When friends get creative

We all have needs. For some of us it comes in the form of a coffee bean. Good friends know just what we need and that it might come in a cup with some milk foam peeking out from the top.

Ruth made this for her friend, Krista the other day who was seen proudly wearing it at Jet City Espresso while the two were sharing stories over cups of good caffeine.

Creativity, coffee and friendship - it is what makes the world go round. At least in my book it does.

Jet City Espresso
Corner of 2nd and Main

Coffee in Georgetown

Love a good cup of coffee - and I seek out the coolest locales and the best cup of joe in whatever neighborhood that takes my fancy. This recently opened espresso spot in Georgetown has the best decor, and why shouldn't they? Owner Brigh Wright has a great eye and also owns 24 Karat Vintage Interiors on South Bailey. It is such a treat to plop down and take in an eyeful.

Ground Control Espresso serves Lighthouse Coffee (beans hand roasted right in Fremont) and claims they have the best Americanos in Georgetown. They offer pastries. sandwiches and the renowned Top Pot Doughnuts besides the "jet fuel" we all need and want.

The little tables, the decor that is all for sale, just hit the right cord with me. Loved it. Will go back. They had coupons worth a free 12 oz. French Press Drip with purchase of pastry or breakfast item and have Wi-Fi and punch cards for the frequent refueler. Georgetown is a great way to get beyond your neighborhood for a bit of something new, without spending all day getting there. Try it.

Ground Control Espresso
Airport Way and 13th Ave.S.
Georgetown
Open Daily 8-4

First Friday Block Party - go kick it

Charcoal drawings, the buzz from caffeine, booty shakin' tunes and an artist to meet. That is what First Friday Block Parties at Liberty Cafe are all about. Don't miss the one tonight.

Antonio U. Lovett will be on hand to lead you through his mostly monochromatic world of charcoal pastels on paper. Born to a painter, Antonio has been living the life of an artist since his earliest days. This show, which I have seen him call the Shadow Life and The Pale Moonlight Show is always changing. New works rotate in frequently. Never the a dull moment with Antonio at the helm and worth a new look with each visit to the cafe.

Originals and prints are for sale, so there is something for all size of pocketbook. Just ask.

Antonio U. Lovett

DJ Phil Anthony will be rockin' the house with his well played tunes, there will be beverages and nibbles. Head over about 6:30ish and let the fun begin.

Antonio U. Lovett
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Liberty Cafe
926 S. Third Street
(425) 235 - 1400

Birthday Greetings

A few days behind, but still wishing you all the best for this next year girl.

Art at the Theater

Artist Michelle Waldele-Dick has a show hanging in the reception area of our local Carco Theater, and her oil paintings are a joy to view. Using a classical realist approach to her subjects of landscape and still life, Michelle paints what she knows and loves. Views of the Pacific Northwest, flowers native to the area around us and other subjects are on view through the end of March.

Michelle hails from the well known Gage Academy and presently teaches art to both youth and adults at Arts Umbrella in Bothell, WA. Personally, I am wishing she was teaching right next door at the community center.

There is no admission fee to see her show and mid-month, there will a an artist reception where refreshments will be served and you can meet the artist in person. Save your calendar for Friday, February 19th from 6pm - 8pm. I always liken these events as a great way to soak up a little culture and meet with your mate outside of the four walls you call home. Make it a date night.

For more information about the artist, please visit www.mwaldelefineart.com.

Carco Theatre

1717 SE Maple Valley Highway
425-430-6706
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more information about the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, visit ArtsCommission.rentonwa.gov.

I "heart" Windows

Cupid is on his way - and the Eagle's Club windows on Wells Ave. S. are heralding his cheeky arrival. He looks like he has already been at the candy bowl and is working off his sugar high with a vengeance.

Sometimes a red heart full of throbbing love for Renton is all you need to remind you of how good it is to live here. I am sending out a parcel full of luv to you, community at large.

Cupcakes and cuteness seem to run hand in hand. The windows at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes are always fun to check in on come holiday time. Oh, who am I kidding! We never just look at this outside of this local yummy haunt.

Silly? Valentine? I think not.

Bathtub full of bubbles and mischief at Happy Delusions. Heart shaped pillows to rest your lover's head upon and crowns to king your favorite sweetie.


Romantic lighting is essential.


Happy Delusions is the original purveyor of the "I heart Renton" T-shirts and buttons, so you know just where to go to show your love of our town.

Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes
900 South 3rd Street
Renton, WA 98057-2710
(425) 235-1717

Happy Delusions
924 South 3rd Street
Renton, WA 98057-2734
(425) 255-6078

Eagle's Club
Wells Ave. S. between S. Second and South Third Street

Happy Groundhog's Day Renton!

Punxsutawney Phil's 2010 prediction: for the 11th year in a row, Phil saw his shadow this morning and that means, for some anyways, 6 more weeks of winter. Seeing how this has been this area's fairest Winter on record, I say that we are getting off easy.