; he would like to meet the person who ordered the appetizer for dessert.” We laughed. We carefully entered the kitchen through swinging doors to smiles from the chef, the entire kitchen staff, and exuberant chatter. An experience I will never forget and a dish I will never forget. A simple life moment of asparagus and eggs can change you forever. Thank you, Al Prato. Thank you.

(Photo below)

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In addition to the above stories, it was late one night and I found myself crammed into one of those diner booths that seat 6 to 8 people. While my friends all ordered milkshakes, the kind that came with the extra shake in the tin on the side, I ordered a slab of ham steak. “I’ll take the ham, please.”

We still laugh about this from time to time.

2024 Let's go!

I recently updated my bio for a story I am pitching to a new publication.

Voila!

Living in the desirable Willamette Valley, the center of the triangle between the Oregon coast, Portland, and our state's capital, Salem, is where wonders unfold. I love living in McMinnville, Oregon. I moved here when I was 19 and fell in love with a boy, followed quickly by the burgeoning wine region, and Pinot Noir.

I am an average golfer, passionate about slow travel, and have never met a Caprese salad I didn’t like. Show me a small town with a good cappuccino on the corner, cobblestone streets, and bells ringing at the hour, and I may never leave. 

I enjoy writing about soft topics focused on beautiful destinations, couples travel, girlfriend trips, great restaurants, and how to relax well. You had me at three-hour dinner.

Here are a few photos from 2023 to enjoy.

Oregon Winery Cats and Dogs

A small piece in a big publication.

This spring, 2022, I was honored to have my byline in Travel Oregon for the first time. A long-awaited and hoped-for destination on my travel writing bucket list. How fun too, that this little ditty was about cats and dogs and wineries, all things I love!

Oregon’s Cutest Winery Cats and Dogs went live on April 20th.

Here are the furry pets featured and their wineries.

Jack at Lange

Harry and Sebastian at Sokol Blosser

Sonny Boy at Freja

Paco at Keeler

Archie at Lingua Franca

Ramsie at Flaneur

Estelle in Six Months

Estelle in Six Months

It was on August 6th that I ripped the cord, pulled the plug, threw caution to the wind, you name it... and just did it! I dropped using my first name of Valerie and began using my middle name, Estelle.

It - Has - Been - Amazing!

Conversations with Michael over morning coffee often end up with my joyful and exuberant broken-record comments about how this was the best decision of my life and how happy I still am that I did this awkward thing. Those comments, coupled with always, “I should have done this sooner”.

This is what I know. I woke up in August, alert and clear-minded, and I thought, I’m not going to do this for the next 40+ years. It’s time to swap to Estelle from Valerie. I’m ready. I’ve always loved my middle name Estelle, and I love that I’m named after my grandmother Rhubie Estelle, a strong, feisty, and confident woman who, honestly, I am probably a lot like her. I love that my daughter and granddaughter share the Estelle middle name. There is a great joy for me to be actively using my name Estelle, and who doesn’t want great joy for the next 40+ years?!

You can tell a lot about a person in how they say your name. Do they honor your request or do they mock you? I've had both prior to and since this name trade. It’s been, well, interesting to observe who does each of these.

To those who try and struggle, I love you! I love that you try, and I love that you know me well enough to have had so many life experiences prior to my name swap that the struggle is real. You keep trying, and I see you. You are beautiful.

To those who jumped on the ship and just ran with it, OMGosh I’m impressed. You have not only enhanced my last six months with your devoted respect to embracing change, but you have also somehow given me a little air-hug each time you say the word, Estelle.

To my surprise, soo many people sent me notes of encouragement and shared their stories. I was pleasantly shocked with how many people are in the Middle Name Club - so many! I felt a pang in my heart for those who shared in private messages that they have always wanted to change their first name, for a vast number of reasons, and just can’t do it - so many.

Another most surprising revelation happened over these last six months. The few family members (emphasis on family members so don’t get any ideas) who still call me Valerie feels really really special. Like it’s our gift now, just us. It feels special in a way I can’t explain. A warmth I’ve unknowingly longed for.

