Reflections: September-October 2023

REFLECTIONS

TRAVEL, FORAGE, HIKE & MEDITATE

HOW TO CRAFT A MINDFUL FALL SEASON

RECOVERY DONE RIGHT

NOTES FROM A PHYSICAL THERAPIST AND AVID HIKER

PICKLEBALL PARTICULARS

Facts about the growing sport.

CONTENTS

COMMUNITY & CLUB MIND & BODY

PEOPLE & PLACES

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BREATHWORK

How to build a practice.

WINTERIZE YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

Tips for changing seasons.

24

A PT’S GUIDE TO POST-HIKE RECOVERY

Three stretches for staying happy and healthy before, on and after the trails.

28

SHOOM

Make mushrooms the maindish. Recipes from local chef Becky Selengut.

36

A TALE OF TWO ARTISTS

Meet local educators, activists and artists, Susan Walker and Carol Whitaker.

Be Boldly You

Be Stylish, Confident & Adventurous. Discover Shopping that Inspires. Show Your Bold Side for Fall. Find it All Here — All in One Place. The Bellevue Collection

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

THIS ISSUE IS ALL ABOUT CRAFTING A MINDFUL FALL.

This season tends to have a lot of transition. Kids head back to school, and the days get shorter. Social calendars fill up with holiday and winter vacation plans, and thoughts of the new year creep in. So, we pulled together some tips for helping your family make the change in the most peaceful and healthy way.

First, if your kids have trouble going from carefree summer days to long school hours, flip to page 50 for three meditations specifically crafted for younger minds. They can help with everything from cranky moods to troubled sleep. A more extensive guide to breathwork for adults is on page 18.

In terms of beauty and self-care, turn to page 20 for expert advice on how to keep your skin and nails healthy as the weather takes a turn. There are also some very helpful recovery pointers from our physical therapist and avid hiker on page 24. This plan will help prepare you for winter sports and more.

But if your idea of wellness is escaping the cold altogether, plan a sunny trip to Costa Rica with the guide on page 42.

Stay well,

Lauren Hunsberger, Editor

REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE

VOLUME 37 ISSUE 1

creative director

Bonnie Tankovich

425.688.3194

editor Lauren Hunsberger

425.688.3162

designer Yasmeen Nayfeh

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junior designer Ashley Edmison 425.688.3161

advertising

Debbie Brickman

425.488.3211

To receive a media kit, please call 425.445.6800 or visit bcreflections.com.

BELLEVUE CLUB

president S. W. Thurston

club manager Connor Eden athletic services

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BELLEVUE CLUB REFLECTIONS (ISSN 1096-8105) is published bi-monthly by the Bellevue Club, 11200 S.E. 6th, Bellevue, WA 98004. Copyright 2019 by Bellevue Club. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is prohibited. Publication number 715390. Periodicals postage paid @ Bellevue, WA, and additional offices.

Editorial, Advertising and Circulation

Office: P.O. Box 90020, Bellevue, WA 98009 (mailing address); 11200 S.E. 6th, Bellevue, WA 98004 (street address); telephone 425.455.1616. Produced by Vernon Publications, LLC, P.O. Box 970, Woodinville, WA 98072-0970. POSTMASTER send address changes to BELLEVUE CLUB REFLECTIONS, 11200 S.E. Sixth St., Bellevue, WA 98004.

Who are you getting your cancer screening for?

You live a busy and full life, but don’t forget to make cancer screening a part of it. Talk to your primary care provider about the screenings that are right for you. At Overlake, we see it every day: Early detection saves lives.

Stephanie Breast Cancer Survivor

2023

SEPT/OCT

• upcoming events

SWING THE NIGHT AWAY

SEPT. 29 | 6-10 P.M.

Enjoy an evening of dinner and swing dancing with Good Music Co. With a speakeasy vibe, there will be dance lessons from the swing experts and a six-piece band. $60 for adults, $25 for Kids between 5-12. To register, visit the Bellevue Club app.

