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a feel good travel blog

My 7 Favorite Seattle Gardens & Parks to Stop & Smell the Roses

4/19/2017

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Seattle, “The Emerald City,” is a true gem in the Pacific Northwest. Although the city is growing faster than a hipster’s beard, there are still plenty of places to stop and smell the roses. From popular parks to secret gardens, these are my favorite public spaces to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of flowers.
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Elliot Bay Park Rose Garden - Waterfront
Located on the waterfront, the Elliot Bay Park Rose Garden features stunning views of the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains and of course, the roses. The garden is small and contains several benches around the perimeter.  Adjacent to the garden is a small outdoor workout area where plenty of locals workout beneath the summer sun. This is one of the most photogenic areas on the Elliot Bay trail.
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Image: cdrin / Shutterstock.com
Volunteer Park – Capitol Hill
Located on 15th Avenue East, Volunteer Park is one of Seattle’s most beloved public spaces. This park has a true European flare, and with it’s history, it’s no wonder why locals love this green space. The city bought the land in 1876 and by 1901 the reservoir was built to hold water piped from the Cedar River. Here, you’ll find plenty of flowers blooming around the park, but the Conservatory, a Victorian-glass greenhouse, hosts a variety of art, educational and musical events. Entry fee required. On a clear day, the park features small views of the Olympics. The Asian Art Museum is also located at Volunteer Park.
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Parsons Garden – Queen Anne
Located on the magnificent West Highland Drive, Parsons Garden is a small, cornerstone garden that is in bloom year-round. This is my favorite park in Seattle because the scenery looks like a scene from a magical fairy-tale.  From the hydrangeas to the magnolias to the rhododendrons, this is a popular spot for weddings during the summer, which the public cannot (or morally should not) enter during ceremonial times. This used to be the personal park of Reginald Parsons and was given to the city in 1956. 
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Belltown P-Patch – Belltown
A P-Patch is a place where locals rent a plot to grow vegetables or flowers. Located at 2520 Elliot Avenue, the P-Patch is a block away from the waterfront ferry docks. Born in 1995, the P-Patch is a floral oasis located amidst a concrete jungle. The garden is a treasure chest of seasonal surprises, which attracts locals and tourists alike every year. Please do not pick anything from the garden
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Exploring new places #seattle #sprituality #soul #reflection #nature #naturelover #outdoors #outdoorlife #flower #flowers #flowergram #flowerstagram #mindbodysoul #mindfulness #mindfulliving #spirituality #wisdom #tree #travel #traveler #traveling #travelgram #seattlenw #seattlelife #seattlepulse #pacnw #pacnw #positivevibes #garden

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Apr 19, 2017 at 9:03am PDT

Roanoke Park – North Capitol Hill
This small, Neighborhood Park sits between some of the most beautiful streets in the city. Roanoke is a 2.2 acre grassy space that blooms with tulips, daffodils and fruit trees. It’s cute, quaint and quiet. It’s not the most impressive park in the city, but the surrounding area and homes is a spectacular site to see.
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http://www.dazzlingplaces.com/Seattle/SeattleAttractionsBotanicalGardensMasterFolder/SeattleAttractionsBotanicalGardensWoodlandParkRoseGarden.html
Woodland Park Zoo Rose Garden – Phinney Ridge
Adjacent to the zoo is the Woodland Park Rose Garden. Established in 1922, the rose garden is one of two-dozen certified American Rose Test Gardens in the US.  This 2.5 acre park features approximately 3,000 roses, of over 200 different varieties. This rose garden prides itself on being pesticide-free, which means everyone can stop and smell clean roses. One reason for cultivating pesticide-free petals is that it becomes zoo food, specifically for the gorillas.
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Photo by Dan Brown found at: http://www.10best.com/destinations/washington/seattle/shilshole/attractions/chittenden-locks-carl-english-botanical-gardens/
Carl S. English Botanical Gardens – Ballard
Located adjacent to the Ballard locks is this notable botanical garden. This seven acre garden is the labor of love of the late Mr. English. The garden features 570 species of and 1,500 varieties from around the world.

What's your favorite flower garden in Seattle? With so many parks and gardens in the area, there are endless opportunities to explore the natural landscape. Stay tuned for the upcoming blogs on the best parks in Seattle! 

