Why the Pacific Coast holds a special place in my heart...

Right after I graduated college, my husband (then boyfriend) decided to move to Antarctica (yes, the South Pole) to be a dishwasher (yes, a dishwasher). There is a team of seasonal workers that run all aspects of McMurdo Station where many scientists are working and post school he was looking for an adventure.

While he was off galivanting on the 7th continent in 70 below, I decided to move to Seattle for the year. It was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and one of the best years of my life. I had no real responsibilities besides working at Red Lobster, hanging out with my friends, and exploring the city and it's surroundings. 

What a beautiful city Seattle is! Mountains, lakes, oceans, orcas, not to mention Mount Rainier stopping you dead in your tracks whenever she decides to make an appearance along the southern skyline. It was a magical place and a magical time.

Seattle is also where I took my first block printing class, and came up with this little image (still a bestseller nearly 20 years later 😉) :

And where I was introduced to the Tulip Festival! The colors and beauty were so inspirational, I created this image:

I only spent 10 months in Seattle, but tried to return as much as possible when I was traveling for art shows a few years later. In recent years, I haven't been able to visit as often, but it’s been wonderful to have my cards & stickers in so many of the amazing shops and galleries throughout that beautiful state.

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If you are able to support local retail spots on the Pacific Coast this holiday season, please do! They need our patronage now more than ever.

Some of my favorites include:

Pearl Street Books in Ellensburg, WA

https://www.pearlstreetbookstore.com/

421 North Pearl Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926

(509) 925-5678

Mon - Fri: 10am - 5:30 pm, ​​Saturday: 10am - 4pm, Sunday: Barrel Racing

Watermark Bookstore in Anacortes, WA

https://www.watermarkbookcompany.com/

12 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, WA 98221

(360) 293-4277

watermarkbookcompany@gmail.com

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30-5:00, Sundays 11:00-4:00

West Seattle Nursery in Seattle, WA

https://www.westseattlenursery.com/

5275 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136

206-935-9276

info@westseattlenursery.com

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Another favorite spot that I recently had the pleasure of exploring, is the Oregon coast. The Oregon coast had been on my vacation bucket list for years, and last December we decided to take a family trip there in August 2020. Then it was 2020. We were on the fence all summer about whether or not we should go, but I’m so glad we did. No issues, no illness, just lots of family time, seafood, and beach. It was a perfect family getaway to reset and regroup during this crazy year. I can’t wait until we can all travel, see friends and family, and explore our beautiful world again more easily. We all need it!

It was also fun to drive by some of the Oregon shops that carry my work, like…

Flower Tyme/Manzanita Home + Flowers + Gifts

https://www.manzanitahomeandflowers.com/

55 North Main Street, Ashland, OR

541-488-1588

manzanitaonmain@gmail.com

Temporary Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:00am to 5:00pm

The Artful Garden

https://www.theartfullgardenandcompany.com/

222 E Main Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123

503-648-7817

theartfullgardenandcompany@gmail.com

Contact: (Owners) Kelly and Sue

Business Hours: Tues.- Sat. 11:00 - 4:00

Waucoma Bookstore

https://www.waucomabookstore.com/

212 Oak Street, Hood River, OR 97031

541.386.5353

Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:30am - 5:30pm

Sat,Sun: 10:00am - 5pm

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Support small businesses - shop small & shop local this holiday season!

Live on the Pacific Coast? Check out these fine retailers below for a current selection of Sarah Angst Art greeting cards and stickers this holiday season. Click on the links for directions to the storefront, or to see if you can shop online!

All the Best & Happy Holidays ~ Sarah Angst

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Pacific Coast Stores

WASHINGTON

OREGON

CALIFORNIA