My love affair with Pt. Townsend
Because there was so much snow at Mt. Rainier, my friend and I are taking a trip to Port Townsend, which happens to be one of my favorite places in Washington. Pt. Townsend is filled with artists and musicians and has a very vibrant culture for such a small place.
I almost moved there in 1995 right after graduating from college for what I thought was the absolute perfect job. I was going to be a writer/editor for a small online magazine called Moms Online, which later got bought by Oprah (The Oxyge Network). This was before the Internet was very popular, and so it would have been a great business opportunity. The job paid really well; I liked the people; and it would have been a great chance to write about things that were interesting to me. (My portfolio in college included a lot of short stories and a book of poems that all had to do with women's issues in one way or another).
For my third interview, I got to take an all-expenses paid trip to Pt. Townsend. I fell in love with the town then. And, I’ve continued my love affair over the years, visiting every chance I can. People I’ve dated have whisked me away to stay in the castle or the old Victorian B&B. Sunniva and I try to go there around Christmas time each year and love just walking around town on cold, windy days.
I don’t know if the magazine is still in existence. (A search comes up with many small message boards, but nothing big). Everyone at the little magazine said they loved my writing, but they ended up hiring someone else who was actually a mother. I thought it was discrimination at the time. The owner asked me to write freelance for them, but I had a very bruised ego and said no. The things young people do…
So, until I can retire one day, I’m limited to weekend getaways.
I’m looking forward to kayaking and visiting all of the little art galleries. This weekend Port Townsend has a couple of festivals, a gay-pride parade, and lots of great music. Plus I get to go to my favorite little bar: Sirens.
I never understood why I didn't get the job...
My mom got sick very soon after that, and I realize now there was a very good reason for me to have not moved away. It meant I got to spend a little more time with her. And for that, I will always be thankful.
I almost moved there in 1995 right after graduating from college for what I thought was the absolute perfect job. I was going to be a writer/editor for a small online magazine called Moms Online, which later got bought by Oprah (The Oxyge Network). This was before the Internet was very popular, and so it would have been a great business opportunity. The job paid really well; I liked the people; and it would have been a great chance to write about things that were interesting to me. (My portfolio in college included a lot of short stories and a book of poems that all had to do with women's issues in one way or another).
For my third interview, I got to take an all-expenses paid trip to Pt. Townsend. I fell in love with the town then. And, I’ve continued my love affair over the years, visiting every chance I can. People I’ve dated have whisked me away to stay in the castle or the old Victorian B&B. Sunniva and I try to go there around Christmas time each year and love just walking around town on cold, windy days.
I don’t know if the magazine is still in existence. (A search comes up with many small message boards, but nothing big). Everyone at the little magazine said they loved my writing, but they ended up hiring someone else who was actually a mother. I thought it was discrimination at the time. The owner asked me to write freelance for them, but I had a very bruised ego and said no. The things young people do…
So, until I can retire one day, I’m limited to weekend getaways.
I’m looking forward to kayaking and visiting all of the little art galleries. This weekend Port Townsend has a couple of festivals, a gay-pride parade, and lots of great music. Plus I get to go to my favorite little bar: Sirens.
I never understood why I didn't get the job...
My mom got sick very soon after that, and I realize now there was a very good reason for me to have not moved away. It meant I got to spend a little more time with her. And for that, I will always be thankful.
posted by Elizabeth at 8:39 AM
2 Comments:
No matter how untrue it seems in many moments of my life, things do happen for a reason.
When life allows me the time and money, I will now have Pt. Townsend on my list of places to go.
Yes. I try to remember that when it seems like nothing could be farther from the truth.
Let me know when you go to PT and maybe I can go with you.
Post a Comment
<< Home