Blissfulbritt
  • All About Brittany
  • Asia
  • Blogging For Dummies
  • Coffee
  • DIY
  • Europe
  • iHike
  • North America
  • Work With Me
  • Tag: Gregory Alan Isakov

    • Early Morning Confessions

      Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on September 30, 2025

      1. Time for another rapid fire, minimal transition post where I can brain and photo dump multiple things that have happened in my life the past couple months (we’ve had a lot of EMC posts lately.) This post will be cat heavy. Is that anything new though? I don’t think so.

      Speaking of cats…has anyone been seeing the trend on social media where people are buying their cats a concrete slab? I try not to fall prey to these things, but I HAD TO TRY IT with Little. I bought a 16×16 concrete slab for just under $6 and hoped for the best. Naturally, my cat was beyond disinterested in this. It’s fun watching videos of other cats loving the slab, but mine barely even sniffed it. HA.

      2. Duncan and I went to hike Mount Si recently, his first time. This hike is notorious for Canada Jay’s dive bombing hikers for their snacks. I’m not usually one to feed the wildlife, but look…us not feeding them won’t change a damn thing here. People will never stop. Instead, we can opt to feed them species appropriate snacks like bird seed.

      Or, like in the photo below…we can pretend to feed them, only for them to see an empty hand. I call this photo: “disappointment.”

      3. You won’t be able to tell from any of the photos in this post, but my hair is the longest it’s been since 2017. The downside of growing out a pixie cut is that it grows really wonky. I had a mullet/rat tail like section that was longer than the majority of my hair, and this week I’d had enough. I cut the mullet myself, only to ask my mom to help me. It’s not perfect, but at least most of my hair is “even.”

      I will get a proper haircut eventually. LOL.

      4. A while back I agreed to watch my friends kid so she and her sister could go to a concert. The time came, and I had a blast from the past evening. We started with perler beads, where I made the most beautiful creature known to man. Then I introduced her kid to the wonderful world of the N64 (I went easy on him.) And we ended the day with a jump on the trampoline. FULLY equipped with a net, just like the one I had as a kid.

      Safety first.

      Perler bead LITTLE!

      5. My Garmin watch was acting a fool recently. The elevation gain on my hikes was constantly messed up, it was no longer accurately recording my distances for hikes or runs, and it was just all around spazzy. I contacted Garmin to see if there was anything I could do to help this, and they offered to send me a free exchange.

      The watches they use for this are refurbished, but I figured anything was better than what I had.

      The watch I received was as good as new initially. Unfortunately it had some pixelation issues, but they immediately fixed the problem and I’m getting another “new” to me watch. Black and Decker needs to take notes…(see number 9 in that post.)

      6. Back in February Duncan bought tickets to see my favorite artist for my birthday. The time came, and we set off for the concert at the farm. While I LOVED seeing Gregory Alan Isakov, I don’t think the outdoor concert scene is for me. I was wildly distracted (and annoyed? even though it’s totally in their right?) by the people constantly walking around.

      I was spoiled seeing Gregory for the first time with the Seattle Symphony (LOOK AT that baby child in that post, I wish I could go slap her and tell her to relax her freaking forehead in those photos. This is why my forehead is now wrinkled.) A background symphony is now my standard – inside, no one moves around, acoustics on POINT.

      I still had a good time and I’m glad we went. Greg (we’ve met, so naturally we’re on a first name basis. We’re basically besties) was fantastic as always.

      7. If you’ve been around here for a while you will remember this post from a year ago. The specific call out in that post is the hubcap story. I lost a hubcap, but it wasn’t the first time. Because this had happened before, when I saw a rogue Toyota Camry hubcap on the side of the road sometime around 2014 I picked it up and stored it for when I needed it.

      I ended up needing it last year, and sadly I have since lost that replacement hubcap. I recently had to get a new tire (my third one this year wtf) and when they put the hubcap back on it must have been the final straw. When Duncan and I parked at the Gregory Alan Isakov concert I notice it was missing. That free hubcap lasted me a year, and I will call that a win.

      I am back on the hunt for another rogue hubcap on the side of the road, wish me luck.

