The Places We Love and Why: Friendship and Community at Friends, Philosophy and Tea

Astara Briski may give me a hard time the next time I come in, which is tomorrow BUT, I really appreciate her commitment to her vision of a Hub of Possibilities.

I have no idea how many hours I have spent at what I lovingly refer to as the Tea House. has been a staple to my well-being for nearly three years now. I hold my own events there and encourage others to do the same because the energy of the space is:

Welcoming

Gentle

Communal

Supportive

and quite frankly...

Magical ...

What is happening here soon...

•  Weekly on Tuesdays, 1:00pm–2:30pm
•   December 17, 2011, 10:00am–5:00pm
•  Tue, Nov 22, 7:00pm–9:00pm
•  Wed, Nov 30, 7:00pm–8:30pm

What could happen here is up to you. The physical space has a quality of inclusion that is palpable and felt. Rumor has it we are at the heart of the future Art District...and we are fine with that...those of us who call this our "Cheers of Choice."

Where do you spend so much time that they who work there feel like family?

Clearly the "Tea House" is one of my COMFORT places. And the other place is Trader Joe's...(you MAY chuckle at this but it is true.) I have been shopping there since I moved to the Eastside in 2004 and my daughter was 4.5 and she is turning 12 this year. (But who is counting?)

Where are the places you go that feel like a second home even though you may not dine and walk and share TV programs in the evening? Who knows enough about you because of daily visits? The places you haunt and that haunt you? The first places we return to after a long weekend or holiday to report in?

I bet for those of us who spend our days in Bellevue there are places near and dear to us that are like well-crafted relationships that took time to become what they are.

Friendship and community can be found anytime we plant seeds and grow roots.

Where do you go for a check-in?