“From the heart of Rainier Valley” is from Tristin Pagenkopf, one of the last of the blue-light specials, born just off of Rainier Avenue back in 1968. She has a day job. Sometimes she teaches. She’s married to a foreigner. They live in a house in Hillman City that’s seen better days, and they count themselves lucky to live in a fascinating, beautiful neighborhood filled with interesting people and a rich history, which is what she shares with RVP readers on a semi-regular basis.
Today I have a letter from the mayor’s office sitting on my placemat. My name is spelled wrong, but it’s definitely addressed to me. While I write a lot of letters, I don’t expect answers. Not answers that actually say anything. So this letter may sit unopened for quite a while. My letters to public people like the mayor, or the CEO of Safeway, are mostly about how things could be different, sometimes about how things aren’t fair, and generally, include suggestions about how to help us live a better life. My voice is only one of many, but I was taught young that every voice counts, especially if you want change.
We had our first visitors this past month, English in-laws by way of Canada. The whole visit was a blur. I have a rule with this branch of family. I will only take on five things in any one day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They think I’m joking – good God woman, you can easily do so much more – and invariably plan impossible itineraries, like baking scones from scratch for breakfast , then driving around Mt. Rainier after looking at every single plane at the Museum of Flight. All in a single day.
Anyhow, one morning I had to go into the office, and I left sketchy instructions about where the tea pot was along with the tea. Apparently my box of Harrods tea was not good enough for these northern English folks, because my father-in-law decided to strike out on his own. Keep in mind that we live on the south end of Hillman City, smack dab in the middle of Rainier Valley. I myself have not been into every shop near our house, not having need of halal supplies, or any desire for bubble tea.
But to my father-in-law, it looked just like home. He went straightaway to the little shop next to Mawadda Café (Mustqua (spelling?) Express). And get this, he found exactly what he was looking for – PG Tips, loose leaf, and a quart of milk. He also let me know that they have the curry mixes he’s familiar with from home. Half a block from our house, half a world from his home. I was truly surprised. Take that, WalkScore! You give us a measly 57 because you don’t recognize anything on our block as existing if it’s not listed in the phone book.
And finally, tonight is Tuesday, so the gospel church across the way is rocking out. I can see my neighbor Ralph pacing in his kitchen. It’s pushing 85 degrees inside even with all the windows and doors open, and I confess that it’s too hot for me. But to sit on the front porch and hear those voices lifted in song, accompanied by a drum set, is a genuine treat. The deep base tones of the preacher, the swell of the choir, and the rhythm of the service brings me peace. And as of yet, I have not heard a single siren.
More From the Heart of Rainier Valley:
- Eggs on the Doorstep, Jazz Next Door, Mrs Folino Goes for a Walk (4/17/09)
- South-End Drive #1: Spring Blooms (3/19/09)
- Chinese New Year, Bullet Holes & Cigar-Smoking Grandma (2/8/09)
Who to know, where to eat & what to do in one of America’s most diverse zip codes!
{ 3 comments }
This essay was a pleasure to read.
I was actually just wondering where or if I could find PG Tips in the Valley. Now I have the answer. Thanks, Tristin!
What an enjoyable story. Having lived 5 years in Yorkshire, England. I know how important proper tea really is. Good to know I can find it so close to home.
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