Sunday, January 29, 2017

A Storybook Cottage "Ellie and Clarence" Nestled in The Cascades



Hello to the New Week! Today, I am taking you along with me on a little trip! I promise. You will enjoy the journey :) "Sometimes when you lose your way you find yourself." I love this quote by Mandy Hale. A few weeks ago we set out on a drive. It was just the four of us and we had no destination in mind. It was a bright and sunny day. The Cascades were beckoning! As a family, we love going on short drives on weekends. The Cascade mountain range is in our backyard and I love to explore every inch of it :)

We took a slight detour and soon reached a pretty little town called Index. With a handful of homes, and a general store thats doubles as the post office, this place is tiny and exquisite :) With a population of 178, this is the smallest town in Western Washington.  The town is only 3 miles away from the summit of Mount Index.  On sunny, wintry days, the snow covered peak glistens and the whole place seems magical.

I could barely believe my eyes, when I saw a sign for gifts and vintage finds along the road! Luckily, I have a family that humors me.  We parked the car and trudged along to find this place! There was snow everyone. It was very slippery and we had to walk carefully! I was on a mission though and nothing would have stopped me that day :)

We spotted this tiny storybook cottage and I was smitten. I could not imagine that a place like this could exist in the middle of nowhere!  We stepped inside to find a friendly lady who answered all my questions about this place! This little cottage was originally a garden shed located on the property of an inn. The inn was established in 1898.

Today, with a new foundation, floor, insulation, lighting, and a comfortable interior this building is now a wonderful place to pick up a gift or local souvenir. This tiny store features the work of local and talented people from around the valley who contribute to its seasonal displays! Their customers include locals, cabin owners, vacation rental guests, outdoor recreationers, and road trippers exploring the back roads of Washington.

I did take a lot of pictures hoping to capture the beauty and simplicity of this perfect little place! For me, it was like a dream come true! The thought of owning a little store filled with vintage and handcrafted goodies fills my heart with glee :)

Do you ever think of doing something out of the ordinary, something out of your comfort zone? Have you made the leap? If you have not, what's stopping you ? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Can you really “Love what you do and do what you love?" in my mind the people running this little store are living my dream!  However, I am sure they have their own share of struggles......

I came away from this place feeling happy and at peace with my share of day dreams :)

That's my daughter in the frame admiring the cottage :)




Here are a few images from inside the store. The store is filled with unique finds. Local artwork, handmade pottery, vintage postcards, handmade cards and gifts abound.

















The scenery outside the cottage was stunning....













If you are traveling to my part of the world, make sure you stop by this little place.  It's sure to bring you joy :)

Find this lovely store at 308 5th Street, Index, WA 98256.  They are open on the weekends from 11am to 3pm.  

Images: Copyright My Dream Canvas

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