Wander Seattle without getting lost! This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 7  Seattle Gardens & Parks to Enjoy Flowers.  
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Seattle’s Zen Dog Tea House: A Place for Music, Musing & Merlin’s Magic

9/30/2016

24 Comments

 
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“A cup of tea is a great excuse to share great thoughts with great minds.” -Christina Re

Zen Dog – aka Larry, or “ZD” – is the creative mind behind Zen Dog Tea House. Part tea house, part artist boutique, soak up the good energy and positive vibrations at Zen Dog Tea House.
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Located in the Ballard / Crown Hill neighborhood in Seattle, Zen Dog welcomes people into his home that has transformed into a business that showcases tea, art and statues portraying some of the most wonderful Eastern deities. 

About Zen Dog. I don’t know where to begin? Besides his friendly and welcoming demeanor, the man is nothing but a swirling ball of good vibes. Although what he touches doesn’t necessarily turn to gold, his simplistic and cheerful personality touches everyone’s heart. 

Upon entering the red gates that are surrounded by trees that have dangling lanterns, ZD will “escort” you the wooden Chinese tea table where you can eye ball a menu of different teas. 

Black, green, floral, herbal, moon blends – you name it, he’s got it. Zen Dog selects teas grown in natural and pristine areas in China and Taiwan and that are free from pesticides and chemicals. He prides himself on the quality and the process of sipping tea. 

Every tea guest has the opportunity to select a certain tea for tasting. After breaking off a piece of tea off the “cake,” ZD washes and infuses the tea with multiple douses of hot water. While the tea steeps, ZD will hand you his Iphone so you can select the type of music you’d like to muse to. (I chose Buddha Bar Lounge as it brings back memories of the Buddha Bar in Prague & Paris).
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Once perfected, ZD pours the tea into everyone’s cup. And a cuppa is a-latte. After several rounds of sipping green teas and the “coffee replacement” tea, I felt a buzz that I only get from energy healing. 

The powerful boost of freshly brewed organic tea zips through your blood stream quicker than a shot of sugar. If you’re not feeling up for anymore tea, just turn the cup over. If not, expect round and round of tea until whatever leaves are brewing diminishes in flavor. Each time ZD adds water, the flavor changes and dilutes compared to the first dose.
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After pleasant conversation and gazing into this magical man’s eyes, I couldn’t help but think he looked familiar. Certainly, he resembled the wizard from Lord of the Rings, but my healer friend nailed it. Merlin. This guy (and his tea) is like Merlin’s Magic – a wizard that is no longer in training. A true majestic creature that has nothing but love to give and smiles to share. 

After having countless shitty days, a couple hours spent at Zen Dog’s completely washed the negativity away. ZD was also kind enough to show us his artist studio and gallery where workshops take place. 
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I felt as if I was home, stuck in a bubble of beautiful Reiki energy and I didn’t want to leave. Maybe it was the moon blend’s First Love tea kick-starting my kundalini energy? I didn’t know, but I felt as if I were at least 2,000 miles outside of the rift-raft stress of Seattle. 
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His home is a sanctuary, and a place to call, “Om.” The manicured lawn is outlined by rows of bamboo trees that delicately privatizes a gazebo and a small pond filled with colorful Chinese fish known as Koi. 
Inside, you can stare at Buddha or admire the beauty of the goddess, Kuan Yin statue. Or try your luck by rubbing the prosperity frog. He also has a rack of teas stored in glass jars so you can play scratch and sniff with whatever flavor you  may savor. 
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In his former life, ZD was a master of architecture, photography and music.  And if you ask him his name, he’ll kindly answer, “Zen Dog” with a beautiful, grinning smile.

He's an ancient soul who's hip to modern trends. So, if you remember, take a look at ZD’s shoes. He may sport a pair of fire-engine Chuck’s (aka Converse shoes). Get ready to pose in style, as Zen Dog loves taking pictures for his Instagram account.
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Zen Dog’s personality is as rich, robust and colorful as his teas. Generous and affordable, you can schedule a one-hour tea tasting for $5.00 or a tea dating evening for $20.00 per couple. 

You can also find ZD offering tea tastings at one of the many PCC stores. His products are sold at the PCC and on-site at the Tea Gallery.

So what type of tree should you try? Let your gut and your nose decide. I enjoyed the Jasmine, Secret Love, Hibiscus. The menu is long, so take a deep inhale and try whatever smells best. 
Zen Dog Tea House
http://teahousegallery.com/
2015 NW 85th Street
Seattle, WA 98117 • USA
Tel. 206.920.0721
Open Daily by Appointment

​Have you visited Zen Dog's Tea House? If so, got any stories to share? I'd love to  hear them! 


