SEATTLE.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 11:28PM 
There is something that stirs in me as soon as I get off of a plane. It is a relief.
Weeks pass and the weight of everyday life builds up - the deadlines, cleaning, relationships, creative pressure, social planning and what not. I mull around in my own angst, which makes the world seem small. I lay awake at night worried that I am fresh out of ideas for the book - what vegetable have I not exhausted in my recipe writing yet? I needed this trip to get out of my own head. I needed to leave and to be reminded that this world is actually huge, that there is SO much out there, so many stories and things to try. I sat on the lightrail of Seattle en route to our hotel, just staring at all the people waiting to go somewhere and I wondered what they were worried about. We're all going to be alright... is it weird that I wanted to yell that out the window? For them and for me. Despite the amount of cheese and sugar I consumed in the past four days, my mind feels healthier.
I was thrilled to finally meet some friends I had, so far, only admired from my corner of the internet. We've exchanged emails and blog comments, but I got the chance to look at them in the face. It's strange how you feel like you know someone from behind a web address or twitter avatar, isn't it? Truth is, if they do it well and honestly, you pretty much do. Genuine people are easy to spot and a pleasure to know.
We spent our days with eating, walking, drinking coffee, and seeing friends on repeat. I just wanted to pop in here with a few words and a couple photos (Hugh didn't take many, he was busy eating), and assure you that after weeks of being burnt out of cooking in general, I feel more excited about being back in the kitchen. I'll bring you food next week, but 'til then, I think you should start planning a trip. Somewhere.
Anywhere.
Reader Comments (37)
Wow, is that Ranier in that photo? That's such a beautiful picture of her! I am a Seattle native and rarely get to even see the mountain (constant fog), and especially never from that perspective.
I've been feeling the same small world-ness that you expressed; caught up in the anxiety of things to come. It's nice to hear that I'm not alone (although, that much is obvious) and to be reminded that everything will be ok. So, thank you!
I'm glad to hear that Seattle made your belly happy (we have delicious food, don't we?) and helped to clear your mind.
I really wanted a trip this summer but I couldn't squeeze it in anywhere. Gorgeous photos.
Oh, how I know exactly what you mean! For us, it was a spontaneous trip to Pismo Beach last weekend. Food, wine, sun, R&R and a great run together. Although the busy-ness of daily life has me feeling like I need to flee to the hills solo, sometimes it's seeing MORE of the people I love and admire that makes me feel like I can breathe again. A mandatory break from the computer doesn't hurt, either :)
Hope you're doing so, so well Sara. LOVE the hair, by the way!
I find that travel is my best source of inspiration, too. It's so good to step outside of our little bubbles into the world at large. If nothing else, it helps to look up at the sky and remember that the universe is vast. I visited Seattle last fall and loved it. Pike's Market is one of my favorite places. Mount Rainier is so striking peering above the clouds like that, isn't it?
Fabulous! We're traveling next week, so this post came at the perfect time.
Enjoy every second!
Seattle is a great place to get refreshed!! So happy you got to take a break :) I know what you mean about getting away.... we planned a trip to NY & Brooklyn to hang with long time friends. An overdue reunion and mush eating will ensue! Looking forward to what you got cookin!
Oops! That's 'much' eating! Not eating mush! lol!
You. Are Beautiful. I don't really have words to respond to this, just know that my heart is beating faster just in knowing that there is someone else out there right now wanting to scream "it's all going to be okay."
Faraway friend, know that I am sending good energy and love your way. I'm so happy you LET yourself go, and LET Seattle feed your soul. That is an accomplishment in of itself. This is better than a recipe today. Thank you :)
Aw man! So sad I missed you Sara, but I am so glad you got to meet some other folks. Cant wait to read more about your visit, hope the sun came out for ya.
Beautiful Pictures!!! You inspired me to get out and do some traveling this weekend..even if it is just up the coast a few miles :)
So great to see you, Sara. Wish we'd had more time, but feel free to get in touch, any time! xox
I am so envious. I desperately want to get to Seattle
ur cute.
i love your blog, Sara. such great stories you tell through your cooking and Hugh's photos. really inspiring.
and i'm glad you found inspiration in Seattle. It's been my home for as long as I can remember and there's always new things to discover about this bubbling little city.
good luck with your book!