Life is weird, and great, and challenging, and beautiful, and messy, and glorious all at once. Making this small, big, small change for me has been the best gift I’ve ever given to myself. I don’t feel I need to give any explanations, or publicly value my decisions, but it’s fun to share my process with you. If you’re a hater, move on. If you want to make a little life change for a more joyful happy life, just go for it. Risk brings rewards.

I am still Valerie Estelle Rogers, I will always be, and I like me.

However, I like living with Estelle as my public first name ten zillion times better.

Now, onward to the second six months.

An incredible gift given to me by our Portland Timbers friends (Michael and Teresa Meadows) who live in Delaware. They flew out to Portland for the MLS Cup a few weeks ago and surprised me with this beyond-thoughtful gift. I’m still in awe, and I love it soo so much!

Just me. Estelle

One Photo Story - Caprese and Beautiful Food

Let’s talk about Caprese salads. I truly think there are few flavor combinations together that rival the simplicity of fresh-from-the-vine tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese (Buffalo preferably), a splash of Italian olive oil, and some reduced balsamic vinaigrette. Add that last tiny touch of sea salt, and, KawPow! Taste Bud Heaven!

I made this little salad from Draper Farms tomatoes, bocconcini mozzarella, and a basil plant I purchased from a little pop-up farm stand that doesn’t have a name. Also, the basil plant won’t have a long life with me, as I will do with it what I do with all plants, immediately kill it, accidentally, of course.

The olive oil is direct from Italy via Fratelli Ponzi, 100% extra virgin. You can buy it in Dundee, Oregon.

What is it about food? It is so life-giving, refreshing, flavorful. It can be so peaceful. It can calm the heart, rest the soul.

Don’t even get me started on the symphony of music that comes from dining out at a restaurant. The forks on plates mixed with laughter, and conversation mixed with music wafting in the distance…we will come back to another post for this…

Recently I was scrolling around on my website and clicking links here and there, and the past jumped off the page when I opened my old blog, Beautiful Food. In 2008, February to be exact, my birthday to be exact, I started this website. It was long before words like, “monetizing your site” were mainstream, and a solid two and a half years before Instagram started. It was before everyone at the table was taking photos of their dishes. By 2013 I had apparently lured in 26,000 views. Something I most certainly wasn’t thinking about then and didn’t give a thought why those might matter. And, today, in 2021, I’m constantly reminding myself, they really still don’t matter in the big picture. What does have value to me is the art of food, the taste of food, the experiences surrounding food. That hasn’t changed.

It was fun to see that my second post featured, you guessed it, a Caprese salad! I stand firmly by my oath that I’ve never met a Caprese salad I didn’t like. One time I almost started an entire website focused just on Caprese salads, but then I thought, that would be weird, and let’s be honest, they will all start looking exactly the same.

Perhaps I may just dust off the cobwebs of Beautiful Food and post over there again, for fun. The idea behind it has always been; no words, just photos, because great art doesn’t always hang on walls.

400 Miles of Smiles in West Yellowstone, Montana

Visiting Montana should be on everyone’s bucket list, both in the summer and winter because each offers amazing experiences and scenery. My recent trip to West Yellowstone in January of 2020 reminded me that old dogs can learn new tricks, as it had been over 30 years since I had ridden on a snowmobile. I was given the opportunity to ride again, and to my wonderful surprise, I did it just fine. I was also inspired to let others know there is a place for new riders and rusty riders who haven’t been on a snowmobile for a while, a place where you can feel like a kid and play in the snow again; West Yellowstone. Read my post on Destination West Yellowstone’s website about the 400 miles of snowmobile trails and the bears and wolves we saw.

4oo Miles of Smiles.. by Valerie Estelle Rogers

The Romantic Goodbye - A SeaTac Story

The Romantic Goodbye

A SeaTac Story

Maybe it’s my age, or wisdom that has come over time, but here is what I’m not doing anymore, I’m not starting my travels off with stress. When I’m heading out for a holiday or a work trip, I’m no longer trying to zip to the airport at the last minute, frantic from potential traffic fiascos, beads of sweat forming while I wait in the security line as my flight is currently boarding or the wild sprint to the gate. Sometimes the chaos is unavoidable, but most of the time we bring it on ourselves with poor planning. 