Wander Seattle without getting lost! This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Seattle's Zen Dog Tea House.  
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5 Ways Burning Man Healed my Life

9/22/2016

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From an outsider’s perspective, Burning Man seems like a weird even where only smelly hippies go to frolic in the desert. Although eclectic, Burning Man is an enclave of artist’s, creative and spiritually-based people to connect with like-minded people.
 
I had a fair share of hesitation and anxiety prior to experiencing my first burn. I don’t like camping. I don’t like being dirty. And I certainly do not thrive in extreme heat.

While looking back at my first burn, none of those things mattered when it came to the experience of Burning Man. Now, I must say, not everyone experiences an epic burn. I believe one's stage of life dictates the break-through, growth or challenge of Burning Man.
 
Each person is individually attracted to BM for different reasons. I’ve wanted to go for 11 years. In fact, I even talk about my desire to go to Burning Man while traveling in Goa, India in search of the notable trance parties. After a decade, I finally made it to Burning Man. And I believe that Burning Man came into my life when the time was right.
 
I am at a relatively good spot in my life, but like any human I have problems. And being a starving artist is one of them. Although I had my own personal “shit” I needed to internalize, Burning Man exceeded my expectations. In simple terms, BM brought me back to life.
 
Burning Man taught me:
 
I Maybe a Starving Artist but I have a Powerful Message & Gift to Share
Oh Seattle. Where do I even begin? For a city that has a yoga studio on every other corner, many places are not receptive to welcoming outsiders. The yoga community can be as petty and exclusive as a highschool cheerleader team. And some of the bookstores are no better. 
 
I moved back to Seattle full of confidence after the Germans toughened me up the previous 15 months. I have been denied, ignored and rejected by nearly every studio, blog, bookstore and newspaper I reached out in regards to offering a book reading or a personal growth workshop that incorporates concepts from my books. Seriously, it’s just a travel memoir about change and spirituality – what’s so wrong with that? Some of it could’ve been universal with the energy not being the right time, but I am no newbie to the health and personal growth world. 
 
My artistry is writing and understanding the art of human movement (and the mind). I couldn’t even get a book reading or book a yoga class at my local library, but yet MOBY who also wrote a memoir got front page press at Seattle Library. Another independent shop said, “Thanks but no thanks. We don’t think your story will bring in the people or enough money to make the event worth it.” I guess I could only thank them for being honest since the Pac NW is ultra-sensitive and passive. 
 
Of course, I don’t blame the system on what brings in money. I totally get it. An independent writer can’t compete in a popularity contest with a big wig like MOBY. BUT…I do believe my story could have more of an impact on the everyday Joe Schmo as I watch countless amounts of stressed corporate junkies live their life in “fight or flight,” but in reality they want more out of life. I see the women who are broken from shitty (or failing) relationships and gravitate towards drugs, sex and alcohol to uplift their spirits. 
 
The best denial came from an organization that said, “this content belongs only at East West bookshop.” I replied stating a travel memoir is about growth and change and the reply included, “it’s out of the box (aka controversial).” BUT…the next month they booked a lady to read from her book about abortions. Seriously!? There is nothing more controversial than abortion, politics and religion. It blistered my mind as hypocrisy rules many notions in life. 
 
Burning Man, an enclave of artists (and I’m slightly tearing as I write this), re-boosted my confidence just like the Germans did last year. Many people praised me for the efforts of “telling it all” and I felt accepted as if I have some fucking value in this money-driven world. I gave away a book after each yoga class I taught at the Lotus Dome at 5:00E.
 
It was the nicest feeling in the world that anyone gave two-shits for actually wanting to read the book. And at times, I lost my emotions, which I did while drinking naked espresso with three girls (Irish, English and Slovakian). I felt free. I felt alive. I felt uplifted amongst a community of independent artists.

To say the least, to get praised for something that you pour heart and soul into felt good after 8 months of non-stop rejection. But, I am thankful for those rejections because it builds thick skin, which is essential as an artist. 
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Re-evaluate & Re-prioritize Success 
Pretty much, Seattle has committed spiritual suicide. The city is becoming the next SFO and people are losing their minds about money. Burning Man not only boosted my confidence as an artist, but it helped me reevaluate the meaning of success. 
 