I swear, you write stuff and I feel like you are reading my mind. I often feel this way...There is a freedom about traveling that just lets me be...even if I am running around, or getting on airplanes, there is this incredible calm that takes over. My favorite thing is being on a plane and sitting above the clouds. Every time, I realize that there is so much more in this world that the everyday. xo
you look super cute in these pics! love the hair, love, the dress, love the shades, mostly love the sara smile! miss u!
i've always wanted to go to seattle. the furthest i got north last year was portland though. i'm glad your trip has got you hankering to get back in the kitchen! vacations = burnt out's greatest enemy. :)
What a poignant, beautiful post! I can relate so perfectly to that feeling of pure connection to self we often feel when we step outside of our busy daily lives. Now if only we can somehow bottle it and sprinkle some a bit each day, as we get sucked back into the vortex! Enjoy your vacation. It looks wonderful so far!
I have never been to Seattle and it's in my top 5 places to check out in the US... one day, I hope to fulfill that dream.
Thanks for giving us this little peek :-)
I hear you. Totally. I've been needing a good trip/retreat/escape somewhere for the past couple of months, and that's the sort of thing that you *know* you've got to listen to and give in, before you go crazy. Seattle is the perfect place to unwind isn't it? Apart from the great people there, the food and the landscape is just mind-blowing.
Yes, a trip anywhere is always good!
Beautiful pictures. I'm new to your blog and loving it!
Thank you for wanting to shout that we're all going to be alright. i totally needed to hear that this week. And you're right. We will. As for travels, I start vacay this weekend; not going very far, just to a high school reunion...which should be interesting, and hopefully fun! Later, mini road trips and catching up with cousins, and more than likely, lots and lots of good food. Can't wait so see what else you've been up to!
great story, totally feel ya ;) I would like to know if you were singing a song in the last four pics or doing a little dance. spill it :P
LOVE this post and love that you wanted to shout we are all going to be alright! i needed to hear that too. :) you are darling and i LOVE your blog. thank you! p.s. we live 4 hours from seattle.... so it's like our second home. xoxo
What a simple and beautiful little post. I'm from Seattle and am visiting next week (so excited to go home) and this just made me miss it that much more!
Yes, the phrase I often say to myself is : "What's the worst that's going to happen?" when I'm stressed and usually my answer isn't too terribly awful. No plagues or death or even root canals.
So glad you had a great time. I love that city. Walrus and the Carpenter?
HOME! I echo the comments here -- great to hear that you've had good times in such a lovely town. I miss being away from it.
Many thanks for your reminder -- YES we are ALL going to be all right! What a beautiful, timely message. Great haircut, too!
I know you already know how sad I was to miss you, but I just have to say it here. Hope I can get the highlights of your trip via email. I know what you mean about leaving your world for a short while. As sad as I was to not be here for your visit, I needed to get away too. I cooked a tiny bit on vacation, but mostly I rested and it was SOOOO needed.
Trip or no trip, the book is going to be AMAZING! You're the most kitchen-talented (is that a correct description?) I've ever met. That YOU do what you do well and honestly will jump off the pages. Everyone will love it!
I am glad you got some inspiration in Seattle. I have shared your inspiring work with a group of 1,600 friends I have in Sacramento. I hope that is okay :)
Nice that you can visit Seattle and meet these friends. I love the city.
SO so so so so happy you came. Please come back, and soon. Love.
Very cute candid of "Sara" on vacation,and I must coment that those fork cheese labels make that cheese platter
Sounds like a much needed vacation :) I love trips where you do nothing but eat, drink, walk and visit with friends. I CANNOT wait to escape to Stockholm & Copenhagen for our honeymoon in about a month! And you're right, everything will be ok.
The need to get away from it all and explore hit me badly a few weeks ago. Then I read a lovely article in bon appetit (http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/the-coast-with-the-most) and now I'm off to do a similar trip. Can't wait! I look forward to reading your blog more, just discovered it through With Style and Grace.
Hey,
How did I miss this? You were in my hometown. Hope you had a fabulous time. I love this city. Great shot of Rainer by the way.