From The City of Destiny back to The Emerald City

Life hasn’t slowed down for me lately, but in reality I wouldn’t have it any other way. Lots of life changes have been happening for me, and all of them seemed to have been pulling me in the same direction. Let me back up a bit, like a year ago.

Admit it Tacoma, you’re beautiful.

I started this blog last March in Tacoma primarily so it could be used as a resource for other South Sound vegans and vegetarians. I felt that the area needed more representation and coverage in terms of vegan events, people, restaurants and more. And I think that I accomplished that goal. Covering bake sales, new restaurant openings, vegan-related events and must-eat items was great, and it was amazing to meet so many other vegans. Every time it happened, I exclaimed “where have you all been hiding?” I ate some incredibly delicious meals there, (all of which I want to compile in a list…one day). And I loved it all.

Perennial fave and vegan-friendly Tacoma bakery, Corina.

I still do, and am going to continue doing what I love. But I’m going to be doing it in another city.

At the beginning of July, the partner, our two cats and I packed our stuff and moved to a much tinier place in Seattle. With both work and school here, it made infinitely more sense for us to relocate rather than have me commuting home on some late nights, and miss out on some networking and other relevant events. It wasn’t an easy decision for us by any means, as we both have strong ties to Tacoma. In the end though, we went with our guts. Change is good, and I think we were both in need of some.

Seattle. Where the streets are paved with Mighty-O Donuts.

I lived in Seattle when I first moved to Washington state back in 2006, and I loved the sense of awe I felt when roaming the streets and acquainting myself with neighborhoods. I also loved the plethora of vegan restaurants and vegan options that are available in this city. And guess what? 5 years later, there is so, so much more. It blows my mind to see how much has changed. I’ve naturally kept tabs peripherally through social media, but dang if I don’t see a vegan option on almost every menu in this city. It’s refreshing and a welcome change from Tacoma, where vegan is just starting to become an option that more restaurants and businesses are starting to seriously consider and take to heart.

And the home of the Georgetown Liquor Co. build-your-own Bloody Mary bar…

Tacoma’s a city where I changed a ton, learned a lot about myself, and is a place that really helped me in terms of getting my writing out into the world – something that I’d been wanting to do for years. My affinity for the city will never go away, and I will always defend it when people try to tear it down. A piece of my heart will always stay there, for sure.

…and so many Ethiopian restaurants with spongy injera! Oh how I missed Ethiopian food.

Though that’s the truth, I’m honestly very excited to be back. I walk to coffee shops, the co-op and restaurants, take the bus as often as humanly possible and am making plans to hang with all of my lovely friends who live here. The kitties have adjusted, and things are grand.

I can’t wait to get out and start reviewing all the things I find, previewing Seattle events and chatting about more general vegan things/topics. I have about three posts lined up for you all, but I’d been holding onto this news for too long. The move also explains my longer-than-normal quiet period. Hope you all understand, and hope you’ll all stick around though Vegan Moxie will now cover Seattle metro vegan-related events.

I realize that I’m fortunate to be in the best company here. Two talented and amazing friends – Anika and Helen – write fantastic vegan blogs here, as well as Molly, Rhean, and many more. We all have very different perspectives and voices, and I’m so happy to be among them. I don’t think a city could ever have enough vegan bloggers.

Thanks for being awesome as always, dear readers.