I am from clinking coffee mugs, from Batdorf and Bronson Coffee Roasters, and Mud Bay.

From the Painted Plate, Wind Up Here, and Old School Pizza.

From one Seattle native and a Wanderer. Two older brothers and a family with enough character to give me a personality.

I am from the granola lover’s paradise, camping in the backyard, and music that makes you want to take your shoes off.

From miracle snow days greeted with hot chocolate, lack of Vitamin D, and rainy overcast skies.

Japanese cherry blossom trees, lavender scents, and chalk on the sidewalk.

From climbing trees, clamming alongside the Ocean, and weekend trips to Seattle.

I am from friendly giant evergreen trees, the average rainfall of 50 inches a year, and the smell of sea salt and caffeine.

From boat trips along the Puget Sound, walks around Capitol Lake, swirl cookies (I still crave) and tie-dye from the Farmers Market.

I am from the Sunday Pie after dinner, Gram’s Oreo cake, an undying love of Kurt Cobain, Matt, Nancy, and Peggy.

From sledding at L.B.A Park to neighborhood kick the can, and field day at Centennial Elementary.

Falls that flash orange, yellow, and red. Occasional snowflakes, warm summers of soccer and lemonade stands.

From Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and School of Rock.

Charades, Twenty questions, and games of Uno.

I am from summertime barefoot walks, and passion for paper, trees, and tall buildings.

From Waterstreet, Ramblin Jack’s, and the Bread Peddler.

From we are all made equal and be a smith.

I’m from love is the answer and sleeping in past 10 on Sundays.

I am from Olympia, Washington, Ireland, Scotland, and Germany.

From excessive amounts of meat, chocolate, and coffee.

From “Just One free punch” and Red Robin Robe Runs.

I am from dreadful sarcasm, loud classic rock in man town, barefoot soccer, and the single eyebrow raise.

From curls like Shirley Temple, bruised spring knees and sore legs, and chocolate splashed smiles.

Migrating South at age 12, surrounding myself in a modern, suburban community.

Shortly outside was city lights, coffee, clubs, culture, art, and room for growth.

From walks along the Willamette, concerts at Edgefield, coffee from the Saturday Market.

All the while containing my energy in a new community. Where the slightest new thing was excluded.

Feeling free in the city of roses.

I am from hot summers along the lake, that I was never able to go to.

From people who valued affirmation and competition more than happiness.

From lack of originality and diversity.

To mountains and never-ending skies.

To sketches, photography, pencil, and paper.

To explosive laughter and weekend road trips.

To late nights surrounded by freshly brewed coffee and scented candles.

Free-spirited friends and open-hearted discussions.

To feeling genuinely happy.

To finding something that makes your heart burn with passion.

To growing up.