I’ve discovered the art of the romantic goodbye. 

I’ve discovered Cedarbrook Lodge. 

Seattle is crazy busy, the city is active and the traffic is hectic. SeaTac International Airport is located 19 miles from downtown Seattle, or thirty minutes to an hour's drive depending on what time it is. SeaTac airport has 29 direct flights to Europe and 91 non-stop domestic flights per day. There is an average of 136,000 passengers per day that use SeaTac airport. This is all a recipe for stress. 

Imagine with me, a quiet, calm, respite located 1.8 miles from the airport. Nestled among a garden of trees and resting on 18 acres. Birds chirping, bees making honey on the corner of the property, a vegetable garden steps from the kitchen, and relaxed guests. 

Cedarbrook Lodge was everything we wanted, and needed, before I flew off for a 6-week trip. 

My husband and I arrived early to the property and found convenient parking, opting not to valet, but noting it was an option. Doors were softly opened as we walked the entry steps, we were greeted by warm smiles at the front desk. With pre-planned reservations, we floated down the grand steps to the Spa, sunk into our robes and took deep relaxing breaths in the waiting room. An ambiance fire was glowing and soft music filled the air. We sipped on citrus water and found a stillness in the waiting. I enjoyed a full-body massage while my husband enjoyed a reflexology foot massage. For the next hour, we wiped away the hustle of the last-minute details of life, the packing, and planning, and vacation had begun before I even landed at my destination. We followed our spa appointments with a soak in the private perfectly-warm soaking pool. Quick showers in our respective spa locker rooms and we were ready for the evening to unfold. 

Officially checked-in and now walking to our room, we strolled past a conference room, two living rooms designed specifically for guests and located behind a key-pass door, and we were in our home for the night. Sparkling clean, king bed, and views of the trees. I am thinking I cannot wait to rest here before my 10-hour flight. 

It’s time for a pre-dinner beverage. 

Copperleaf Restaurant and Bar are located at the center of the property, with sweeping decks just outside for summer evening sipping. The Bar has a majestic long counter ideal for solo travelers to visit with mixologists over the latest news, and high top tables with floor to ceiling windows to take in the views on a rainy day. We needed a little pick-me-up from our relaxing afternoon and opted for nitro cold-brewed coffee. It wasn’t long until we moved on to their signature Copperleaf Manhattan. 

Dinner was by the fire. We sipped Champagne and ordered a bottle of wine and we did what we have learned over many years of marriage, we ate slow, we enjoyed the dinner, we visited, we held hands across the table. Chef Adam Stevenson is worth an entire post! His expert skills and passion for what makes a great meal are bar none. The team that works alongside him all have the same care for attention to excellence.

Close your eyes and taste these from the menu. I ordered the beef:

Alaskan Halibut 

Charred Rapini, Castelvetrano Olives, Heirloom Pepper Romesco, Chickpea Broth

Roasted La Belle Farm Duck

Pickled Beet Puree, Hazelnut-Foie Gras Kromesky, Caramelized Fennel, Cedarbrook Fennel Pollen Honey

Chef’s Featured Cut  - Gleason Ranch Grass-Finished Beef (Brady, WA)

Root Vegetable Gratin, Potato Puree, Shallot Confit, Foraged Mushroom Butter

Using local ingredients is essential to Stevenson, and having a working relationship with the growers, ranchers, winemakers, etc, shows in every that is carefully plated and poured.

One of my favorite events that happens at Cedarbrook Lodge is a one-day festival built around heirloom tomatoes. Every fall, usually in September or early October, a pop-up market takes over the grounds and tomatoes are everywhere. I am eager to attend this event because a sweet vine-ripe tomato is about as good as it gets. 

After a day of relaxing, and a full night’s sleep (on the Simmons® Beautyrest Black Georgetown pillow top bedding) I am rested and ready for my flight day. I spent the day and evening with my love, ate a hearty breakfast, kissed him goodbye and took the Cedarbrook Lodge Shuttle to the airport, not ten minutes away. He drove home with the car. 

I’m a big fan of the romantic goodbye. It’s now a term we use when we are parting ways for weeks apart due to work trips.

