For Jazzy Girl, my sweetest friend

My cat, Jasmine Jarvis, has been with me for 15 years, through moves, milestones, pandemics, and joy. Today, my heart is heavy as yesterday was our last day together here in this world.

Jazzy came into my life as the most perfect Christmas gift. A little adventure with my mom and dad that led us all over Portland in search of the right cat, only to find her back in Lake Oswego at a new cat sanctuary downtown. Someone was holding her, and I remember thinking, that is the sweetest little cutie. They set her down, I picked her up… and I never let her go. 

From our tiny studio on 24th and Raleigh, where she learned to love bird watching, to the mid-century oasis where she ruled the cupboards, and gave us all a scare on moving day as she used her flattening skills and hid on the bed when we moved, Jazzy made every space home and more fun.  We lived on the water in many different places, like Lava Drive and Waverly Place, and eventually moved to Pigeon Point in Seattle. That first night there, we had nothing but an air mattress, which she popped in 30 seconds flat. I was homesick and scared about starting something new but she curled up on top of me, reminding me I wasn’t alone and we could do anything, she was my home. I think her favorite spot was Beach Drive, where she whale watched and enjoyed the sounds of the crashing waves. Jazzy girl made my house home and that gap will be felt.

She’s taught me so much. She was truly smart.  She could sit, high five, pirouette, reverse, lead me to her bowl, and always knew when it was time to get cozy. She loved Nong’s poached chicken, her troll toy, soccer balls, and showing off all her tricks to earn a treat.

She played hard to get with Zack (which I loved). Watching these two bond was special. He was so caring to her and I’m thankful to have him as comfort in this heartache. 

She loved having Reed watch her when I was gone and saying hi when they visited us in Seattle. She loved messing with my Dads feet. She loved FaceTiming with my Mom. She was excited for Macey and Reed to welcome Lucy into our world. She was my best friend during the pandemic, keeping me safe when I couldn’t be with the people I love. She was so special.

Letting go is the hardest thing. But I’m endlessly grateful for the years we shared, the lessons she gave, and the love she poured into my life. Her soft fur and sweet purr may leave this world, but her spirit will never be far.

Thank you, Jazzy Girl, for choosing me. I miss you deeply already.

Wildest Dreams

Wildest Dreams:

I believe there is a Taylor Swift song for every occasion. 

One of my favorites in her catalog of exceptional song writing is Wildest Dreams. It transports me physically and mentally. Specifically to the Fifth Ave parking garage and the Nines Hotel in Portland. It stirs up feelings of sadness, happiness, excitement and hope all in one. It's a song I can create a personal music video to when I close my eyes. 

It reminds me that we make decisions without always knowing the outcomes. That we often dream up a better or different scenario than the reality. That it's ok to remember the good times and be sad it didn’t work out. That our past creates our future. That dreaming wildly is important. 

“Say you'll remember me standing in a nice dress

Staring at the sunset, babe

Red lips and rosy cheeks

Say you'll see me again

Even if it's just in your (Just pretend, just pretend)... Wildest dreams”

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken Lettuce Wraps: I love mixing in different vegetables, mostly because I never have the same on hand. The one thing I won’t make this recipe without is the Water Chestnuts.. but that is totally a personal preference. Get creative and remember to turn on some good tunes while cooking. A song I recommend for this recipe is Californian Soil (Maya Jane Coles Remix) by London Grammar. Now let’s get to cooking!

Prep Ingredients:

1 lb. Ground Chicken (get WILD and try Bison. One of my favorite things to cook up.)

Carrots

Onion

Water Chestnut

Other Veggies I have enjoyed (Mushroom, Broccoli, Peppers, go Crazy!)

and Sauce:

1/4 Cup Coconut Aminos (or some variety of Soy Sauce)

1/8 Cup GF Hoisin

1 Clove Minced Garlic

then Brown Meat. Drain. Set Aside

Cook Onion, Carrot, and Water Chestnuts until Onion is aromatic and transparent.

Mix meat back with vegetables.

Add Sauce. Stir and cook until flavors combined.

Spoon onto lettuce (Butter Lettuce is a favorite of mine) and if you are feeling a bit naughty cook up some rice.

Grace

Trying to think of a word for 2021 I thought would prove difficult. When actually it came relatively easily; although I know the practice of it will not. 2021 the year I practice Grace… to myself and others. 

Word as a noun: Simple elegance or refinement of movement. Courteous goodwill 

Word as a Verb: do honor or credit by ones presence 

2020 proved to be a challenging year (to put it lightly). My words were elevate and vulnerable. My vision board included words like “Get into the flow” “Water your ambitions” “Just Breathe” “Room to Create” While looking back at this strange year and my vision board its almost eery how accurate my intentions were. (And side note - had you told January 2020 Rachel that the rest of the year would ensue..) I now can cook really nice meals for myself (and minus the endless dishes) I kind of enjoy the process, unheard of before 2020. I went on numerous solo kayak adventures in beautiful water ways with giant animals near (Insert SHOCKED FACE EMOJI), with the application to all the phrases above applying more then I knew possible when I splurged on a folding kayak that fits in my sedan.  

Like everyone else 2020 forced change… How I socialized, how I shopped, how I entertained myself, how I stayed healthy, how I viewed world issues, and oh ya, I lost my job during a pandemic.. And while we all experienced many tough moments, I am leaning into 2021 looking back at the positives I gained and the excitement for whats ahead. I start the new year with excitement in my career and hope for the vaccine to bring back a more normal way to socialize. I miss my PEOPLE! And would love a warm vacation. 

I am so excited to be leaning into a creative environment with lots to learn, share and grow. And when office life returns a Water Taxi ride to work. This is a company I have had my eye on for a few years — and had COVID not “derailed” 2020 I am not certain timing would have worked so perfectly. In the #Blink of an eye things change. 

So let’s “keep it going” as my 2020 board says. Building upon each years highs and lows… For me in 2021 focusing on giving Grace to all experiences. Example: recognizing we are all experiencing this pandemic in our own unique way. Not my way. 

Cheers to continuing to elevate, explore, and intentionally pursuing life with Grace. 

2021 Rachel