Thirty-two years ago today, I loaded everything I owned in the world into my Oldsmobile Cutlass, a company-car from the import food company that I worked for. The boss “suggested” that a move to Seattle would be a good thing. Seattle held two attractions, my job, and Trica, whom I would marry in December. My first apartment was a deligthful basement unit on NW 61 St. within walking distance of Green Lake. Thanks to Google Maps here is a photo:

Little did I know what the next 32 years would hold. Tricia and I have traveld the world, eaten some amazing meals, and best of all we have a wonderful daughter, Alexis.

A few years later I changed my career to being a seminar speaker, a role I would have for the next 25 years. Few get to live their dream: I did. Thanks to seminars, I traveled to five countinents and 18 countries, thanks to the miles earned, Tricia and I went on many wonderful trips together. People talk about going on “the trip of a lifetime” well our life is, “a lifetime of trips.”

My sketchpad and paints soon became my constant companion and theTravelsketcher was born.

Today I went back to the old area, a lot is familiar, a lot has changed. Zoka Coffee Co. on 56th is new – if I was still in the area it would be a regular stop I am sure.

When I lived here Tricia and I went to a few plays at the Bathehouse Theater, as I am writing this I am drinking coffee from a mug I got there all those years ago. It was closed for many years, but thankfully it has reopend as Seattle Public Theater; it appears they are dong some restoration work. I sat on the grassy hill and did a painting. Nice memories.