At 1.8 miles from the airport, Cedarbrook Lodge is an oasis among busy urban streets. It’s the ultimate rest location for your next SeaTac departure. Let know when you find it! 

Savoring Tradition - Savoring the San Juan Islands

Kicked off January with my first published article in Northwest Travel & Life Magazine.

January 2020 issue, on newsstands now.

It’s a great honor to be part of their widely popular Editor’s Picks 52 Getaways Issue.

Northwest Travel & Life

San Juan Islands, Washington

Mucca. Portland, OR

Finally made it to Mucca.

I’ve long wanted to visit this Italian Osteria in Portland and choosing the Chef’s menu was the an excellent decision!

Dining with Sea lions • Newport, Oregon

On my fourth day, I had an unplanned afternoon and was staying near Newport, Oregon. One quick text to a good friend inquiring about where go eat, she suggested I shouldn’t miss Clearwater, and she was absolutely right!

Located on the Yaquina Bay, in Newport’s historic bayfront, Clearwater Restaurant is a fresh bright spot next door to the historic Undersea Gardens, which, unfortunately, is scheduled to close for good after an impressive 50-year run.

Opened in 2016 and quickly recognized as Best Restaurant of Newport in 2017, Clearwater has come to town and made their mark. Or should I say, returned to town, as one is the owners, Janell Goplen, once was a Newport High Cub. Go Cubs! Janell returned to her hometown with her husband, Hans, two children, and a dog, and the community is ever grateful. Leaving the hustle of California for the Oregon coastal life was a decision quickly and easily made.

The restaurant sits on the water, offering 180-degree views and a sophisticated yet casually inviting vibe. Excellent use of warm greys, whites and wood decor offset the ambiance and complement the carefully crafted cocktails and dishes being plated and delivered from the kitchen.

Huge picture windows give the diner every feel of the outside on a drizzly day, but for those who dine al fresco on a sunny day, on the deck, those diners are in for a treat… and a concert. Sea Lions!!

Just below the deck, on little docks made just for them, sea lions bask in the sun, bark incessantly at each other, position and flop around falling into the water and sing. Is it singing? I’m not sure, but it was constant and it was beautiful as only screeching and screaming sea lions can sound like. The show didn’t end. One sea lion swam around spinning and flipping in the water, rolling in circles like we used to do as children to impress our friends. Other sea lions swung their tiny fins up and around to their backs scratching while others wiggled on their backs to hit just the right spot.

Lunch was simple for me, and an easy choice, starting obviously with wine, a crisp glass of Illahe Viognier. I followed with a crab cocktail, clam chowder and a small portion of French fries, because, if you’re not dipping fries into your chowder, you’re doing it all wrong. I went with the regular fries and saved the Parmesan truffle and sweet potato fries for a future visit.

My Oregon coast visit has been filled with the discovery of Clearwater, adorable sea lions, sun, rain, perfect sunsets, and hey, I have three more days left!

Friday Photo Series - Argyle, Winery.

Argyle Winery, established in 1987, proudly stands in the heart of Dundee, Oregon. 

With ample indoor and outdoor space, this is the perfect place for a group of friends to visit.  

I often find myself popping into this corridor winery because it is convenient, they offer bubbles and the service is great, especially if you get Ann. I’m partial the Black Brut and the Nut House Pinot Noir. Try them for yourselves.  

Argyle Winery 

691 OR 99W

Dundee, Oregon  

97115

(503) 538-8520

Justa Pasta - Portland

You have to know Justa Pasta is there, if you don’t, you’ll drive right past. This is probably one of the many reasons I love this place, it is understated perfection. In the showdow if it’s neighbor, Les Schwab, on the one-way NW 19th street and tucked back behind a small parking lot, Justa Pasta is preparing house made pastas, desserts, and expertly prepared espresso drinks.  

This isn’t the first time I’ve talked about them and it won’t be the last. 

 https://www.justapasta.com/

Tauzher. Slovenaian wine, delightful. 

Pesto ravioli, add shrimp.

Cheesecake dreams realized. 

