Just a little list of my favorite things about my hometown.
      Now, to be fair, my “real” hometown is probably North Bend, WA. I was raised there from birth until 16 or so months, then six or so months in Anchorage, followed by a return to NB where I lived until I was 18 (and where I returned to when I was 19, for another year).
      But when I think of home – even now that I’ve lived in PA for a number of years – I always think of Ellensburg, WA. Coming down over the ridge from Yakima, sliding down the mountains from Seattle & the Pass, watching the vast valley open up before me… Ellensburg is still home.
      So, here are a few of my favorite things about Ellensburg, WA…

• Tim & Jym’s House – I spent so many hours on their couch. It is to be loved.
• The Roadhouse Grill – Mark & I had a couple lovely dinners here and wished we could have had more.
• Wings Central – Mark loved the wings, but it was the No Smoochin’ Fries that I cannot live without. I want them. Now. NOW!!!
• All the parks. I wish we could take Venna to all the great parks & outdoor spaces. She’d love it.
• Its location in the center of Washington. I’ve taken tons of ‘day trips’ to places around the area. A few hours will get you to the Pacific, the desert, Seattle & the harbor, the mountains, lakes & rivers galore, the Gorge Amphitheater, Canada, music, lights, a rain forest… everything.
• Inspiration. Everything there inspires me. I have set two novels there, plus set slew of fantasy pieces in similar type areas.
• Campus Burger & Rossow-U-Tote ‘Em – yeah, more food. But these were always childhood favorites and Mark & I quite definitely love ’em.
• The Ellensburg Rodeo & County Fair. It makes traffic a mess for days and if you are working in retail – it is the devil. But it is so fantastic an event anyway. I love that it exists.

      I just adore Ellensburg. I do. I always dreamed of raising my babies there. That may never be, but for now… my heart remains in that little cow town.

Note: Image is “The Orange List” by Josie