On Saturday, my last day and night in the playa, I remember riding my bike through the desert. After conquering a dust storm, chills overcame my body and something clicked in my brain. Society (especially America) is so god damn obsessed with money, which my relationship w/ money changed after living in Germany. The average North German makes 1800-euros per month and pays 40% tax. Life was simple. Life was pure. Life was magical. 
 
While dancing to the last beats of techno, I cried on the dancefloor because I conquered one of my dreams – writing a book. Sure, my sales are nothing to brag about, but I reevaluated that the lives I’ve (hopefully) touched are worth more than some stupid paycheck. I spent three years of non-paid time writing, editing and thinking. That dedication taught me to be proud of what I achieved since most people wouldn’t commit to that (or at least hire a ghostwriter). 

I also contemplated my success for living my dreams. I'm unconventional. I don't want a house, fancy car or some VP office job. Anything constricting feels like a noose around my neck. Instead of celebrating work accomplishments, I recognized how far I've evolved in life and gave credit to all of my travels, which is my vanity.

It was a pure shedding of the ego that reconfirmed sometimes I really don't give a shit what other people think. 
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Disconnection From Technology & the Release the Negativity
One of the most blissful aspects of Burning Man was being out of cell reception. I lost reception about 45 minutes outside of Reno. And thank God! 
 
Escaping the email, the Facebook rants, the petty politics and terrorism in Europe, I disconnected from the device that drags me down every…flipping…day. The pressure of today is just as intense as it was in the past. In the past people worked like dogs to tend crops and survive. Today, we are minions of money-makers.
 
Sure some potential blog partners want to know “How many Instagram and Pinterest followers do you have now?” Oh, I don’t have enough? So, that makes me not valuable, right? WRONG! That’s not what the playa taught me. 
 
Instead of worrying about all this horseshit, I lived in the moment and breathed in the dusty air. The cathartic experience of burning art allowed me to "burn" off anything that brought me down. Oh my God, if I could go back to a life without a smart phone, I’d be there.
 
I felt as if I had more time on my hands and the freedom to choose anything – an art workshop, a rave or ride around the playa. The playa is a magical and powerful being.
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Fulfillment of the Spirit to Be Free
In Latin and Greek, spirit translates to breath. It was ironic that in the playa I felt like I could actually breathe. In Seattle, I’ve suffered off and on respiratory problems, which I will blame because of all the construction dust in the air. Seattle once healed me when I moved here seven years ago, and now I feel like a sick dog. 
 
Once the body can breathe, #OMG amazing things happen. To me, Burning Man is a modern day spirit circle. Now, there are copious amounts of drugs on the playa. And well, spiritually sophisticated cultures like Native Americans and Egyptians had their fair share of getting high. Although it’s not my thing, most everyone is at their best, enhancing the experience with a bit of mind-altering drugs. 
 
Between dancing, energy healing sessions and the gifting and sharing concept, you can’t help but change at Burning Man. 
 
One of the most amazing things I personally experienced was that I lost all physical pain. For days, every ounce of negativity escaped my body. I no longer had shoulder or low back pain. And I certainly did not have PMS, which in the real world debilitates me for the first 24 hours. 
 
I had a complete union of the mind, body and spirit that ascended me up the spiritual ladder. I felt as free and light as angel. Things such as pain, negativity or cruelty did not exist in my reality. 
 
I remember dancing on Friday, and I kept saying, “I feel like I am on Mars.” Between the lights, music and the stars, everything outside of Burning Man seemed like a blackhole that I did not want to re-enter.  
 
My mind empowered, I believed nothing but beauty, life and love existed. When I believed this, my body experienced the best 72 hours of its life.

I believe pain goes beyond physical misalignments. It’s the pain and agony of the soul, desperately trying to break free of whatever is holding it back. 

 
Is there such a thing as pain free living? I believe there is. I believe the playa wanted me to experience this to ascend me to the next level of confidence to start teaching others what I’ve learned after 12 years of spiritual journeying.
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Confirmation of Spiritual Beliefs
A big lesson for me in 2016 is to experience the rough and tough parts of life. If I had it my way, I would’ve opted into accessing the “easy” parts of life, but that is not what the universe had in store for me. 
 
I am spiritual. Spiritual people normally believe that everything happens for a reason. I do whole-heartedly believe this, especially because I know I came to Burning Man at the right time. 
 
