Paradise.

We have a volunteer intern at work - an exchange student from China. She's finished her high school work here, and is taking college courses here in Seattle. She's from a small island in China, speaks perfect English with no accent, has a perfect GPA, and goes by the name "Echo". She's pretty, and crazy stylish, and sweet and just wonderful to be around. Everyone adores her. I love having her help us out for a short time each week ... she reminds me what it's like to be that age, to have a huge life in front of her filled with whatever she wants, to be brilliant and full of possibilities.

She and her classmates took a field trip last week down to Mount Rainier, and she e-mailed me this picture today. It's perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I love living here. Especially in the gorgeous summer. Y'all should visit.