BELLEVUE SOCIAL NETWORK

Mix, mingle and network with other BC members on the first Thursday of every month from 4-7 p.m. Light appetizers included. Beverages available for purchase. Register at members.bellevueclub.com

VITAMIN B SHOTS

Join Voda Health on the third Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. outside Studio 1 for vitamin B and nutrient shots.

BELLEVUE CLUB BUTCHER

SHOP

We are excited to bring you individual and whole roast options of premium local beef, pork, and chicken customizable for your family’s needs. Orders now open at members.bellevueclub.com.

PARTIES TO GO

Leave all the prep and planning to us. Pick up one of our packaged parties to go for your next event, and treat your guests to the finest fare. See a range of different menus plus beer and wine on the app.

More information and event reservations available at members. bellevueclub.com.

The autumnal season is a time to reflect on what matters most. For us, that means spending time with our friends and family, and enjoying the coziest spaces of all: the places we call home. We love nothing more than connecting people with homes, and through the global network of Sotheby’s International Realty, we’re here to open doors regardless of location. Whether dreaming of your next vacation or seeking a safe haven of your own, nothing compares to what’s next.

As long-time Bellevue Club members and global real estate advisors, Bellevue is our backyard but the world is our playground. We’d love to connect to discuss your real estate goals, explore real estate opportunities globally or locally, or simply catch up over a glass of bubbles.

Expertise that’s wherever you are and wherever you want to be. We’re

experts with global reach that will help you on your real estate journey— no matter where it takes you.

NEWSFEED

BELLEVUE CLUB HOTEL JOINS STASH HOTEL REWARDS PROGRAM

In order to reward our valued guests and members, we officially partnered with Stash, a travelers’ program for independent boutique hotels around the world.

HOW STASH WORKS

1. FIND THE BEST HOTELS: They scour review sites and stress over the details, so you don’t have to. Every hotel in the collection was handpicked by travelers.

2. EARN SERIOUS POINTS: Earn 5x points at Stash Partner Hotels. Book on stashrewards.com to earn 1x points at hundreds of other great independent hotels.

3. TURN POINTS INTO FREE NIGHTS: Cash in your points for reward stays at any Stash Partner Hotel. There are no blackout dates and points never expire.

To learn more or view the list of hotels, visit stashrewards.com.

HOW TO SWING A DRIVER

“when you set up with the driver, do so with the intention of hitting the ball not only a long distance but also accurately.”

tee height

With today’s larger, taller, deep-faced drivers, tee the ball a little higher to present the sweet spot of the club most effectively. A good rule of thumb is for the equator of the golf ball to line up with the top edge of your driver.

stance

Whether you’re a beginner, a junior or a highly experienced player, the fundamentals of a good golf game don’t change. Bellevue Club golf pro Chris Getz shares tips for swinging one of the most important clubs in your bag—the driver..

To book a lesson at The Links, please visit members. bellevueclub.com or the Bellevue Club app.

ball position

It’s important to note this is the longest club in your bag, creating the widest swing arc, and as a result, delivering the highest swinging speeds. Your stance should be slightly wider than shoulder width, athletic, with knees bent, and body weight centered. It should be forward, off the inside of your left foot. To feel this, step to the ball with your feet together. From here, keep your left foot where it is and move your right foot away to a proper stance. Your body weight should move correspondingly to the right, and you should feel behind the ball. This stance accommodates your swing bottoming out slightly before impact, striking the ball as the club begins to move upward. This is one of the few shots in golf that you strike with an ascending blow.

photo by yasmeen nayfeh

& MIND

Particulars Pickleball

There’s no doubt that in the last few years pickleball went from relative obscurity to being a hugely popular sport for all ages. Washingtonians seem to enjoy an extra bit of reverence for the game as it all started right in our backyard. Before you hit the court, check out these quirky facts about the exploding sport of pickleball.

