Tacoma Needs Love- Michael Johnson

Anyone who has Instagram or really any social media account will understand what I’m about to share....

About a month ago I went on Instagram, like any other hour of my day checking my notifications haha per usual I had a message notification and went to it... it was a comment on my story from someone who I’ve been following for awhile now, someone who I double tapped every photo posted, may have even commented on a few....haha So I did what any normal girl would do, screamed and jumped around!!!! I showed Anthony who has no social media accounts what so ever and had no clue what I was even showing him...haha he doesn’t get it.  

So...

I wrote back and I’m glad I did. Yet again the blog has opened doors or opportunities, ones I couldn’t even imagine a few months ago.  

Let me introduce to you local Tacoma Photographer Michael Johnson ... he has an eye for capturing beauty in anything he points and shoots at.   

1. Lets start off with why so much love for Tacoma?

Well I was born here and its just home to me. Tacoma gets a bad rap from our neighbors to the north. Oddly enough it is now them that are coming down here and buying all the locals out of housing options. Now they finally realize how cool Tacoma is and figure by gentrifying all of the neighborhoods then it will be a livable place for them. Aside from that some of the best people I know are from here, and Tacomas diversity is part of what molded them into awesome individuals. That also reflects in the art that is created here which often times reflects an adoration for the city. I love the fact that you can get lost in a forest, put your toes in some sand, and admire modest sky scrapers in one city.  

2. How did you get into photography?

Music lead to my interest in photography. I used to be in a band and always appreciated the cool pictures some of our friends would take of us, as well as other bands pictures I saw. Also getting my own place gave me some motivation to take some photos. When you get a place you naturally want to decorate it. IKEA and Burlington do have some nice pictures to hang on the wall but its all hotel art and has no connection to me. I wanted to take pictures that I could hang on our walls and know they have a meaning to us, as well as reflect my personality. 

3. What inspires you?

My family. And telling me I cant do something. I want my kids to experience all the cool things I got to experience as a kid and didn't appreciate until I was older. In 1st grade we hopped in our Vanagon and drove across the county. I want to do that with my family. Maybe sans vanagon because they are wild expensive but in some type of car. I wan't to create those memories with my family because beyond toys a kid never forgets adventures like that. That being said my parents took me to Disneyland when I was like 2 and I didn't remember shit... so that doesn't count.  

4. Favorite Tacoma location to shoot?...and photo!

I love hidden beach in Titlow. Great sunsets, beach, bridge, quiet, close! Easy to go there with the family and snap a few pictures. I don't think I have a favorite Tacoma photo but I do love the daytime long exposure I took from the Convention center of downtown Tacoma. and any pictures of or at the Murray Morgan Bridge

5. What do you want your viewers to take from your work?

How I see things around here and abroad. You can find a little personality in the way people edit their pictures... maybe some of that can leak through. 

6. Your dream place to photograph...?

Yellowknife

7. One question nobody has ever asked you about your photography?

Why do you do it?

If you know me, once I saw the answer to the last question I immediately wrote back asking why...

-I do it because it's peacful and provides an artistic outlet that I no longer get from music. There is an awesome feeling that comes from making a normal scene turn into something magical as well.-

Michael doesn’t just take photos of beautiful cities he also takes portrait photos go check out his work on his Instagram pages you will feel inspired and fall in love with cities you have or have not visited.

Michaelweldonphoto

Michaelweldonprotraits

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW 

Brittney

32 Things I Have Learned, Love, Want To Conquer, And I Am Thankful For

Well today is my 32nd Birthday... that's a lot of years!!!! I wanted to share a few things I've learned   along the way, things I love, what I want to accomplish this year before turning 33 and thank two people that inspire me each day! 

So with that being said...

TEN THINGS I HAVE LEARNED:

1. Self-Love is essential

2. Share your story

3. You cannot change other people and they cannot change you. 

4. Don't compare yourself to others 

5. Empowered Woman empower other woman

6. Give yourself time to grow🌱

7. Be mindful on who you take advice from

8. Sometimes you may get off course

9. Feed your soul

10. Stop and admire the little things 

TEN THINGS I LOVE:

1. My Family

2. Traveling -it feeds my soul 

3. Books! Books!! And more Books!!!

4. Learning something new

5. Seeing Fallyn experience something new

6. Writing -a new found love of mine 

7. Podcasts

8. Sitting on my front porch #frontporchfest

9. Disneyland

10. Myself! 

TEN THINGS I WANT TO CONQUER BEFORE 33

1. Read More

2. Travel more

3. Make working out a priority 

4. Drink more water

5. Take care of my skin 

6. Keep a journal 

7. Send postcards
8. Unplug

9. Take a photography class

10. Surround myself with like minded people

TWO PEOPLE IM THANKFUL FOR:

1. Anthony: Without you Postcard From The PNW would not exist. You gave me the wanderlust feeling that I have each day. You have spoiled Fallyn and I with the gift of travel and adventure and I'm beyond thankful for it. 