Photo Friday Series. Bellingham Harbor

Week four and I'm already breaking the one-photo rule, eh, whatever, it's my site. Plus, I think you'll appreciate the zoom shot. 

Bellingham, Washington. 

I'm on a wonderfully large yacht with four other writers, our hosts, a catered spread of local salmon and all of the delights that go with it. (More about that and them later) 

The Captain has disappeared to his post, leaving the passengers to the buffet table and to enjoy the insightful comments, and pointing gestures about sights along the shoreline, from the Harbor Expert. Bellingham harbor is a thriving fishing port and home to very notable businesses and expert ship builders. 

The sun is starting to set through a smoked filled sky, a result of fires burning in Canada and Washington, casting a haze over the horizon. The sun eventually brightened to a red orb and the sky filled with milky rose colors.  

As the passengers milled around the back of the yacht, I discovered a little staircase that took me to the very front, to the stern. Yes, I had to look up the name of "front of boat". The stern was magical and open and serene. 

I carefully climbed up the stairs and stood on the stern looking out over the glassy water at the harbor. Time stood still. The sun was soft and the water was quiet. Off in the distance I saw a couple snuggling under the boardwalk, sitting on the rocks and hidden from the foot traffic above. I saw a group of teens jumping off the boardwalk, then swimming to the dock, and running to do it over and over again. I saw the harbor life beginning to rest for the day and the movements along the shoreline began to lessen. 

On the water, little boats were anchored out in the bay, some waiting for their owners to return the next morning, some with passengers enjoying the sky show. 

I stood by myself for a significant amount of time. It was like I had a secret hiding place on the boat, and I was enjoying every little minute that passed before it was discovered by all. I had unobstructed views and the warm summer air blowing through my hair. All I could do was smile that smile of pure contentment, of awe, of pinch-me, of appreciation. The Captain and I exchanged knowing looks through his window, acknowledging the beauty surrounding us and my stolen location moment. 

We cut quietly through the water and passed a sailboat to our right. This sailboat had two passengers but I didn't see them right away, thinking this was just another of the anchored-for-the-night boats. Because the scene was so spectacular with the sun setting and the reflection of the sailboat on the water I continued to study it for an extended period of time.

When I saw them, I laughed. Out loud. No one could hear but myself, and then I laughed again. 

Brilliant!

I shouted through my laughter, "I LOVE IT". They didn't move, not one bit but held their pose with precision and commitment. 

Standing with their backs to our yacht, the two sailboat passengers were hoisting up large swords, with full stance, straight to the sky. They held this pose the entire time our boat passed, never looking over their shoulders to see if we were watching, never wavering. We were not going fast so it felt like it took a good long while. Everything fell into slow motion. 

I don't know who these harbor pirates were, but I applaud them and their commitment and for creating an incredible moment. I don't know if any other passengers on my boat saw this display, and while I hoped they did, I'm also okay if it was only for my and the Captain's eyes.  

When people talk about the fires and the smoke overtaking the Northwest, I will forever think of these two sword wielding boat dwellers, who knew exactly how to live a life well. 

One Photo Story. Alsace

This photo was taken on day 9 of a seven week trip in Europe. I know this, because I had just spent 8 days in Amsterdam by myself, then took the train to Frankfurt to pick up my husband so we could drive straight to Switzerland. We didn’t have reservations, but we had town destinations. This is our favorite way to travel. (I usually web search ‘most romantic small towns in x country’, which never fails me.) 

As we were zipping along, GPS set to non-highway, non-toll, I started to see signage about wineries. Everywhere. 

Back in Oregon, we live in a wine region and I feel very comfortable around this industry and I have learned to really appreciate the craft of winemaking and care of the vineyards. 

The classical music was playing softly, (I am not making that up) we’ve left Germany, and needed to make a quick pass through France to arrive to Switzerland. Surrounding us are vines and winery signs, and I spot the word Alsace. I have only heard of the Alsace wine region in conversation or when I’ve been lucky enough to be with the right crowd and enjoyed a bottle or two. I became instantly giddy! 

A pinch me moment was happening and I’m in awe of our good fortune to have stumbled upon the Alsace wine mothership. 

