Buck Brannaman and his young mare

I have always had the desire to volunteer. I did a lot of it as a high school student. When I became an adult, however, there was always some excuse. I was always too busy! First it was school, then my job. Now I make my own schedule. I have no excuse. So what is my problem? Perhaps I just needed the right motivation.

I was an avid rider as a teen and young adult, taking and teaching riding lessons for years. More recently, I had been riding with my sister out at her farm in Enumclaw, however, since an injury in 2007, I have not been able to ride and have been largely out of the horse world. I have really missed the community. I have recently started reading up on techniques and following certain horse people such as Buck Brannaman and Monty Roberts through their websites and on Facebook. They are the horsemen I admire most. Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to help sell CD’s to benefit Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center at the sold out Buck Brannaman Horsemanship Clinic in Spanaway, Washington. I jumped at the opportunity! It was wonderful to talk to horse people again, to meet new people, and to sell a few CD’s to support a great organization. What an amazing opportunity. I made a friend and I learned a lot from Buck while I marveled at his young mare performing “difficult” maneuvers after just 36 rides.

The whole experience inspired me in a couple of ways. I was inspired to become a better, more confident and capable rider. More importantly, I was inspired to become a regular volunteer at Little Bit in Woodinville, Washington. Since I was a teenager I have had the desire to volunteer there to help children and adults, with a wide range of disabilities, through equine therapy. This unique organization helps hundreds of people and has an enormous wait list. They are even expanding at a new location in Redmond, WA; scheduled to be completed around January 2012. If you are interested in volunteering with Little Bit; you can find out more information on their website at www.littlebit.org. Click on the “Volunteers” tab near the top of the page and follow the instructions for who to contact in order to sign up for the orientation and training classes.

If you don’t think you have the time right now, but would like to help out; they are currently accepting donations. You can donate money or even horses, tack, or they have a “wish list” of many other items to help the center run smoothly.

Maybe horses aren’t your thing, maybe you’d prefer dogs, or perhaps you don’t like animals at all. For a list of volunteer opportunities in the area go to:volunteer.truist.com/uwsc/volunteer/ for the United way of Snohomish County or if you are over 55, go to www.volunteermatch.org. These sites match you up with organizations in need of volunteers depending on your availability, ability and interests.

One of the most precious gifts we can all give is our time. I think time, like love, has a way of multiplying. The more we give to those in need, the more we find we are given.

They now have 18 craft beers on tap with monthly cask nights. We shared a glass of Cascade Saison Fume, which was spectacular! A bright gold color with smoked sea salt and herbal notes. There were so many great brews to choose from we had a difficult time deciding on just the one. In addition to their fabulous beer selection which has been recognized by Ratebeerians (RateBeer.com) and Beer Advocates (BeerAdvocate.com); they also have a superb menu!

Their dough is all fresh-made in-house, making it smell so inviting. I had to try one of their specialty pizzas called the Uptown.  This wholly delicious and decadent concoction consists of Alfredo sauce, chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, zucchini, artichoke hearts, and mozzarella. Wow! The 10″ small was $11.75, and was perfect for two to share for lunch.

If the fantastic, fresh food and beer weren’t enough to bring me back, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will. On our recent visit, my husband (a Beer Broker) and I talked with Wayne (the owner) and Brian (resident beer expert) and found them both very engaging. According to Wayne, they have been able to expand their selection and continue to impress their thirsty patrons because of their longstanding commitment to high quality, great tasting craft beer. Brian shared his interest in and knowledge of quality craft breweries and their fare, and his eagerness to continue to seek out great brews.

Another new feature that came as a result of the recent expansion is their ability to showcase local bands, small groups and have open Mic nights on Thursdays. They have a small stage with a brick backdrop. The sound is good and there is a drop down screen at the back of the stage as well. I don’t know what else they have planned for that space, but it seems well thought out for many different types of events.

Though we weren’t able to stay for that night’s event; Bubbles & Fog, a local acoustic rock duo, we are looking forward to catching many of the acts there in the future. I hope to see you there!

http://www.elliotbaypizza.com/

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