2. Fallyn: You are a Smart, Talented, Beautiful Girl! There is no one I'd rather have by my side on all of my adventures than you!!! 

Thank you for reading my blog! 32 is shaping up to be an amazing year!!!

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney

Tacoma's Wharf

Sometimes I forget how big Tacoma is... I could literally take you to a new place each day and share with you years of cool places to frequent. One things gets in the way of that...Haha work!!! It's no secret the waterfront is getting a facelift, from extending the trails to adding in some pretty awesome places to hang. 

 What I love most, is that this portion of Tacoma has been around as long as the city has been in existence dating back to the 1800's. From an old mining town to a path with panoramic views of the Commencement Bay, with food and recreation along the way. 

Just below the hill from my house lays this beautiful area, Fallyn and I decided to go check out the new haps down at Point Ruston.  Which is BOOMING with new restaurants, shopping, and events

. 

SUMMER MUST DO AT POINT RUSTON:

- Four Words... Farrelli's Roof Top Deck 

- Grab a scoop at Ice Cream Socials New location (it opened Wednesday and its BIG! hopefully this relieves some wait time at the 6th ave location...it's sooo good I don't mind the wait HAHA

- Play date at the Spray Park/ Play Ground
open 12pm-10pm, they also have a colorful LED fountain light show from dusk-10pm
This will be the closest thing I get to Disneys California Adventures World Of Color till November!!!! 

- Rent Bikes or Surreys and cruise alongside the water.  

- Grand Plaza - which has a mural being painted that looks smokin good!!! This space holds special events such as Summer Concerts, free and family friendly. They say this space will also home  a ice rink during the holiday season!

Well that's my Local Summer Bucket-list! Go check out the new digs at Point Ruston! Enjoy!!!

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW!!!

Brittney 

City Of Dreams

Port Townsend is a small town full of history. Presumed to be what Seattle is today. It didn't quite make it to that expectation. The town homes the most beautiful Victorian buildings I have ever seen and sits above the Puget Sound.

We go to Port Townsend once a year, and every time I pester Anthony about staying the night. If you've learned anything about Anthony at this point, you know he's consistent with his "No's" 

It's about an hour and forty-five minute drive from Tacoma. The drive is beautiful crossing the hood canal bridge, awesome views of the Olympic Mountains, and driving alongside the Chimacum Valley. -We have a thing for Valleys.

We arrived around 10:30 downtown, the streets are lined with boutiques and good eats. You could easily spend an afternoon here.

Favorite Eats: Waterfront Pizza

Favorite Espresso: Ground to Perfection Espresso

The architecture is breathtaking. If you love a good background for your photos. You will find one every step you take!

Once we finished downtown we headed up the hill to Fort Worden. I will never forget the first time Anthony took me here, it was in the beginning of our relationship and it's one of my favorite memories of us.

Fort Worden was once a military base. It has evolved into a state park. You are able to go down for the day, camp, or attend events in the park. You will need a Discovery Pass or 10.00 for park entry.

The old bunkers are our favorite part. Consisting of maze like tunnels that are dark and a little creepy
- every young kids hide and seek dream.
 You are able to walk through the bunkers, with multiply staircases to chose from that will lead you to the top, where it overlooks high above the  Puget Sound. There are also paths that lead down to the beach.  Besides Battery Kinzie which is the bunker directly on the water there are numerous others up on the hillside, with trails that lead to each one. We let Fallyn direct us through the forest trails and we got lost... no biggie, we got to see everything.  HAHA

I highly recommend Port Townsend and Fort Worden for your next day trip. If you have any questions on this spectacular destination you can comment or email me at:

brittneydolce@gmail.com

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney

Experience Cuba

When Anthony and I first started dating dinners consisted of going out to eat. Eating at local spots and chatting the night away was a fun way of getting to know one another. After being together for awhile we started doing more cooking at home. Now almost four years later, we treat ourselves about once a month to a date night.   

Since we didn't have Fallyn for the Fourth we decided to head out for cocktails and appetizers, at one of our favorite local  breakfast spots, to try out their dinner menu...Cooks Tavern, located in Proctor,  a neighborhood in North Tacoma. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu showcases food and beverages from different cultural regions of North, Central and South Americas. Changing every four months, with a new destination to enjoy.  