But, not all Burning Man-ers may feel the same. Another concept is random chaos in that things happen spontaneously and not as planned. That is the more logical and scientific way of seeing the world (and what makes the world go ‘round). And there are plenty of logical techie people at BM. 
 
The playa reconfirmed my spiritual beliefs. The only person I keep in touch with from childhood came to Burning Man. No matter how hard we looked for eachother, we kept missing eachother, sometimes by minutes. Once she left, I arrived. Once I left, she arrived. Although a big bummer, I believe that we needed to experience Burning Man on our own terms. We both needed to internalize our own information and work through our inner-world battles. 
 
It taught me that there is something higher guiding us. Spirit guides. Angels. Ascended Masters – whatever it is, something is giving us obstacles or shifting us around like the gamekeeper from the Hunger Games. 
 
I also believe in spirit guides. I believe that nature is a reflection of our inner world. I’ve had multiple encounters with animal spirit guides throughout my life.
 
And the same happened on the playa – a place where life cannot EXIST because of the alkaline environment.
 
On the last day, I rode my bike through the playa, carefree and “sailing” across the desert, going wherever the wind guided me. Suddenly, my chain popped off my bike but luckily I got it on back. 
 
I headed face-first into a dust storm and pedaled to whom the fuck knows where. Somewhere near the temple. Once the storm past, I pedaled forward, thinking about my life as an artist. I looked over my left shoulder and saw a blue dragonfly following me. I turned my head forward and our path split and we departed our ways. I pedaled to the right and the dragonfly flew to the left. 
 
Once I got back into cell reception, I looked up the meaning of dragonfly to find it’s most powerful message as, “symbolizing the transformation and life’s ever constant process of change needed in order for one to reach his or her full potential.” 
 
I believe I was sent to Burning Man to ascend myself to the next level. The shift from pupil to teacher to Master, I thank Burning Man for all of its powers that it sent to me. 
 
This blog post is long enough so stay tuned as I talk about the The Power of Nature at Burning Man & its Perspectives in the next post. 
 
Did you go to Burning Man? Did it change your life? I'd love to hear your story!
Elizabeth Rae Kovar Crites

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The Lemon Tree Launches a New Travel Article App with GPSMyCity.com

8/1/2016

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​Have you ever read a travel article so informative that you wish you could bring it with you? Great news – now you can – even off-line. 

​What is a GPS-guided travel article?

Long gone are the days of printing off travel tips and Mapquest directions. Ditch the extra clutter and save a tree with a GPSMyCity travel app.
 
The GPS-guided travel article app is a new concept, and an innovative way to explore a city by some of the top travel bloggers in the world. The travel article app is simple. Travelers download a travel article that has GPS coordinates embedded and a map of the route the author describes in his or her article.
 
No memorizing. No paperwork. No printout maps. No Internet. All you need is your phone.

The best part about upgrading to the app is that it works offline. This app is perfect for places like Europe where every country requires it’s own SIM cards to access 3G/4G Internet. This will save you time, money and a headache trying to find an electronics store.
 
Why use travel articles as an app?

It’s like having a personal tour guide, for a fraction of the price. 

Using travel articles offers tips and suggestions that many tourism offices won’t tell you. So if you want to visit the Louvre and seeing the Mona Lisa is your dream, an author (okay, me) may recommend making this painting your first destination upon entering the museum. That way the built-up excitement is still there compared to hours of roaming the museum when you become tired, exhausted and your back aches. You’ll get countless tips and recommendations from people who travel just like you.
 
GPSMyCity currently has thousands of articles from over 600 cities worldwide. The options are nearly limitless so you can find everything from a self-guided walking tour to travel articles. Once you download the article, the app will show your current location and the distance to each site listed in the article.
 
And just to reiterate, once the app is downloaded, you do not need the Internet to read your upgraded articles.

The Lemon Tree is giving away the following upgraded articles now through August 8, 2016:
-9 Cheap (and Free) Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland
-Goslar, Germany: A Place Where Medieval Life is Still Alive
 
Click the article titles to access the free upgrade. If you don’t already have GPSMyCity downloaded, please download it first and then click on the article titles above. The articles will then be downloaded by default. After the app launches, click "upgrade" and the article will be upgraded free of charge. 
 
You can access upgraded travel articles for off-line GPS use by browsing each city on the GPSMyCity app.
 
Thank you for reading The Lemon Tree and Happy Travels.