Like mice with a long string of bread crumbs, we followed sign after sign and drove down side country roads to end up in the town of Riquewihr, France.  

Clearly a very touristy village, we shook our shoulders and remembered we too, were tourists. So, off we went, in through the hugh stone wall entry gate. The cobblestone streets, wide enough for a tiny car were filled, no jammed, with people from all over the world going this way and that. We followed the masses around the main corridors and then snuck away. 

This is when we stopped thinking about wine for a moment.  

Stealing into a side street, and worming our way back towards the homefronts of the locals, my mind is filled with imagining life on a daily basis here. I’m transported. The streets are quiet, doors and windows mostly closed up, and yet, as if to say, life is here, flowers everywhere. 

What I love about this photo, not only are the building colors, the textures and the flowers but the pulley, and the combination of it all.

Yes, the pulley. 

I am fascinated by pulleys, weird, I know. I love how they have been a staple tool for, well, for ever. I love how pulleys are the quiet champion of the work world. They are the tool no one really thinks about but when something really clever needs to happen, it’s usually the pulley that saves the day. Pulleys were used to hoist food, water, furniture, and so much more, to and from high floors in the midieval era and now to the modern city life. 

So here we were, strolling aimlessly around the back streets of Riquewihr staring at this pulley. This pulley, who’s long life could tell so many stories, I am sure.

Yes, we also enjoyed some wine. 

One Photo Story- Idaho

The kind of sunset you pull the car over for. 

That moment when it’s just you, the stillness of time, resting in the reflections of the day and the reflections on the water.  

Lake Coeur d’ Alene. You were so very lovely last night.  

One Photo Story - France

MONET'S GARDEN - Monet's Studio and My Mom

My mom was an artist, an unknown artist. Her flower series... I greedily reached for and kept when my parents moved from their home to downsize, fills the walls of my guest room. My own art room in my own home, this is what I think every time I walk in. Sometimes I light candles in my living room, play classical music and walk to the guest room and study each painting, imaging my mom lifting these brush strokes. These flowers that my brown thumb couldn't grow if I tried. 

When I was a little girl, my mom introduced us to the riveting board game of Masterpiece, where one traded paintings by famous artists instead of houses or land. It was always my favorite game. 

On my first trip to Paris, I entered the Musee D'Orsay and flooding inside of me bubbled every emotion.  I thought of the paintings of Masterpiece and how my mom would never see this incredible museum. I stared and stared at the little cards I once played now hanging on the walls. 

I cried the first time I walked the quiet hallways of the Musee D'Orsay in Paris. My breath was taken. 

I found myself a handful of years later facilitating and taking talented artist Christine Joy on her first trip to Europe where she painted the countryside of Italy and parts of France. On this trip, after going to the Louvre and Musee D' Orsay, we went to Monet's Garden. 

I had traded Monet's work when I was a child. I knew it well. His soft landscapes were always the chosen calendars for years, and my early marriage fake-art for our home, always was Monet inspired. 

Christine and I navigated the train to Giverny, took the shuttle bus to the garden and both stood there, in absolute awe. We pinched ourselves that we were there! We were at Monet's home! The six year old in me was ecstatic, but, yet again, adult me knew this was another beautiful place my mom will not see in person, she is too frail to travel this far.

The grounds were everything one might dream; landscape art, every flower imaginable and endless inspiration for artists for generations. In the moments I'm walking around the famous pond, taking photos of the delicate green bridge, and sitting and taking it all in and never wanting to leave, I'm thinking of her. 

One acute thing I've learned when traveling, it just always gets better. When I think it's impossible to have an experience that can top 'this', top a 'best day ever', a 'I can't believe I'm here', or this really happened(?!) moment, or even Monet's pond...it always does. 

We left the garden. I was sad to leave the pond. We walked through the most beautiful flowers and entered the home. What's in a home?   

Monet's studio is in his home, that's what in a home! Oh my goodness. This sunken sun room off of the main house, with iron windows filling both both sides of the room, a desk, and easels. Monet's easels. The studio topped the pond. The studio room was where he painted the pond. The pond that we all know and love with the lily pads, floating flowers, row boat and little green bridge. 

