Wanderlust Katie

This is a post to Bellingham and all the people I have met along my journey there. 

It was 15 years ago that I made the pilgrimage to Bellingham from the Midwest.  I had no idea what to expect or who I would meet, let alone who I would become. I was a dreamy 23 year old who lived to hike, climb and was ready for adventure. I packed my car with camping gear and books, listening to Modest Mouse and Wilco. My map tucked into my visor and coffee at my side I wandered West.

I didn’t have any idea what lady ahead. I didn’t know I would meet people that would become my family and help me through some of my toughest times. Their very lives would leave finger prints on my heart and the memories like a vivid slideshow. I only knew I needed a change.

Bellingham was a sleepy town with a giant heart. It’s heart beat pulsed under the cracking sidewalk and neon streets. It spilled out of the dark bars and filled the sky with an electric thunder. I came to know the people and what they drank. I kept their secrets and they kept mine. I started out a bartender for most but ended up friends and confidants with many. We held hands over coffee, talked politics over beers and held each other when sadness showed its face. 

I love you Bellingham and all the stories I have that come to me like flashes of lightening. Thank you for being there when I needed to be picked up when my body crumbled and I thought I couldn’t carry on. Thank you for reminding me to take time to watch the sunsets and enjoy the rainy days.  Thank you for threading together the remnants of my broken heart with words and whiskey. I carry your heart Bellingham. I carry it in my heart. Every single brilliant moment. 

I love you Bellingham! 

Xoxox