1. Three fathers from Bainbridge Island invented pickleball in 1965 to play with their children.

2. The rules are from a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis.

3. It was named after a family dog called Pickles.

4. There is a governing body for the sport, USA Pickleball.

5. Pickleball players are called “picklers.”

6. “The kitchen” is the seven-foot area closest to the net.

7. The net is 34 inches high.

8. Pickleball balls have between 26 to 40 holes, depending on whether they are indoor or outdoor balls.

9. The equipment is known as a paddle, never a racquet.

10. “Falafel” is a term for a ball that wasn’t hit with power.

11. People sometimes shout “pickle” right before they are about to serve.

kinross trunk show

Join us in Eclipse for exclusive access to the fall/winter collection of Kinross, and enter for a chance to win a Kinross printed scarf.

October 26, 2-6 p.m.

back-to-school sale

Start this school year in style. Update your wardrobe during the first week of September, and enjoy 20% off your total purchase. Stay in the know! Sign up for Eclipse emails at members.bellevueclub.com for exclusive news, sales and events.

become a style insider

DRESS SPLENDID, $158 EARRINGS STOLL & HEART, $39

It’s officially sweater weather, so let our stylists help pick out the perfect fall looks

Beginner’s Guide to

Your breath is a powerful tool that you always carry with you, but few know exactly how to harness it for better mental and physical well-being. Here’s a brief guide on how to use this basic bodily function to better your life.

WHAT IS BREATHWORK?

Breathwork refers specifically to deep, intentional, often rhythmic breathing in the diaphragm or belly.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Breathwork triggers an instinctual relaxation response to calm the nervous system, which can decrease anxiety.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BREATHWORK AND MEDITATION?

During breathwork you actively manipulate the pattern and depth of your breath. During meditation, you let the breath be natural and observe the rhythms.

There are numerous approaches to breathwork. Here are some of the most common practices and some Sanskrit terms for them:

ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING

(Nadi shodhana):

The basic concept of this technique is exactly how it sounds. Using your fingers, close off one nostril and deeply inhale through the other. Then pause, switch nostrils and exhale through the other side. Pause, and inhale through the side you just exhaled through. Pause, and then change nostrils and exhale through the other side. Repeat this cycle for 5 to 10 minutes.

BOX BREATHING:

Breathe in slowly while counting to four. Hold your breath (also called kumbhaka, or breath retention) for four counts, then breath out for four counts. Hold for four more counts. Repeat this cycle for 5 to 10 minutes.

SKULL SHINING BREATH

(Kapalabhati):

Also called Breath of Fire, this technique is known to highly energize and ignite the body. Sit cross-legged and place one hand on your belly. Take a short inhale and breathe out quickly. All the emphasis should be on short, powerful exhales. Perform this breath practice for three rounds of 30 seconds.

LION POSE

(Simhasana):

This breathwork is great for releasing anxiety, anger or other challenging emotions. Sit cross-legged or lay down on your back and take a big breath in through your nose. Stick your tongue out and forcefully exhale while making a “ha” sound. Repeat three to five times, and then do a few soft rounds of breathing after.

HOW

TO

winterize

YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

THE EXPERTS AT THE SPA GAVE US SOME TIPS AND TRICKS FOR PREPARING YOUR SKIN AND NAILS TO CHANGE WITH THE SEASONS.

WHAT IS WINTERIZING?

It’s the mindful process of repairing summer skin, hair, and nails (that were potentially sunburned, bug-bitten, or dried out from pools) while also adding protective measures for the upcoming chilly seasons. The combination of harsh cold weather plus highly heated rooms can wreak havoc.

WHAT DOES WINTERIZING LOOK LIKE?

