Tag: Nature

• Discover Portland: The Pittock Mansion

  Posted at 7:01 AM by Brittany, on February 18, 2014

  Thank you for all the birthday wishes from my last post. You are all too good to me! 

  Upon my arrival in Portland, the weather was so atrocious I had to find something indoors to peak my interest. I didn’t have anything planned, the main reason for the adventure was to run my race, but that wasn’t until the next day. After sitting in a car for three hours I just needed to MOVE. I didn’t care where or how, so I Googled the nearest mall.

  

  While driving to the mall I saw this cemetery and suddenly got the urge to take some photos. The rainy, foggy weather made the perfect backdrop if you ask me.

  

  What a wonderfully eerie start to the trip. 

  About a mile from this cemetery I found a sign that said, “Pittock Mansion next left.” Having no idea what the Pittock Mansion was, I decided why not follow the sign.

  

  

  This place looked straight out of a Steven King novel, so of course we went in.

  

  Most of my photos from inside didn’t turn out well enough to share, so if you’re curious you can click this Google link for some better photos. It was gorgeous, but creepy. Every room had something in it that made my neck hairs rise. I was expecting orbs in all my photos.

  

  

  It didn’t take long to tour the place, maybe 35 minutes. I couldn’t help but think about how epic this place would be for hide and seek. Except I’d never want to be alone in there.

  

  

  Orbs…or water drops on my lens. You decide.

  Perfect piece of Portland history. No need to tour a boring mall.

  Q: Do you like sticking to a plan, or jumping off the path to discover something new? Both..in different ways and at different times. So vague of me.

  

  | 37 Comments Tagged Adventure, Mansion, Nature, Portland

• Finding Beauty

  Posted at 6:25 AM by Brittany, on February 12, 2014

  I’m a snow hater. I think snow is gorgeous when it coats the mountains, or the trees near a cabin in the woods, but I hate when it blankets the streets near my house. I don’t know why, possibly because I’m too proud to ever call into work unless I am dying, and driving in the snow gives me premature hemorrhoids. That’s a joke, but you get the idea.

  

  

  When it snows and I have to drive (OK so I never HAVE to) my knuckles grip the wheel so hard they match the snow. I am one of few in my clan of friends and family, because most people around me get just as excited about snow now as they did when they were 12.

  

  When it snowed Sunday morning, my plans to go out were quickly changed. I got 2 minutes from my house and saw multiple cars in ditches, one sticking almost straight up.

  

  You better believe I turned right around and planted my fanny back in the safety of my house. Then I grabbed my jacket, my boots, and my camera. Snow may irritate and scare me, but it sure is pretty. The perfect excuse for some photography.

  

  This elementary school was the perfect spot to experiment with the ISO of my new camera. It’s like night and day (literally) with the different settings of light exposure.

  

  I stumbled upon some old pallets sitting in a yard, and this turned out to be my favorite shot. I am a sucker for all things wood!

  

  I had no where I had to be until 7 that night, so I made peace with the snow and enjoyed the beauty around my neighborhood. Until next time snow…this time you win.

  

  

  Quite frankly though, I am ready for spring. My skin can’t handle any more of this dry air!

  Q: Do you like the snow?

  

  | 47 Comments Tagged Adventure, Nature, Photography, Snow, Winter

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 10:03 AM by Brittany, on November 1, 2013

  1. This book is totally giving me a science high. With a combination of nature talk and scientific facts ABOUT nature, I get lost in the text. I even read the chapter about snails.

  

  If you’ve read my blog for a while you’ll know I have an odd fear of slugs/snails..this was a big deal to read that chapter!

  2. I was on a runners high for a solid week after my last half marathon. Thank you for all the kind comments I received on that post. I just want to say that I officially hate hornets, and I will make it my life mission to stay away from them. My stings got so itchy I wanted to GNAW my damn leg off. I have had a huge red ring of death around the entry hole for over two weeks, and I am convinced something is breeding inside my leg.

  3. Sometimes I kinda, sorta, love where I live.

  

  4. I have only run a handful of times since my race, and after a much needed break the last couple weeks I am ready to get back to a schedule. I also miss spin class..like..a lot. I ran my fastest 5K a couple days ago with a time of 26:44. That’s an 8:37 pace. I was elated.

  5. I have been doing a lot of this lately..reading WITH my coffee.

  

  A good book and a good cup of coffee. Perfect morning.

  6. I finally downloaded the new iPhone update, but only after seeing it improved picture quality. I resisted for weeks, but I am a sucker for a good photo. I need a real camera…

  7. I want this chair at my table. This chair would give me permission to eat my food as if I were a tornado. Who says only kids get special high chairs?

  

  8. I went trick or treating last night (no, I do not have kids..) The quote of the night was when asked for our ID’s and my friend said, “we’re 13….plus 13.” I died. I’ll stop when I am 30…maybe. I gave all my loot away though, no milk chocolate for me.

