The Center of the Universe

Some Seattleites think Fremont is the center of the universe, but I think it is Ravenna.

I went to a 4th of July picnic last week at an old friend's home in my old neighborhood. I've known her since our daughters were in kindergarten together. Lots of other people were there who I knew back when I first moved to NE Seattle. I ran into friends who helped me cut my teeth in politics. It was great to re-connect with this crew. 

I remember I used to think NE Seattle was the center of the universe when I first moved there. The moms I met were both smart and kind. Like all of the moms were smart and kind--not just some of them. One mom, Jessica, was convinced she was stupid but she was fascinating and warm-hearted and welcoming. In her early twenties, she moved to Italy for a few years where she met her husband. I can't see how someone so adventurous and brave could consider themselves a dullard.

I miss NE Seattle. I miss having a yard and trees and neighbors my own age. I miss people in neighborhood who knew my kids growing up. I miss the park and the bike trails. I miss the house parties and the coffee shop around the corner where I knew everyone who worked there.

I am jealous that my kids still get to spend time in the old neighborhood when they come home. 

In reality, it takes me fifteen other twenty minutes to get to NE Seattle from downtown, so I should really visit more often than I do and make a better effort to stay in touch with my friends there.