It includes adding powerful moisturizes into as many parts of your routine as possible. For example, SkinCeuticals has an amazing daily moisturizer, but consider switching to something like the Triple Lipid Restore product for a few weeks when the weather is changing. The skin on your face, neck and hands is trying to keep up and adjust, so giving them a little boost goes a long way. They also have a Hydra Balm that’s perfect for delicate hands and nails.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Yes, make sure to continue sunscreen use even in the winter. Harmful rays can still do damage even in the gloomier gray days.

WHAT ABOUT FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS, LIKE SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING, ANY OTHER HELPFUL TIPS?

Yes, again, sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. But also, if you have sensitive skin that is prone to windburn, wear a facemask or buff. There are plenty of stylish options specifically made to keep your face warm and protected while doing your favorite snow activities. Also, it’s hard to do, but try not to put your skin directly into a scalding hot shower or hot tub right after. It might feel great, but the drastic temperature change can encourage maximum dehydration. Pick a mild water temperature if possible. Lastly, always carry a lip moisturizer on the mountain.

WHAT ABOUT NAILS?

Nails can also become naturally more brittle in the winter and are prone to drying, splitting or cracking. There are a variety of nail strengtheners out there, but avoid any that use formaldehyde or other nasty chemicals. Try the Nail & Hard Serum from Typology. It’s packed with healing keratin and hyaluronic acid. Wearing gloves as much as possible can also help, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outside.

To book an appointment in the Spa with one of our experts, visit the Bellevue Club app.

TRAIL MAINTENANCE: A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Post-Hike Recovery

Hiking can be an incredibly rewarding activity. It’s great for cardiovascular training and mental health. But sometimes if you go too hard (or climb too high), it can result in muscle and joint soreness the following day or two. Bellevue Club physical therapist and avid hiker Dr. Vanessa Kopaniak gave us tips and tricks for staying healthy and happy before, on and after the trails. Three

Pre-Hike Stretches

1. Use a tree or your car for balance, and stand tall on one leg.

2. Grab the ankle of the opposite leg and bring the heel toward your glutes until you feel a comfortable stretch in the front of your thigh.

3. Ensure the knee stays pointed at the ground (and does not travel forward) as you pull the heel back.

4. Hold stretch at comfortable intensity for 20 seconds.

5. Repeat the stretch two to three times on each leg.

QUADRICEPS STRETCH (front of thigh)

GASTROCNEMIUS STRETCH (back of lower leg)

1. Stand near a tree or car, and place your hands on it for stability.

2. Stagger your legs, one in front of the other.

3. Keep your back heel down and back knee straight, with both feet pointing forward.

4. Gently lunge forward until you feel a comfortable stretch in the gastroc muscle of the back leg.

5. Hold stretch at comfortable intensity for 20 seconds.

6. Repeat the stretch two to three times on each leg.

HAMSTRINGS STRETCH (back of thigh)

1. Place your foot/heel on the car bumper or a nearby log with knee straight

2. Hinge forward at your hips, keeping the back straight, until you feel a comfortable stretch in the back of your thigh/knee.

3. Hold the stretch at comfortable intensity for 20 seconds.

4. Repeat the stretch two to three times on each leg.

Who Can Benefit from Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is geared toward optimizing human movement. Treatment is multifaceted and works toward enhancing mobility, alleviating pain, restoring function and safeguarding against potential disability and mobility issues before they manifest. It is grounded in scientific evidence and can help address a broad range of orthopedic conditions, sports-related injuries and other muscle, bone and joint conditions, in addition to treating neurological conditions and balance or unsteadiness on the feet.

Bellevue Club offers on-site physical therapy services provided by Dr. Vanessa Kopaniak. For more information or to book an appointment, visit conciergephysicaltherapists.com/bellevue-club

Dealing With DOMS: Post-Hike Soreness

• Delayed onset muscle soreness, commonly known as DOMS, is muscle soreness following relatively intense exercise that causes pain and discomfort, which peaks between 24 and 72 hours following exertion.

• Though the feeling is unpleasant, DOMS is often a positive sign that exercise and training was effective and muscles are recovering into a stronger state. DOMS typically improves on its own within a few days to a week.