      8. Recently at work we received a random one off Nalgene that we don’t typically carry. I already own a Nalgene, and I use it for hikes where a glass jar will not be a good idea (I exclusively drink and eat out of glass. Yes, I’m one of those.) Because of this I did not need another Nalgene. One is more than enough. However, this Nalgene was very cute and I made a comment about it to my coworker.

      I expressed to him how much I liked it, but I didn’t need two Nalgene’s. He knew we likely wouldn’t be getting anymore of these and he decided to buy it for me. This made the Nalgene suddenly very special, and I am reminded of the magnitude of a small gesture. This made my day, and now I can just rotate between the two Nalgene’s I own. Or I can give my other one away. So many options.

      9. I’m getting the itch again to sign up for a half marathon. I truly don’t know what is wrong with me. I swore after my last one I would not run another one for a WHILE. That one destroyed me not only physically, but mentally as well. Somehow after the summer season passes I tend to forget how much I abhor the last few weeks of training for a half.

      I might try to start training earlier and run exclusively throughout the winter. Maybe that will help?

      10. Last, but most certainly not least Duncan and I went on a triple date recently to Ziggy’s Cat Lounge. I went here once last year, and this time it was just the six of us in the room. We had a magical time, and I was reunited with two of their resident black cats. They recently got ANOTHER resident black cat (named Binx, how fitting), and they were all so sweet.

      I managed to capture a photo of Duncan in his element…feeding wild animals (this is a call back to him being Snow White on Mt. Si with the bird.)

      My favorite thing about this visit is that all of us own cats and are very happy with the cats we own. Sometimes cat owners just want to have coffee and socialize together in public…with other cats.

      Q: What’s your confession?

      | 16 Comments Tagged Cats, Concert, Early Morning Confessions, Gregory Alan Isakov, Hiking, Little
    • Body and Heart Music

      Posted at 7:35 AM by Brittany, on January 21, 2016

      “Food is music to the body, and music is food to the heart.” – Gregory David Roberts

      Portland speaks to my soul in ways that Seattle cannot. Earthy, life loving/free spirited people on every corner draw me in with their vegan treats and plant based eats. I’ve made a habit of visiting new places each time I visit, and after spending last Thursday/Friday in the Rose City I can cross five more places off my list.

      .a.n.d cafe.

      After driving for three hours, tummy monster on empty, I was ready to devour coffee and carbs. The place was adorable.

      img_6799-1

      img_6798-1
      img_6808

      img_6817

      img_6803-1

      img_6806-1

      img_6805
      img_6807-1

      I knew what I wanted before I arrived, and to set the theme for this post (and for my life) I couldn’t choose just one. So I had two.

      img_6800-1

      Berries and “cream” waffle and the vegano burrito. So much yes.

      Stop number one complete.

      .arlene schnitzer concert hall.

      img_6964

      The reason I went to Portland was to have my soul serenaded once again by my favorite artist. This time with the Oregon Symphony.

      img_6864

      img_6831
      img_6832

      What I would give to harvest a garden with Gregory Alan Isakov. Swoon.

      Went to concert. Slept. Woke up hungover on life and ran to the nearest Stumptown Coffee in brand new Nike Free’s that cost far too much, but with no tax it was OK.

      img_6866

      Savored coffee in the Ace Hotel lobby, and momentarily life was perfect.

      .petunias pies and pastries.

      Drank coffee, ate oatmeal, & prepared for sugar coma. Salted caramel cookie square and raspberry lemon coffee cake.

      img_6931

      img_6972

      Post sugar influx, I ensured much walking was done. I’m a belieber of my new Nike’s. Never thought I would say that, but man do I love those shoes.

      .garden bar.

      First attempt to balance the sugar. It worked. For 1/11th the price of those Nike’s you can build your own salad with as many greens as you want, and 6 toppings.

      Sold.

      img_6940

      Or just eat the outdoor plants.

      img_6939

      .back to eden bakery.

      Walked around downtown, endured the rain, felt the addiction creeping back through each vein and migrated to my final destination.

      img_6963

      $25 dollars later…

      img_6947

      I have no words. Thankfully there were three of us and we saved some for later.