  9. It’s November, and Starbucks is preparing for the holidays with a super awesome sale! I got this mug I have been lusting over for only $5! I had a partner discount too, but still!

  

  10. I am so in love with fall. I just can’t get enough of the colors, the smells, and the baked goods. I know one person that doesn’t want summer to end, but she is craayyy.

  Q: What’s your confession!?

  

  | 51 Comments Tagged Fall, Half Marathon, Halloween, Nature, Reading, Running

• Shanked

  Posted at 8:59 AM by Brittany, on September 23, 2013

  Saturday night I went to the movies and saw Prisoners. I was thankful I emptied my bladder before the movie started, because I surely would have peed myself out of fear. Zombies and aliens don’t do it for me, but realistic events!? You can find me huddled in the corner with my thumb in my mouth for about three days after movies like this.

  The movie was great, and definitely had my mind racing after it ended. My mind continued to race when I went on a hike the next day. It was pouring rain outside, just like in all horror movies, but I didn’t let that deter me. I had my mind set on a hike, so off I went.

  

  Attempting to show the soaked parking lot. Please ignore my under eye bags the size of China, I’ve been tired lately!

  I was either a bad ass, or a crazy for going hiking in the middle of a down pour. I would like to pretend it was the former in this case. Throughout the hike I ran through every scary movie theme about stupid people going into the woods in the middle of a storm.

  

  Every crack, crumble, thud, or thunk had me spinning around in fear. I did not want to be lunch for a bear, and I also didn’t want to be thrown into a man made pit hole for the rest of my life. Ok I clearly watch too many horror films, but the paranoia has kept me safe!

  

  I’d like to think I look pretty scary, but let’s be real…so I try to come prepared.

  

  BOOM. Get shanked.

  I carried that knife up my sleeve the entire way (there was a cover on the knife, just in case I fell.) The knife is small, but it’s better than nothing. You can’t tell from this photo, but I assure you this is not a basic butter knife..it would do some damage to a small bear, frog, or salamander.

  

  Kidding about the last two. I couldn’t believe how close this guy let me get to him. I felt like a true Washingtonian getting soaked and welcoming the first day of fall with a nature hike! As you can tell, I made it home safe and sound without any attacks. Great success.

  

  Q: Do you get freaked out for dayyyyss after watching scary movies? I’m fine now, but when it’s dark out, or I am alone my mind races! 

  

  | 56 Comments Tagged Fall, Hike, Movie, Nature, Rain, Shank, Washington

• Tucked Into the Woods

  Posted at 8:08 AM by Brittany, on September 4, 2013

  I often daydream about living somewhere remote, tucked into the woods, with only my family and my garden. Chickens roaming free, and dogs barking at the leaves blowing in the wind. A picturesque view to stare at while I sit on my porch and drink my morning coffee. While I love living in a smaller city, something about the idea of escaping the world with just a few small items sounds so…magical.

  I recently discovered a gorgeous place called The Bloedel Reserve, just a hop, skip, and a jump from where I work. While I would like my place to be MUCH smaller, this place is similar to my daydream in the sense that a family once lived here, tucked into the woods. This is now an open to the public attraction and man, was it gorgeous!

  

  I have a thing for barn like buildings. See here, and here for other examples.

  

  A place to sit and watch the water.

  I also have a thing for random benches. See here for another example.

  

  

  I assume this is where people used to live. The entire downstairs was set up like a 1920’s murder mystery film. It was a bit eerie, and I expected Jack Nicholson to pop out at any moment. Despite the creepy interior, the view from the house was breathtaking.

  

  Clearly aliens come to visit too.

  

  Follow the path down to the water.

  

  These zen garden stones look like giant PB cups to me. Perhaps I need sweets. I accidentally stepped into the sand while taking this picture..oops.

  

  One more pebble path for good measure.

  If I were alone on this quest I could have sat for hours staring into the open water daydreaming about making cupcakes and PB cups in my own back-country cabin. Alas, I was not alone and this journey took just under an hour, enough time to stir up my hunger.

  Q: Would you rather live in a busy city, or a quiet countryside? I would love to live in a busy city for a few years, but when I settle down it must be somewhere tranquil and with a slower paced life. 

  

  | 59 Comments Tagged Adventure, Nature

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 6:56 AM by Brittany, on June 3, 2013

  1. In an attempt to fix my peanut butter addiction intake, I purchased a jar that was 1/5 the size of the jar I’ve been consuming. I wish I were kidding, and I am not proud of how quickly I go through that jar fit for a whale. I turn into a human whirl wind with my hands and mouth when it comes to peanut butter. It’s not a pretty sight.