• Moderate intensity massage (manual, foam roller, muscle roller stick, etc.) can be an effective treatment for reducing the associated stiffness and pain from DOMS. When applied within two hours after activity, it can lessen the inflammatory response in recovering muscles.

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Local chef and mushroom hunter Becky Selengut knows a thing or two about fungus, and proves it in her beautiful and informative book Shroom: Mind-bendingly Good Recipes for Cultivated and Wild Mushrooms . Just in time for harvest season, she shared a few recipes for those who want to experiment with some of the most fascinating mushrooms available.

MAKE THE MUSHROOM THE MAIN DISH

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH MATSUTAKES AND LEMON

Most folks advise to keep dishes using matsutakes as simple as possible to allow the unique perfume of this special mushroom to waft, untethered to other strong scents, to the diner’s nose. Then along came Thuylieu Hoang, who cooked at Poppy, one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle, with a simple, off-the-cuff dish taking the very bold, often maligned brussels sprout and pairing the vegetable with the equally bold, spicy and ethereal matsutake This can’t work, I thought. I was wrong. I think this dish would hold up well tossed with butternut squash gnocchi to make it more of a main course or served as a side dish with pan-seared halibut or striped bass, or even a pork loin.

• INGREDIENTS

1 pound brussels sprouts, stems and any brown bits trimmed off and quartered

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon honey

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 pound fresh matsutake mushrooms, stems medium diced, caps thinly sliced

1/4 pound fresh maitake mushrooms, medium diced

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/4 cup Mushroom Stock

1 lemon, cut into wedges

• PROCEDURE

written by Becky Selengut

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and brush with some olive oil. Pile the sprouts on the pan, and drizzle 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the honey on top, as well as the lemon juice. Mix well and then add 1 teaspoon of the salt. Mix again and spread out on the pan. Grind some black pepper over the top. Pop the pan into the oven and cook for 15 minutes. Then stir the sprouts and roast for another 10 to 20 minutes, until brown, tender and a little crispy at the edges.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms, along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, until they are tender and lightly browned. Stir in the lemon zest and some black pepper, and when the sprouts are done, mix them in. Moisten with the stock and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Serve with the lemon wedges.

•••

photography by Clare Barboza

ROASTED CHANTERELLES AND BACON WITH SWEET CORN SAUCE

This dish would make a great first course for a multicourse dinner served sometime in September, right when the chanterelles start popping and the corn is waning. If you happen to have a couple of garden tomatoes lying around, chop them up and spread them on the toast to serve on the side, or even better, serve this dish with a panzanella salad with basil, tomato, croutons and mozzarella.

I’ve found a great way to cook bacon so the fat renders slowly and the lean crisps up by gradually warming the oven. As the bacon fat renders, it coats the slowly caramelizing chanterelles.

• INGREDIENTS

9 ounces chanterelles, large ones split in half, small ones left whole

1/4 pound bacon, small diced

3 ears fresh corn

2/3 cup Mushroom Stock

1 tablespoon butter, melted, plus more for drizzling

Tabasco sauce (or hot sauce of your choice; optional)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed

4 ounces piquillo chili peppers from a jar (or roasted red peppers), thinly sliced

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

4 slices toasted crusty bread

• PROCEDURE

Line a baking pan with parchment paper and spread out the chanterelles and bacon on it. Pop in a cold oven and set the temperature to 400°F. Set a timer for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, mix the mushrooms and bacon and place back in the oven for another 5 minutes (making sure they are spread out). Mix again, and return to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the bacon is rendered and crisp and the mushrooms are tender and caramelized. When they are done, remove from the oven and cover with foil until everything else is finished.

