Catching up with Joshua

In the past year, I’ve been incredibly busy with e-design projects, which is a wonderful problem to have for a business, however it’s left me with very little free time for myself. A couple months ago, I needed a reminder to take a break to recharge and get inspired in order to continue being able to do my best design work with all the amazing clients I have the pleasure of working with

Joshua Jones headshot. Photography by Jenny Jimenez

Last September, I decided it was time to get a professional headshot for the first time after doing my own amateur attempts with an iPhone. I hired an amazing Seattle based photographer named Jenny Jimenez to do the photo sessions and I love the results. She was fun to work with, made me feel very comfortable, and gave great direction! I can’t wait to have another photo session with her!

Leavenworth, Washington

In September my wonderful sister-in-law came to visit for a week. We took a day trip to Leavenworth, Washington. If you’re not familiar with this town, it’s a Bavarian inspired town. It’s a fun and cute place, it’s pretty touristy and a little cheesy to be honest, but it’s got some great architecture that’s definitely atypical for the US. It’s been years since I was there last. I was a bit concerned by how a small, remote town that’s dependent on tourism would have faired during Covid. I was relieved to see the town thriving and most of the storefronts and restaurants are still operating. I noticed that it seemed they took advantage of the slowdown to doing some repainting and touchups to the town and it’s looking more lively and as fresh as ever; I really love how it looks now. The German food, wines, and shops are all fabulous! If you haven’t been to Leavenworth, I highly recommend going and definitely take the longer, more scenic, highway 2 route.

One of Dale Chihuly’s glass artwork from the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum.

We also went to one of my favorite museums, Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, Washington. It’s located right next to the iconic Space Needle. The last time I visited was just a few weeks after it opened nine years ago! This museum focus on famous glass artist named Dale Chihuly’s life and his amazing art pieces from small vases to huge, intricate sculptural pieces. Some of the installations had changed in the intervening years and it’s a fantastic place to get inspired with color, shapes, forms, and proportions.

Joshua at Craven Farms

For the past two years I haven’t had the chance to decorate with pumpkins during Autumn. Life sometimes happens, you know. A true travesty that I needed to correct this year since my life isn’t complete without being able to create pumpkinscapes. My other half Jeffry and I decided to go to a local pumpkin patch, Craven Farm, a bit northeast of Seattle and recommended by a close friend. We were like kids in the candy store, at least I was, with how many beautiful pumpkins they have. I have to admit that we, again it’s really me, got carried away and ended up with about 20 pumpkins! LOL! This is in addition to some pumpkins we had already purchased elsewhere. I have a problem, I know, but I needed to make up for my pumpkin deprivation and I love how they look in our home and in our outdoor space.

Joshua at Remlinger Farms

Jeffry and I learned about another farm, Remlinger Farms which is around 45 minutes east of Seattle and decided to check that place out as well. This place is pretty outstanding, especially for those with young kids. It’s a huge operation with a lot of different activities from their pumpkin patch, farmer’s market, multiple food outlets, trains, pony rides, animals, and a ton of small theme park rides. It wasn’t what we expected at all, but we had a lot of fun nonetheless. And….I got more pumpkins also. LOL! You get a pumpkin with the price of the admission ticket…so they were free, right? We can’t say no to pumpkins. :)

Snoqualmie Fall

Jeffry and I realized that it’s been many years since we last visited Snoqualmie Falls, not far from Seattle. We decided to take a day trip there for waterfall viewing and a late lunch at The Dining Room at Salish Lodge. We last were there for our two month anniversary! Fun fact…that’s called a mensiversary! The staff were so thoughtful and brought us free dessert as a result. The falls themselves are stunning and actually a major source of electricity in Washington!

I’m thankful that I am now back living in Seattle. I plan on continuing this recent habit of little day trips to recharge and visit some amazing spots, hidden and otherwise, in the area! I’ll be sure to share again with you all!