Your Best Travel Buddy,
Elizabeth 
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A Photo Journey of 26 Spring Blooms that Blossomed Summer in Seattle

6/24/2016

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Now that summer is here, these are 26 pictures that show the beauty and rebirth of Seattle in the spring. I photographed these flowers in Queen Anne mainly along W Highland Drive, W Olympic Place and Parson's Garden. The rose garden is on the waterfront at Elliot Bay Avenue. 

These flowers show the transition of spring to summer blooms to awaken our spirits with sunshine, dry weather and lush surroundings. 
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Why Cleveland (and the Cavs Winning) is Special & Why Clevelanders are the Best People in the World

6/22/2016

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The Cavaliers winning the NBA Championship has struck something in every Clevelander. Whether you shed a tear or flooded your being with happiness, this win triggered memories of all the suffering, heartache and tough times that we Clevelanders endured. To me, this win ignited childhood memories where sports, training and watching Cleveland sports ruled my childhood.
 
In some ways, I was probably the son my dad never had. Sports ruled my life outside of school. My mom and my grandma were the artistic ones, but there was not much room in my life for art besides using my imagination with My Little Ponies and Care bears.
 
We watched Game 7 in Targy’s Tavern, a dive bar, in the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle.  The broadcast glimpsed to downtown Cleveland and one guy screamed, “Yeahhhh! Those are real Americans right there!”  The entire bar busted up laughing and during the game and afterwards, his comment made me think about why Cleveland is so goddamn tough, resilient and special.
 
A lot of it is because history was made in Cleveland. Hardwork and coming from nothing teach us a lot in life.  We 80 babies had such a better life than our parents. But, like any parent, they want to give their kids a better life than we had. Those tough lessons of scarcity that we learned from our parents are some of the best lessons in life. 
 
My great Grandmother immigrated to the United States in 1951. As a Ukrainian married to a Polish man from Krakow, they were transported from their village in the Ukraine and sent to various labor camps throughout WWII Europe. Austria to Budapest, they spent their last seven years in Berchtesgaden, Germany working in labor camps.
 
Australia or the United States? Where would they go? Apparently, my great grandfather wanted Australia, but my (we call) Baba wanted the USA. From Ellis Island to Chicago, they landed in the bustling town of Cleveland. They moved to the US with four kids and a suitcase.
 
Sure, there were lots of people who already lived in Cleveland and people who established this city, but there is something special about Cleveland, the Midwest, Ohio and its history.
 
My dad born in 1951 watched his dad work hard every single day to provide a life for the family. My mom born in 1960 said that were times in her childhood where they were so poor that they lived off Mac and Cheese and hot dogs. On some nights, they went to bed without any dinner.
 
Why does this matter? It matters because Clevelanders worked to survive, making pennies on the dollar just to provide food for the family. There is truth that when you come from nothing you are taught the hard lessons in life. These people were never entitled and pulled themselves up by their bootstraps to survive.
 
Those immigrants and Americans who served in WWII saw the horror in mankind. They realized that nothing else mattered besides family, survival and rebuilding our communities.  And Cleveland inherited much of that Eastern European work ethic and tough blood.  
 
Every culture had it’s own community. Little Italy, the Slovaks, The Poles – although separate, each community bonded together and lots of that bonding occurred with sports. As any Clevelander knows, downtown seemed to be at its peak of depression in the 90’s.
 
Sports are like movies. It’s the moment when your mind can escape all the bullshit of life and ignite your spirit with something that is more than just pure entertainment. Cleveland was the butt of every joke and people knocked it down.
 
I visited my great grandmother often and she always claimed how proud she was to be American and thankful for Cleveland. She always preached hard work, to get a job and make money. As a teen, I thought, “Why did you have to leave Chicago. It’s so cool there.”
 
After many moves abroad, it took me along time to really appreciate my upbringing, childhood and Cleveland. But the spirit of the city and my roots never left me.
 
While living in Hannover, Germany, every German dickhead from Berlin, Hamburg or Munich said, “Why are you living in Hannover? It’s so boring and I heard it sucks there with nothing to do.”
 
There is a saying in German, “nichts als doofer als Hannover.”  This means there is nothing more stupid than Hannover. What the hell? I couldn’t see it. I could only see the beautiful parts of the city, which were WAY better than Berlin and run-down Hamburg.
 