Meanwhile, cut the corn off the cobs. Add half the corn kernels to a blender. Then, putting the blender in the sink, hold the cobs over the blender and, using a spoon, scrape down the cobs into the blender to get all the corn “milk” from the cobs. Add the stock, melted butter and Tabasco to the blender as well. Pulse until smooth (adding a little water if necessary to get the blender to work). Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a small saucepan. Use a rubber spatula to press as much as you can through the strainer. Season with a teaspoon of the salt, plus more if needed.

In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the baking pan. Add the remaining half of the corn kernels, the piquillo peppers, the remaining teaspoon of salt, and black pepper and sauté for 5 minutes, until you get a little color on the corn. Add the basil, sauté for another minute; then season to taste (keep in mind the bacon is salty) and reserve. Right before serving, heat up the corn sauce over medium heat, mixing carefully with a rubber spatula so the natural cornstarch doesn’t burn on the bottom of the pot. It should thicken and coat the back of a spoon in just a few minutes.

To serve, pour an equal amount of corn sauce into each of four shallow bowls. Spoon a portion of the corn and pepper mixture in the middle. On top of that, serve equal portions of the chanterelles and bacon. Serve with the toasted bread.

• PROCEDURE

Place an oven rack in the middle position, and preheat the broiler to high.

Clean the fresh morel mushrooms, or rehydrate dried morel mushrooms, saving the rehydration liquid if using it. Cut the morels into 1/4-inch rings. Trim the crust from the brioche slices and cut them diagonally into two triangles. In a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Remove a tablespoon of the melted butter and reserve for the brioche.

Add the shallots to the skillet, along with the salt and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute, or until they start to soften. Add the morels and thyme and increase the heat to high. Once the mushrooms have started to brown, after about 5 minutes, deglaze the pan with the stock (or mushroom rehydration liquid), sherry vinegar and brandy, making sure to scrape up any stuck bits.

MORELS ON BRIOCHE TOAST POINTS WITH BRANDY AND THYME

Morels on toast points is a classic French recipe that features the sublime, earthy flavor of this highly prized mushroom, gilding the lily with booze, butter and fresh herbs. In simple dishes like this, you come as close as possible to the essence of the woods on a plate.

1/2 pound fresh morels, or 1 ounce dried

4 (2-inch) slices of brioche (or bread of your choice)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup minced shallot

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or (optional) truffle salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 cup Mushroom Stock (page xxiii) or mushroom

rehydration liquid

1 teaspoon sherry vinegar

2 tablespoons brandy

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Simmer until the liquid reduces by two-thirds, about 5 minutes. While the liquid is reducing, place the brioche on a baking pan and brush both sides with the reserved melted butter. Broil on the middle rack until the top side is toasted, then flip and toast the bottom (watch it carefully!). Once the liquid has reduced, add the cream. Continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes more. Add the parsley. Season to taste with more salt and black pepper.

Serve the toast points topped with the mushroom mixture.

NOTE: To be extra-fancy, you can make a mini herb salad to place on top of the mushrooms. Combine the leaves of various soft fresh herbs, such as flat-leaf parsley and thyme, with nasturtium and/or other edible flowers, and dab them lightly with a little extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice

• PROCEDURE

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Line two baking pans with parchment paper. Toss the cauliflower, lion’s mane and onions with the olive oil; then season with the salt, cayenne and black pepper. Roast in the oven until light brown and tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

ROASTED LION’S MANE AND CAULIFLOWER WITH ZANTE CURRANTS AND RED ONION

This is a simple and unusual side dish that could easily be turned into a vegetarian main course by roasting some cooked chickpeas (add them halfway through the cooking time) and serving with naan. Or keep it as a side dish and serve with lamb chops and a bit of pesto.

• INGREDIENTS

1 head cauliflower, cut into very small florets, stems thinly sliced 1/2 pound lion’s mane mushrooms, moisture squeezed out and cut or torn into bite-size pieces

1/2 red onion, cut into thin half-moons

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more if you like things hot

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup Zante currants

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

While the cauliflower and mushrooms roast, soak the currants in the red wine vinegar. As soon as the cauliflower is tender, remove from the oven and toss with the currants and parsley. Drizzle more olive oil over the top. This dish is best served at room temperature.

