I decided to take a solo retreat to Vashon Island for my birthday this year. Every time I go there, the moment I get in line for the ferry, my entire body exhales. Vashon is such a beautiful, peaceful island; filled with the perfect combination of nature, quaint shops, art and dogs.
I ended up staying at a cabin on the south end of the island that overlooked the Point Defiance-Tahlequah Ferry. The cabin was right on the beach.
All day and night the ferry took passengers back and forth across the water while sounding its horn. Mt Rainier faded in and out in the background. It was a lovely way to fall asleep at night, seeing the ferry lit up in the darkness, gliding across the water.
My intention while there was to sit in silence, write, paint, read and basically enjoy some time with myself. I spent most of my time at a small table near the window overlooking the water, painting in watercolor on YUPO paper. YUPO is a synthetic, waterproof paper that acts like painting on glass. I hadn’t tried it before and really enjoyed the way the watercolors blended unexpectedly.
After a few days alone, I ventured out into town and spent some time at a local coffee shop catching up a 16 x 20 watercolor tree I’ve been working on.
My favorite thing about painting in coffee shops are the people who stop by to chat. So often they are reminded of the artwork they created many years ago when they were children and leave feeling inspired to go home and create again.
And as with any perfect trip, there were dogs…many many dogs!
I made a fire in the wood stove. It was very crackly.
I visited many cool shops and galleries. This necklace is made entirely of glass. I may have to go back and buy it. It was stunning. I also found this hidden quote in the photo below when lifting an item off a table at a resale shop. So true!
The best part of Vashon Island is by far the natural beauty.
Final day – view from the deck
I am grateful to live in such a beautiful place and love that all it takes is 30 minutes on a ferry to get away from it all. I will be back again soon.
circlesaregood 
Just what I needed this morning. Great writing, pictures and ideas. Dogs rule, too.
Thanks Kate! I wish I was back there right now. 🙂
I hear you. We spent Memorial Day weekend in Port Austin. I love being near the water where it’s peaceful and pretty all the time. Definitely needing a solo trip somewhere, soon 🙂
Reblogged this on kateschannel and commented:
One of my longtime college friends shared these beautiful photos as well as what inspires her to create.