Lining the walls were paintings, 50 or so filled the space, surrounding you with the soothing colors of the flower gardens, boat paintings and the abstracts as his eyes gave, hovering gently around you like a warm blanket. 

I stood there, studying the paintings, imagining Claude Monet lifting up those brush strokes.

I stood there, thinking of my mom. Two great artists. 

This room is one of my favorite rooms I've ever entered in all of my travels. 

Heaven found on Orcas Island. Pebble Cove Farm

I am running not walking back to this place, and when I get there I am not leaving.  

It has been only three days since I woke up with this view through the windows from my suite.

Even now, when I close my eyes I’m back there sitting in the hot tub, resting, breathing, relaxing. 

Pebble Cove Farm is a working organic farm on Orcas Island, complete with its own beach. You are encouraged to pet the animals that are peacefully roaming the grounds: ponys, pigs, sheep.. There is a fire pit ready for your sunset s’mores and a hot tub located in the perfect spot to watch the moon reflect on the lapping shoreline. 

Guests are encouraged to stroll and pick from the expansive garden, reach through a special little door into the chicken coup for eggs in the morning and make themselves at home. 

A day could be spend on the rocky sand at the shore playing in the water or venturing beyond and exploring by kayak.  

When I go back, I can assure you I’ll be sitting on the beach and listening to the music of the incoming water for hours, will roast brats by the fire and end my day again with a soak in the hot tub. 

If you’ve ever wanted a perfect home to visit on Orcas, and it has everything(!), you’ve found it in Pebble Cove Farm. 

 http://pebblecovefarm.com/

Crunchy Caprese

The power of social media led me to Church. Well, a Portland hot spot called Church. It was really the word Caprese that got me there, I’m not sure I’ve ever met a Caprese that I didn’t like and this was no exception. 

On a friend’s post was the Crunchy Caprese, it looked delightful! I found myself visiting this dish inside two weeks.  

Warm melty cheese inside a crisp exterior topped with sweet tomato, resting on a bed of pesto (God’s gift to the Italians and thus the world) and drizzled with just the right amount of reduced balsamic. 

Mozzarella sticks all grown up. 

Church 2600 NE Sandy, Portland, Oregon 

Christine Paints Italy- it's finally here. We kick off in NYC

To know Christine Swanson is to know an incredible human being.

Our paths crossed in 2013 when a mutual friend suggested Christine (then 22 years old) paint for a fundraiser dinner I was throwing. From that point forward we have partnered up for many many wine events, charity events and personal events. 

It was on event three or four that I stood back and thought, I wonder what would happen if we could put Miss Christine Swanson on the hillsides of Italy?

This trip is to do just that. 

Christine's first trip to Europe and it is my true honor to be able to facilitate it for her.  

Our plans include: 

Paris

Monet's Garden

Louvre

Eiffel Tower

Musee D' Orsay

Hop over to Italy

Villa Calcinaia Winery 

Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort

Florence

David

Bagno Vignoni, - hot springs town dating back to 1170 and ties to St. John the Baptist

stop in San Gimigano

stop in Pienza

stop in Montepulciano

Assisi - St. Francis of Assisi

Orvieto

stop in Calcata

Ladispoli - on the Tyrrhenian Sea

Rome

MAP of Italian Route - leaving off Paris/Florence/Rome

Christine will be painting ten 12x12 paintings and fifteen 6x6 paintings. We have sold futures of these paintings for 400.00 and 200.00.  

A Gallery Pick-Up party will happen on December 3rd at Remy Winery. Purchasers who live outside of Oregon will be mailed their framed painting. 

Everyone bought blind, knowing they will receive a painting by Artist's Choice.  These are numbered 1/1. 

We do have one large and three small paintings left for purchase. If interested, text (text only) 503-883-1856 and we will send you a PayPal pay link and collect your details.  

As a way to kick off the trip, we have stopped over in NYC.  

Through the wonderful website Meet Up, we connected with the Plein Air Painters of Central Park and met Gerry.  

An afternoon of perfect weather and stillness, Gerry, Christine and Maureen, who sketched her art, visited and painted this scene.  

This painting will be featured in the gallery show, and will be for sale.