Washington, My Home


Often I think about what it would be like to live elsewhere, but my thoughts come back to Washington, My Home. Helen Davis captured how I feel in our official state song. "...wherever I may roam this is my native land..."

I've been here most of my life. I've traveled most of the state, but continue to find jewels in the landscape and will, I think, as long as I live.

Where can you live but here and find an espresso boat in the middle of Lake Union where you can buy a double mocha and a treat for your dog at the same time while boating? That's right. Pull your boat aside the new business floating around the lake and you'll feel right at home. In Washington state.

Where can you see a beautiful metal sculpture of a herd of wild horses on a hill overlooking the mighty Columbia River and feel like one with the earth? That's Washington, folks.

The deep green of the forests, the pale brown of the rolling wheat fields, the skyscrapers of Seattle, the power of Grand Coolee Dam, the mysticism of the desert lands, the roar of the ocean, Puget Sound - all this defines Washington State.

I remember as a child walking on the country roads by my house, breaking off and savoring the sweet taste of a honeysuckle vine. I remember sitting in a tall tree my Dad topped (he was a tree topper in the lumber industry at one time, then a paper maker) watching the planes from the airport across the road. I bet you can still do that.

The ocean always beckons me to an experience unlike no other, such as at Pacific Beach. I spent hours, as a child, walking the beach. I still like to do that. The roar of the ocean takes you away from daily routines and reminds you of what a huge world this is and how insignificant any cares may be.

Skiing in our mountains is a spiritual thing, too, for me. It's so quiet when you are in the snow-laden trees and the view makes you feel small in comparison. I can't imagine not having a reverence for this place.

Want to see a map of Washington? Then go to http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Communications/M... for a look at our state. Our state of 5,757,400 people is a vast network of differing landscapes with something for everyone. Be it Wild Waves/Enchanted Village Six Flags Amusement Park in Federal Way or the University of Washington stadium, it's all a wonderful destination to experience the awe of the landscape and people that live here.

The copyright of the article Washington, My Home in Washington State is owned by Jerri Brooker. Permission to republish Washington, My Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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