I had a soft spot for Hannover, like I did with my hometown.  The only negative part is that Hannoverians are cold people unlike Cleveland where that friendly Midwestern attitude can strike a conversation anywhere (normally about sports). Upon my return home from Hannover, I felt relieved just to bullshit with the guy at the soup kitchen in Tower City about how working on an organic farm in Washington was this pipeline dream he never pursued.
 
Like Cleveland, Hannover was an underdog. It may have sucked in the 90’s like Cleveland, but not anymore. The average northern German made 1,800 euros per month. Like Clevelanders, they are average waged earners, working hard for a modest paycheck. 
 
I don’t need to revisit Cleveland history as we all know what uck Fart Modell did to the Browns, our horrible snowstorms, loss of our industries, our river catching fire and our contaminated lake. But the one thing we all cling to is sports.
 
Cleveland has been raped of its soul (city, homes and jobs) so many times that the will to move forward past all the bullshit creates hardworking, tough, resilient and enduring people. It’s like a medieval Scottish warrior fighting for its freedom from England. Clevelanders are warriors.
 
As a sport management student at BGSU, we talked over and over again about the miraculous stories about kids from ghettos who had nothing and became amazing and impeccable athletes. And Lebron’s story is no different. 
 
Part of that family-orientated Midwest mentality understands the sense of community. It is a sense of community and even Lebron gives back to the underprivileged kids from Akron. But Clevelanders have hearts and hospitable personalities that one can truly appreciate once a person leaves and experiences life elsewhere. Down to earth, humorous and amiable are just a few of the qualities.
 
I am so glad that the underdog Cavs beat the Warriors on their homecourt. Why? Not only is the victory sweeter, but its time for the west coast to learn a few lessons of the hard knock life.
 
Now, people out go through hardships, but the west coast does not know or understand suffering like Clevelanders.  Besides sun and palm trees, the west coast blossomed while the rest of the country suffered from the market crash.  
 
As Clevelanders lost their jobs and sold their homes for $30k cash, tech people grew the west coast into a money-mongrelling, cut throat society. When I tell people that you can buy a house in CLE under $50k they grab their hearts and laugh as a two-bedroom apartment is worth half a million dollars.
 
But, the west coast is beginning to suffer. Their suffering though is different. They suffer from over-abundance. These people think they are so important and wrapped up into a consumerist lifestyle, depressed about how their startup company semi-failed outside of their normal six-figure job.
 
Teenagers drive BMW’s. Starting wages are six figures. Downtowns are bustling with tourists. The west coast has not felt the deep wounds and heartaches like Cleveland and its history. But, it’s coming around. As we see in Seattle, empires like Amazon rape the city of its culture, pushing out average-waged locals and passive-progressive attitudes/government that let heroin run on the streets and the public bus.
 
I don’t know about you, but I am proud to be from a city that has been through some tough shit and never lost its civic pride.  If you want to understand what I mean, read what Ayesha "said" about the Cavs winning (it is not true but sounds like the typical west coast attitude).
 
So, if you live in Cleveland and think other places are better, remember this, nothing creates a true warrior like a person rising from the depths of their struggle and conquering their battles.
 
And, if anyone knows what that feels like, ask Lebron.
 
I don't know about you, but this win brings back so many childhood memories on how our parents, aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas never lost hope in Cleveland sports. I can remember to this day watching my dad scream at the TV during the Browns game while his head popped with veins.On commercial breaks, my dad and his brother or other friends would call each other and bitch about fumble, the drive or the kick.  I always said, "Geez dad. You know they can't hear you right?" The amount of love, heart and energy invested to this city as loyal as an old dog. 

There are no such things as mistakes. Never Give Up Cleveland. Like Queen said, "We are the Champions." And if anyone gives you shit, tell them to fuck off with that potty mouth like well, most Clevelanders talk like. 
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The Hidden Alchemist: A European-style Apothecary Nestled in Seattle’s Historic District

6/8/2016

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I have to admit something. I am a European at heart. I grew up with Ukrainian and Polish immigrant elders, persecuted from World War Two, and once I lived in Germany, I became attached to my European roots.
 
On many levels, I knew my soul spent lifetimes in Europe. Sometimes I joke it’s why I ‘ve felt so out of place in America. Europe changed me in ways that I cannot describe. I became more logical and spiritual at the same time.
 