  

  80oz -VS- 16oz

  2. My running is going great lately, and (knock on wood) nothing hurts! My knees have been doing great and I am convinced that I hurt my knee in February due to sitting down too much/minimal movement. The more I stand and move now the less pain. BAZINGA!

  3. I love taking outdoor pictures. Not much else I need to say about that.

  

  4. My pants have been feeling a little tight lately. I’m not talking about my jeans..I’m talking about my yoga pants. You know it’s bad when your stretchy pants are stretched to full capacity. No more trays of chocolate. 

  5. My mom is the best photographer. She really knows how to capture the essence of my beauty.

  

  Clearly that swing was a struggle to get onto. I happen to think I look like a wounded raptor on the left. The sound I would make sounds like this: “CAWWW CAWWWW”

  

  Money Shot

  6. Thanks to my pants getting snug, I am trying to cut back on sweets (and peanut butter.) Instead of going cold turkey anytime I get a craving, which is everyday, I eat an “energy” bar instead. Something like a Clif Mojo bar, or a Nature Valley Oats & Honey bar. Let’s be real, these are pretty high in sugar and are more like dessert anyway, but still less sugar than a cookie. It’s a win win in my book.

  7. Ever had a peanut butter and basil sandwich? I have. I licked the plate clean which tells you it was edible and not disgusting, but I think I’ll leave the basil to my pasta sauce.

  

  8. I think my cat needs a diaper. He is getting so old his BM’s are a little messy and he likes to scoot his butt on the carpet. It’s not fun to clean up his yellow brick road.

  9. Speaking of my cat, both of my cats were sick within a week of each other. I was awake all hours of the night concerned about the sneezing fit that was going on in my room. Hurricane Kittina was happening at 3A.M. for like a week. Poor babies.

  

  This is them with their new toy, Mr.Wiggles. The tan man is the messy pooper. I find the black mans body in a hilarious stance. The longer I stare, the funnier he looks.

  10. I know you have all been on the edge of your seats waiting for an update on my coin counter, and I am happy to report that I have made it to $5.33. Who’s laughing now!

  Also I would like to give my mom some credit. After 40 failed photo attempts, she did capture a good one. I call this picture, “two jungle cats hungry for spinach.”

  

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 62 Comments Tagged Cats, Chocolate, Confessions, Cookies, Nature, Running

• The Secret Garden

  Posted at 9:56 AM by Brittany, on May 23, 2013

  It’s amazing the places you can find if you just walk around your area.

  

  There is a garden/children’s park just under 2 miles from my house. I’ve been here a few times before, but never really stopped to appreciate the scenery.

  

  I’m not sure if children maintain this garden, or just come to look at it, but it was adorable and made me want to polish off my green thumb. It’s looking rather rusty right now.

  

  Tiny garden railroad..I was wayyy more excited about this than I should have been. All this cave needed was a troll.

  

  Bahaha I had to.

  It’s reasons like this I probably don’t have many friends. Owell. This garden even had edible plants and I swooned when I recognized some Swiss chard.

  

  I need this green house. This exact one. The colors are awesome.

  

  Are we noticing a trend yet with my last few posts? Nature is kind of my thing right now. I could sit on this bench all day. Just when I thought this garden already had it all..I discovered it. THE secret garden..

  

  Tucked back behind the garden with long plants covering part of it, was a door. It was actually kind of creepy and once I was done pretending a boy in a wheel chair was going to come open the door for me, I scooted off before a rabid raccoon tried to eat my feet.

  As if this tranquil place couldn’t get better, there is a trail leading down to the water.

  

  After spending some time daydreaming about living on that boat in the picture and pondering life, I made the trek back home just before it was dark. Adventure complete.

  Q: Are you within walking distance of any fun places? Be reasonable, you CAN walk 3-4 miles (possibly more!) to get there. Put your legs to use! 

  

  | 65 Comments Tagged Adventure, Gardening, Nature, Walking, Water

• When Nature Calls

  Posted at 10:33 AM by Brittany, on May 20, 2013

  Lately I have been spending a lot of time alone. Sometimes it’s peaceful, sometimes it’s not. This weekend I tried to get out and spend time around other people and bless them with my charm and wit. Friday I successfully got lost in nature, kind of. Can you get lost if you’re not alone?

  

  Oops she was mid sentence when I snapped the picture haha.

  I brought my sister with me to go for a walk in the woods because let’s be honest, I am afraid of going into the woods alone. What can I say, I’m a wuss. What I am not afraid of though, is honoring nature when it calls. I was no where near a bathroom and my bladder felt like it was carrying the entire San Diego Zoo. The problem was finding somewhere appropriate to hide. I don’t prefer this way, but I just had to.

  

  Too out in the open.

  

  Too rude to go on a bridge.

  

  Can I climb inside this tree stump?