      Food and music fueled my two day trip to Portland. Until next time, it’s time for water and greens. I’m officially a walking glucose molecule.

      Q: Where was your last adventure?

      b

      | 72 Comments Tagged Explore, Gluten Free, Gregory Alan Isakov, Portland, Vegan
    • Rock My World

      Posted at 6:07 AM by Brittany, on June 30, 2015

      I am 100% absolutely positively addicted to zoodles. How I ever survived without this simple yet delectable way of eating vegetables I do not know.

      Zoodles with pea shoots and cilantro…

      IMG_2092

      Zoodles with arugula and watermelon…

      IMG_2093

      Zoodles at the lake.

      IMG_2286

      Zoodles with carr…oodles?

      IMG_2108

      Multicolored carrots, zucchini, arugula, pea shoots, cilantro.

      My world is being rocked so hard.

      IMG_2114

      I’m obsessed with spiralizing all the things. Why dirty a bowl when you plan to eat the entire Costco sized tub in one sitting? If I could spiralize a cupcake I would, but I’m not sure how that would work. If you’ve never swirled and twirled a zucchini into noodles, do it. Do it now. I use this cheap spirazlier from Beyond.

      Also rocking my world? Berries, and hemp seeds. I’ve been upping my protein.

      IMG_2062

      30 G of protein right here. No protein powder included.

      I had this bowl of feel good before a solo hike last week. On this hike I stumbled upon a unique discovery that I thought was too cool not to share.

      IMG_2082

      At the top of the mountain was this Prayer Box. Just as the name implies, this box had a slot to stick prayers. Even if you’re not religious this is a great way to drop a thought for something that is weighing on your heart.

      Sometimes writing things on paper and letting them go is all we need.

      Some hikes I go on are purely sport and I’m fully in the moment of the burn. Other hikes are deeper than that and I encounter multiple emotions by the time I reach the top. It’s as if I’ve had my own therapy session in nature. From a long day at work, to a difficult phone call with a loved one, we all have our ways of working through emotions. This box is another, and I totally dig it. Definite world rocker.

      arrow

      Other things that rocked my world last week:

      -Three legged cats.

      IMG_2100

      -Gregory Alan Isakov is coming to Portland in January to play with the Oregon Symphony. He was fantastic with the Seattle Symphony, so I purchased tickets quicker than a pigeons mating session. I can’t wait!

      IMG_0539

      – Free massages. Except my masseuse fell asleep on the job.

      IMG_2112

      -Coffee and chocolate…from Maui. My friends know me well.

      IMG_2143

      Dog is rolling around with his ball, I assure you he is fine.

      Q: What rocked your world last week?

      atterned-n

      | 49 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Coffee, Gregory Alan Isakov, Hike, Vegan, Zoodles
    • Hibernation is Over

      Posted at 6:56 AM by Brittany, on February 24, 2015

      The calendar says February, but the atmosphere says April. Washington has had exceptional weather lately, and despite the fact that this is TOTALLY NOT NORMAL AND WE’RE ALL GOING TO BURN THIS SUMMER, I’m enjoying it.

      I’ve hung up my parka and brought out my hiking shoes. The sun makes me itchy for activity, and that consists of anything that gets me moving. Things like…

      Running

      My latest weekend “long run” was a success. This is always a good thing.

      img_2834

      Burning 800 calories before 10 am meant two desserts that day. In an attempt to prevent over indulging in sweets, I’ve been eating dessert…every day. This daily consumption also motivates me to move more. What’s similar to running?

      Walking

      In nature.

      20130922-163837

      20130520-090705

      20130520-090719

      Nature walks tide me over long enough until I can do my favorite outdoor activity…

      Hiking

      IMG_0598

      IMG_0588

      Pre hike fuel from my favorite local GF/V bakery. Blueberry scone.

      IMG_0604

      I made it out for a solo hike on Sunday, and despite the weekend crowd it was delightful. An extra mile up the mountain resulted in complete solitary. 5 moderately simply miles earned me a kick ass view, and over a pound of food for my belly.