How does that work? To see the persecution and destruction of people and places makes one realistic about human nature and mankind. We’ve evolved as a specie, but have a long way to go.
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Upon returning to Seattle, I spent the weekend rediscovering Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square district. To me, Pioneer Square is a European-oasis dotted between the Amazonian jungle of mile-high skyscrapers and the cannabis-infused district of SODO.
 
Intuition guided me to the popular Arcade. Ironically, I never explored the basement and the nagging voice in my head said, “Go downstairs!”
 
I stumbled upon The Hidden Alchemist, a quaint window-front style shop “hiding” in a narrow strip of space between a brick wall and a faux storefront. Dried herbs and roses dangled from the windowsill as the homemade incense basked in bath of aromatic oils. Copper pots hung out on the exposed brick wall as change jingled inside a prayer giving shell.
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My soul reminisced with memories of Latvia, Estonia and Poland where many people still believe in ancient herbal remedies.
 
Shop owner, Sunny, is like a reflection of myself. Spiritual yet logical, I knew there was a reason why I was so attracted to this place. After much conversation, she admits that she has a very balanced approach to life that integrates logic.
 
Sunny is a Master Clinical Herbalist, which means she has trained to create compounds from scratch. As a compound herbalist, she creates mixtures that use specific herbal combinations to aide certain functions.
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Sunny’s in-depth knowledge and wisdom proves (to me) that she is meant to heal the world through herbs. She’s created tinctures for over 20 years and operated a business for seven years.
 
Curious, I wondered if her interest in herbs was random or came from what I term a soul’s calling. Sunny expressed that always had interest with herbs.  She started her first garden at the age of six and grew chamomile along with other herbs. As she aged, she gifted herbal presents for holidays and special occasions.

Her passion and knowledge comes alive in the shop where visitors can watch live tinctures drip into a basin or consult Sunny in the ever-so-therapeutic meeting room.
 
Sunny hand makes every product in her shop. Teas, muscle rubs, tinctures, lotions, beverages, energy shots – you name she’s got it! She makes her products in small batches, ensuring every product is fresh with an appropriate shelf life. She uses organic, chemical-free and handcrafted herbal tinctures and natural skin care products.
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Everything she touches is with care, including her handmade business cards. The alchemist, the ultimate creator, is the being of light that can heal the world and the people.
 
Sunny is also author of a lavender cookbook, “The Culinary Lavender Cookbook of Delicious Desserts and Luscious Drinks," which autographed copies are sold in store.
 
Besides the shelf setup and the antique-looking birdcage perched outside of the door, the most attractive part of the shop are her affordable prices. Fifty cents for a tea bag? Three dollars for a wellness shot? A couple bucks for a package of homemade incense? Where am I? I felt as if I transported to Romania, a place where unadulterated mainstream consumerism exists.
 
As a homeopathy consumer, I find more value and authenticity in her products compared to similar items sold on the mainstream market.
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Sunny also trains apprentices on how to become compound herbalists. It’s a long and arduous process, but like traditional yoga, it’s the old-school method where the guru teaches the pupil. Isn’t that so refreshing (and so European) that something like this still exists in a world dominated that is pumping out health coaches every three days with online certificates?
 
Sadly, Pioneer Square, like the rest of Seattle, is changing. The Hidden Alchemist lost their lease and Sunny will relocate to Fremont in August. Right now, she has an indiegogo campaign to save her small business.
 
All guests are welcomed into the shop and handed a small sample of freshly made tea. My favorite tea is the Just Breathe and Peach tea.
 
I pretty much recommend everything but I love love love the incense (green tea, wisteria, honeysuckle, lilac and lavender are my favorite). 
 
Rummaging through her shelves is similar to a scratch and sniff booklet. Every smells so fresh that your mouth waters, disguised as your brain thinks its edible food. I recommend sniffing (and trying) the lilac bath salt and goat milk soap.
 
The lotion works wonders on dry skin. Each lotion is made with coconut oil as a natural moisturizer and my favorite is the Honeysuckle.
 

Discover more about Sunny & The Hidden Alchemist at http://www.thehiddenalchemist.com.
**The Hidden Alchemist moved to the Fremont Neighborhood in August 2016 but changed their storefront distribution.**

Please note that as of 2018 online orders are possible and you can pick them up at Arundel Books in Pioneer Square. Please see their website for up-to-date details.

Do you enjoy goods from an apothecary? If so, what is your favorite item? 


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to The Hidden Alchemist: A European-style Apothecary Nestled in Seattle’s Historic District
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    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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