  Finally when I thought I couldn’t hold my bladder any longer I found a giant rock to hide behind. I told my sister to block my way and she then say, “Can Tiff try?” For those of you that don’t know, my sister has autism and is very impressionable. I probably should have held it, but I REALLY had to go. I said “NO! Don’t ever do this..and pretend it didn’t happen.” She said, “Keep it a secret.” Yes..keep my secret. Sorry mom.

  
  

  I really enjoyed being out with the ferns, birds, and tree monkeys.

  Sunday I spent time with a friend that I’ve known since I was a wee won.

  

  For the record, yes I wear this jacket basically everywhere I go. I don’t know what I’ll do when the weather heats up for good. I’ll probably just cut off the sleeves.

  While driving around Seattle I spotted the most beautiful graffiti I have ever seen.

  

  I have been craving pizza, for WEEKS! For some reason I’ve had no motivation to make my own, and as a vegan it’s not easy to just walk into Domino’s and ask for a pizza without cheese. Plus who knows whats in their crust..ANYWAY. This pizza..was legit.

  

  I chose the Field Roast pizza and it had: white garlic sauce, Field Roast, fresh tomatoes, spinach, and I ditched mushrooms for potatoes. Potatoes on pizza is the best. I think they also sprinkled dill on top, which I don’t really care for..but the pizza was so good I was able to ignore the dill. Plus I dumped enough red pepper and nooch on top to plug a flood hole.

  

  

  So good I left some on the side of my mouth for later. Thanks for the candid shot my friend.

  The pizza is made to order, so you know it’s fresh. They don’t sell by the slice so I had to purchase a small, but that just means more for later. I love supporting small businesses.

  

  I need to move to Seattle. Happy Monday everyone, I’m off to yoga!

  Q: Have you ever used nature as a bathroom? Be honest…

  

  | 67 Comments Tagged Adventure, Nature, Pizza, Seattle, Vegan

• Getting Lost In Nature

  Posted at 11:55 AM by Brittany, on May 17, 2013

  “The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.”  Unknown

  

  “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein 

  

  “He is richest who is content with the least,  for content is the wealth of nature.”  Socrates

  

  “All water has a perfect memory, and is forever trying to get back to where it was.” Toni Morrison

  

  “Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson 

  

  “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” John Burroughs 

  

  “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir 

  

  Today I plan to get lost in nature. I’ve fallen into the habit of staring at the ground too much when I am outside. Part of this is due to the fact that I have an extreme fear of slugs (weird I know) and I am always on the look out for them. Warmer weather means no slugs and I have been challenging myself to look at the world around me whenever I am walking around outside. Sometimes something as simple as enjoying a walk around your area can be uplifting and rewarding. Maybe you’ll learn something about youself you never knew.

  “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” George Washington Carver

  Q: Where do you go to get lost?

  

  | 46 Comments Tagged Adventure, Nature

• Fish Out of Water

  Posted at 9:34 AM by Brittany, on April 5, 2013

  Forgive me if my sentences jumble together like a fish out of water today. I broke my nail trying to obtain a piece of chocolate (I wish I were kidding) and I decided to pick the nail off. Now it throbs. I am also standing up to blog because since leaving my job at Trader Joe’s, my entire lower body has decided to store up on some excess material as if it were preparing for a famine. I noticed I was sitting a lot more than normal, so these days I blog standing up. I hope the little things count, because if not I’ll be wearing a parka to the swimming pools this summer.

  I’ve been obsessed with random nature finds lately. Instagram has played a big part in that. I tend think I can make anything look unique. Take this random deserted train for instance. I imagine it was used to transport cake to Disneyland.

  

  I didn’t Instagram these pictures, but I tried. They didn’t look as cool as I thought. Keep an eye out for me, you’ll see my name in Nat Geo soon enough with pictures of dancing camels spitting expensive wine.

  The sun decided to leave yesterday. It poured so ferociously I thought I was going to have to get my canoe out to go to the gym. I don’t have a canoe, but I do have wood I could float on. Thankfully I enjoyed a suntastic day on Wednesday and busted out the grill again.

  

  Roasted veggies never loose their sparkle. With these I ate a new creation.

  

  A beet, wrapped inside pizza dough, and baked. That’s it. And topped with horse radish  SO random and weird, but oddly delicious! With the veggies it’s just like a pizza ball!

  Lastly I need your help with something. It’s been brought to my attention that I have an ugly cat. Apparently he has funny lips.

  

  Is this what it’s like to be a mother and think you have the most beautiful baby, when in reality your child looks like it just crawled out of a swap from a horror movie?

  

  Hahaha

  I guess I’m blinded by love because I think he is the cutest thing everrrr.

  

  Q: Are you blinded by love with your funky looking pet? If you don’t have a pet your spouse counts too. 

  

  | 55 Comments Tagged Cats, Nature, Spring, Sun, Vegan

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• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

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