      Not including dessert

      IMG_0591

      Untitled

      Thank you Whole Foods, your vegan cupcakes make my mountain loving heart flutter.

      My dear friend Lily painted me a mountain scene for my birthday, and I adore it so very much. Also, can we just take a moment to talk about how dapper my wall looks with my new poster? Mountains, tree’s, and leaves OH MY.

      IMG_0560

      As you can see, I clearly have impeccable decorating skills.

      It’s time to donate my layer of blubber to a seal in Antarctica, hibernation is OVER.

      Q: What are your favorite outdoor activities?

      atterned-n

      | 75 Comments Tagged Adventure, Gregory Alan Isakov, Hiking, Mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge, Running, Vegan
    • Music for the Soul

      Posted at 6:56 AM by Brittany, on February 19, 2015

      Music is a powerful thing. We all have our styles and reasons behind the types of music we enjoy, but every so often we come across a song, an album, or an artist that completely changes our world. For me that artist would be Gregory Alan Isakov.

      IMG_0517

      LIVE at Benaroya Hall!!

      I had always enjoyed his music, but it wasn’t until nearly two years ago I really immersed myself in his magic. Listening to him helped me not only blossom after a breakup, but gave me a sense of hope that I hadn’t had before.

      OK enough mush, time for a recap! From the top.

      IMG_0482

      These treats were actually mine, brought to me by my wonderful boss all the way from Portland. I resisted the urge to eatallthesugar and saved half for my mom.

      As if my birthday weekend wasn’t enough, my mom happened to be born two days after me. Well two days, and a few years ago or so. For Christmas I selfishly purchased two tickets to see Isakov play with the Seattle Symphony, because when you’re already a fantastic artist having the symphony back you up just happens.

      photo 1 (3)

      Her birthday fell on the day of the show, but to ensure that this was not her birthday gift, we made a day of it. Starting with the coffee and treats from above, followed by a hop, skip, and a twirl over to Seattle for a trip to the Roastery, Pike Place, & dinner.

      11001788_10206274688293255_2454282858542003276_n

      10151937_10206274683533136_7942090473505833746_n

      IMG_0487

      Drinking good coffee makes you glow. It’s a fact.

      IMG_0496

      After satisfying my monthly sugar quota with a vegan cinnamon roll the size of my face, we wandered like two lost souls in search of a land filled with glistening eggplant and oven crisped potatoes. Isakov will want to hire me after reading that sentence.

      Lyrical genius.

      IMG_0495

      HOLY yum to my face. Glazed Tofu Banh Mi: Glazed 5-spice tofu, char-grilled eggplant, house-pickled carrots, white cabbage. Fresh jalapeños, basil, cilantro, mint leaves.

      Dinner knocked my non existent socks off. I felt the overwhelming urge to roll around in a sea of mint and basil leaves. This flavor combination was insane. Equally insane? The inside of Benaroya Hall. It was a shame I left my opera glasses at Walmart.

      IMG_0502

      IMG_0497

      I was excited enough to take an awkward bathroom selfie. And the concert?…

      He was fantastic, and he is the most humble artist I’ve ever met. Yes…met. Shook his hand and everything. I wanted a photo with him, but we weren’t allowed. It was a shame I had already broken all my allotted rules for the day.

      IMG_0539

      He.Is.Adorable. His poster had trees on in and we talked about gardening while he signed mine.

      His performance was so fantastic my eyes started to swell at times and this liquid stuff filled into the corners. I also looked like a fearful cat thanks to the hairs on my arms standing up from the chills the acoustics gave me. What an experience.

      Q: What’s the best concert you’ve been to?

      atterned-n

      | 73 Comments Tagged Coffee, Gregory Alan Isakov, Music, Seattle, Starbucks, Vegan
    • Unknown's avatar

    • BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long hikes, deep connections, exploration, and lots of potatoes.
    • If this blog does not meet your standards, please lower your standards.

    • Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com
    • Like my witty attitude and delightful charm? Enter your
      e-mail below for the party to come straight to your inbox!

      Join 4,725 other subscribers
  • Looking for Something Specific?

  • Stalk My Past

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Blissfulbritt
    • Join 4,725 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Blissfulbritt
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...