For more information, visit beckyselengut.com/shroom.

A TALE OF TWO ARTISTS

written by lauren hunsberger

•••

photography by vickie miao

On paper—or canvas—it seems these two artists have very little in common.

Susan Walker, a local fine artist, takes two months to complete a work. She often draws inspiration from exact snapshots of beautiful scenes she has experienced in her real life. Her home studio, set in a lush garden, is a veritable research center for color wheels of oil paints and precise techniques.

Unpack the different styles of two friends, tennis partners and painters living out their greatest artistic dreams together

Walker says. “You have to first create the color palette, then assess the different possible combinations. Choose a brush . . . It’s a constant mental challenge. And it’s my dream life.”

Her almost-photorealistic style, reminiscent of the American realist painter Edward Hopper, reflects all that decision-making and intention perfectly. The detail, delicacy, deliberateness and discipline all come through; no stroke of the brush is an accident.

“In doing commissions, I work with a photographer to capture a client’s vision. From the reference photo, we collaborate on the composition (what to leave in and what to eliminate) to present visual options to the client,” Walker says. “I love the whole process.”

Carol Whitaker, a retired attorney for Microsoft and Paramount Pictures, a sailor, yoga teacher, tutor, playwright, community activist and more, has a slightly different approach.

“I’m an abstract expressionist, and it’s all very responsive,” Whitaker says, although she doesn’t even really care to assign a label to her style. Inspiration seems to hit her quick, and her paintings can take anywhere from a few hours to years to finish, depending on her mood or what’s going on in her life. And her mediums wildly vary from acrylic paint to found objects.

“Sometimes I start with a stick or a sponge, or a piece of paper. I make an initial choice, and just keep working until I like it. I have a whole series that I did during the pandemic based on the colors of this purple-and-yellow flower I kept seeing. Painting is a respite for me from my analytical side,” Whitaker says.

“I’m never trying to do something representational. But that doesn’t mean I don’t paint a cat,” she jokes. “I paint the essence of a cat.”

While talking back-to-back to these two women, who are longtime friends and supporters of each other, as well as tennis partners, it was almost comical to hear about their distinctly different approaches to painting. But after peeling back the layers it became apparent why they get along.

“IT’S A VERY CHALLENGING INTELLECTUAL ENDEAVOR. IT IS A MASTER CLASS IN PROBLEM SOLVING—TO BE AN ARTIST,”

Most importantly, they share a deep belief that art is a life-changing endeavor which needs to be supported more in schools and the greater community. Walker has a bachelor’s degree in fine art from the University of California, Davis, with continuing education at the University of Washington. Whitaker has a bachelor’s degree in English from Northwestern University and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and she also took classes at Bellevue College and North Seattle College for painting and drawing.

Beyond their credentials, they talk similarly about how art affects and enriches future generations.

“It’s hugely important for kids who aren’t sit-down-anddo-worksheets types, the kinesthetic or visual learners,” says Walker, a former principal in the Issaquah School District. “Plus kids just gravitate to art. I grew up in an educational environment that had such a heavy emphasis on college and grinding, and I was able to do that. But every hour of art class was a sanctuary for me. And again, the intellectual problem-solving skill is just so invaluable.”

Whitaker now volunteers for the the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) and helps promote a high school scholarship program and a yearly K – 12 art show, among many other art-focused community endeavors.

“Art is good for everybody. It’s a way of finding selfesteem,” Whitaker says. “I’m into anything that focuses a kid on a positive experience. What I want to teach, what I think is so critical to learn, is the confidence that comes with expressing yourself.”

We aspire to lower our carbon emissions to net zero by 2045 and help others do the same.

Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility in Ellensburg

MEET THE ARTISTS

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Susan Walker

susanwalkerstudio.com

costa rica

ONE OF THE HAPPIEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

written by lauren hunsberger •••

photography by Yasmeen Nayfeh

1GET WILD AT THE MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

THE HIGHLIGHTS: nature preserves, animal watching, nature bathing

The Manuel Antonio Park is one of the country’s smallest national parks, but it’s known as the most vibrant with the largest range of wildlife, including howler monkeys, snakes, sloths, crabs, toucans and more.

Six ways to explore the rugged rain forests and beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.

A TRIP FROM SANTA TERESA TO MONTEZUMA

THE HIGHLIGHTS: BEACHES, RESTAURANTS, YOGA, SURFING, WELLNESS

These two small towns are located within 10 miles of each other on the Nicoya Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica. The region is known for its private beaches, dramatic cliffsides and amazing dining options, exciting nightlife, and pristine surfing and kayaking spots. An interesting fact: the peninsula is one of the five official Blue Zones, which are places known for creating environments that promote longevity. A short boat ride or scenic drive between the two is worth it.

HOP ON AN ATV IN QUEPOS

THE HIGHLIGHTS: EXTREME ADVENTURE, THRILLS, JUNGLE EXPLORING

Fly through the jungle until the twists and turns take you to stunning waterfalls, mountain views and rushing rivers. If you book a tour with ATV Real Adventure, you will also get the opportunity to drop by local villages and learn about the culture. This half-day tour leaves plenty of time for you to visit a few other spots or get a delicious bite to eat in this special town.

4

TORTUGA ISLAND SNORKEL TOUR FROM SAN JOSÉ

THE HIGHLIGHTS: WILDLIFE SIGHTING, SNORKELING, ADVENTURE

From Montezuma, travel by catamaran to Alcatraz and Tolinga, the two smaller islands that make up Tortuga Island, to view turtles, dolphins and other fascinating sea-dwelling life. The small-group setting offers up-close encounters with expert guides. After, sunbathe on the beaches or go on a hike through the jungle. This is a popular tourist destination, so book your trip in advance.

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A PARTY IN JACO

THE HIGHLIGHTS: THE NIGHTLIFE, PEOPLE WATCHING, CULTURAL IMMERSION

A smaller, slightly more remote city, Jaco is known as a Costa Rican nightlife hot spot within a lush, mountainous environment with volcanic-sanded beaches. Enjoy dozens of clubs, bars and restaurants, all within a short distance. Like most other spots in Costa Rica, the beaches and surfing during the daytime are also world-class, but be prepared for a more vibrant party crowd here at night.

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EXPERIENCE A CLOUD FOREST IN MONTEVERDE

THE HIGHLIGHTS: SUSTAINABILITY, BIODIVERSITY, ENVIRONMENTAL WONDERS

Monteverde is a small mountain town known around the world for its unique ecotourism opportunities. There are three nature reserves here: Monteverde Reserve, the Santa Elena Reserve and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, and they all protect the delicate cloud forest, which is exactly what it sounds like. A soft canopy of clouds hangs over the forest, naturally watering the trees. There are more than 755 tree species within this one lush area.

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SPARKLE AND SHINE DURING THE WARM DAYS OF AUGUST.

Anyone who spends time around little ones knows their emotions can get the best of them sometimes. Anger, sadness, frustration or fear—they can all be hard feelings to handle. Here are a few prompts to help calm kids when they need it most.

THE COLOR MEDITATION FOR CALMNESS.

To calm down heightened emotions, have your kids list or describe the colors they see at any given moment. Or have them close their eyes and describe colors they feel.

THE SLEEPY BOAT FOR REST.

Prompt your children to close their eyes and picture a boat of their choosing on a large body of water. Let them build the details of the scene, and pretty soon they will drift off.

THE HAPPY PLACE TO COMBAT SADNESS.

If you notice intense feelings of anxiety or sadness, have your kids close their eyes and picture the place they love the most. It might be a room in your home, on a beach or in another location they love.

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