Where does “Style” come from?
Style enters and exits through our senses. In the sensory rich Methow Valley, I challenge myself to define the Methow Style so I can use the words of it to re-write my style and weave a new wardrobe. Here goes:
The sheer natural beauty of the area makes transformation seem easy: enticing, alluring landscapes send my resolve into overdrive. The area exhales a style of splendor— and a silent summons to slow appreciation. Consider the art that exudes from folks who live here. The Valley attracts artists of all disciplines from painters to sculptures, poets to novelists: the muses live happily in these inspirational environs, or why else would there be so many fine examples of their creations? In fact, take a look at the Methow Arts website, www.methowarts.org celebrating 30 years of arts here in the valley!
From the aroma of freshly baked breads at the Rocking Horse Bakery the ‘Heartbeat of Winthrop’ and Mazama Country Store products with locally grown organic wheat to the smell of fresh hops at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery with an assortment of award winning brews and local wines, I can barely contain the urge to spend all my time eating and drinking. And why not? It’s the best. The warm summers’ grass and dirt bouquets imprint on my olfactory nerve as few other memories will.
There is not much more to recommend the Valley than the huge, deafening sound of silence here. Broken only by the whoosh of wind, or the crack of tree limbs breaking under the weight of snow, the quiet closes in on style, helping me to define and shape the me I want to be. Turn the page, and music fills the air. The Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival, attracts people from far and wide. The music muse listens and smiles.
Almost-all-natural ice cream awaits visitors at the Twisp Glover Street Market along with Organic Smoothies, and an honest-to-goodness Wine Cellar. Restaurants abound. Home grown veggies and fruits, spices and plants are stirred with love into the jams, jellies, mustards, and special brews, drinks, and flavors to tantalize your taste, sustain your style.
Every day, I see prickly, cold, warm, soft, furry, rough, smooth, dry, wet and more. It’s all here. It’s the style. It’s in style. It’s all about style. I’m so glad to be discovering the Methow Style. Join me. Find and define your divine style — here in the sense-rich, stylish Methow Valley.