Tonight's travel spot Cuba. As soon as you open the door you are welcomed with large painted illustrations that protray some of Cubas roots. 

We sat at a table by the window, which are open wide giving you the feeling you are eating outdoors. My Cuban Cocktail of choice The Mojito- made with vodka instead of rum 

Our Small Plates we shared:

Monterey Bay Calamari:

-fried with pickled peppers and thin sliced lemon 

Indian Candy Fry Bread:

-house smoked wild caught local salmon, goat cheese, pickled onion, arugula, lemon citronette 

Both were life changing!
We both agreed we will be back before the Cuban inspired dishes go away!

If your local in the Tacoma area or visiting, Cooks Tavern is a must stop whether it be for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner 

Look out for the Next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney 

"City Of Roses"

I'm so thankful it's... Summer!!!

Fallyn and I have dedicated Wednesdays as, Mini Adventure Days, while Anthony is at work. This weeks mini adventure has been marked on our calendar for awhile... The Rose Garden at Point Defiance Park. The reason why? The flowers are in full bloom. 

This rose garden dates back to 1895 and draws 1,000's of visitors each year. Reaching more than an acre you will see a variety of the most beautiful roses.  From lavender to cream, rows to arbors. The roses are gorgeous to stand by or under. The space is free to enter -great for photos! Spaces are also available to rent for big events such as weddings...Anthony!!! HAHA

As we were walking back to the car Fallyn noticed a limo, then a couple of guys carrying professional camera equipment. She was insisting someone famous was at the gardens, when a beautiful bride became visible.

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney 

Hey You Guys -Sloth

Keeping with the movie inspired theme this week, I take you to Astoria, Oregon for Throwback Thursday! Little under a three hour drive from Tacoma. You will arrive at the 4.1 mile Astoria-Meglar Bridge which welcomes you to Astoria, Oregon.

A perfect place to take a day trip, Astoria is a cute town full of history. My type of history: Pop Culture. Multiple movies have been filmed there. One In particular the treasure hunt classic, The Goonies. Released in 1985 -WHOOP WHOOP- the year I was born.  

Growing up The Goonies was one of mine as well as Anthony's favorite films. Of course we had to share it with Fallyn who fell in love with it immediately. In 2015, thirty years after the release, I had my heart set on going down to Astoria and taking a picture in front of the famous Goon Dock Home protrayed in the film. The house on average had anywhere from 1200-1500 visitors a day. It is located in a cute neighborhood painted with Goonies influences on every corner. 

I GOT MY PICTURE!!! - another cross off on my PNW BUCKETLIST!!!

A few weeks later the owner of the home, covered the house with blue tarps. After YEARS of welcoming fans, and even giving tours, the owners had enough, not all the visitors were respectful of the owners property. That was two years ago, the house is still not accessible to the public.  

There is still plenty for the Goonies enthusiast to checkout in Astoria. The Goondocks website -LINK- is a great resource of all things Goonies go check them out!!! 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW!!!

Brittney

TWINNING & WINNING!!!

The winner of my statement piece necklace I wear everyday is McKenzie Poulsen!!!! I will get in contact with you and get you your beautiful Washington State Necklace. The creater of this little beauty is Rudiana, a shop on Etsy -LINK- Go check it out. If the Washington one is not up for sale just send a message and they will help you out. They have more cute stuff to get hooked on - I'm eyeing the Mountain Necklace haha!!! 

Congratulations McKenzie!!!!

I look forward to Postcards From The PNW next GIVEAWAY. Stay tuned!!! 

Brittney

Throwback Thursday: Ruby Beach

The 101 drive is beautiful and has a ton of places to stop and see along the way.  One in particular I picked to share with you today is Ruby Beach.  The first time Anthony and I took the 101 drive we almost missed this hidden piece of land.  A little under a 3 hour drive from Tacoma, you will arrive at a gravel road, which takes you to a parking lot with a restroom facility -at this point you will probably need it if you haven't stopped yet! Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash. 

You will enter a trail near the parking lot that will take you down to the beach. The view from the top is is breathtaking. A panoramic picture of the Pacific Ocean with a maze of driftwood along the shore and the tall sea stacks that line the coast

Once at the bottom of the trail you will have to climb over large pieces of driftwood that lay welcoming you. Once crossed you will find yourself on a rocky beach that will lead you to the tall sea stacks. If your not familiar with sea stacks, they are similar to an island, that have been eroded over the years off the cliff sides. Which is fascinating to me! You are able to walk through them and admire the tall structures that once were attached to the land.  

Ruby Beach is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to in Washington. They say it is named after the Ruby like crystal that are found in the beaches sand.  You will have to go check it out!!! 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW 

Brittney