Name: Meredith Ann Murray

Children: Two miracle children; Christopher, 23, whom we adopted at birth after 5 years of infertility and Taylor, 12, my biological child born when I was 41 after overcoming the challenge of miscarriages over 15 years of infertility.

Career: Full-time professional Realtor® with Keller Williams Realty, helping people purchase and market real property in Whatcom County. www.ServiceWithHeart.com

I work part time in network marketing with StemTech Health Science, the only natural stem cell enhancer on the market.

I am ordained as a minister, earning my Masters in Divinity in Spiritual Peacemaking from The Beloved Community in Ashland, Oregon, founded by James Twyman. I perform weddings, rites of passage, and other Intra-Faith ceremonies as well as Spiritual Mentoring.

Where did you grow up: West Springfield, Massachusetts until I was 9 years old then we moved to Upstate New York for 6 years. We returned to New England where I completed high school and attended the University of N.H.

How long have you lived in Whatcom County: 12 years this August

What is your favorite activity in Whatcom County: I love alpine skiing at Mt Baker and hiking all the great trails around here –interurban, Pine Lake, Fragrance Lake, etc. I also like tide pooling and camping at our wonderful State and county parks in Whatcom County. There is so much beauty to enjoy and a lot to do in this area!

Favorite places to eat: My own home, the Cliff House, Boundary Bay and On Rice Thai restaurants.

Last community event attended? Ski to Sea Parade and “It All Ends in Fairhaven”. We (Keller Williams Realty) participated in the parade for the first time this year (although we are long time Chamber of Commerce members) and won three awards: The County Executive’s Award, the Best Commercial Entry, and the GRAND PRIZE!!! It is about serving our community and having a lot of fun in the process.

Favorite listening: I love to attend the summer outdoor music concerts in Bellingham at our many beautiful venues. During the rainier months, you can often find me dancing and enjoying live music at the Wild Buffalo House of Music. I enjoy the local live of musicians such as David Weiss, Linda Allen, Equinox, Mockingbird, the Atlantics, the Motown Cruisers, the Chryslers, the Walrus, etc. (Oh, and I am a raving fan of young baritone Josh Groban whom I saw in person in California this winter!)

Recommended reading: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Peace is the Way by Deepak Chopra and Loving What Is by Byron Katie.

Favorite non-profit: Kulshan Community Land Trust – building and preserving affordable housing in our community, giving more people the opportunity to be a home owners.

Preferred local shopping: The Community Food Co-Op, The Green House on Holly, Connection Clothing Company on Cornwall, Chuckanut Bay Gallery & Garden on Chuckanut Drive.

What do you like to do on a rainy day for fun? Snuggle up on the coach with my son Taylor and watch a movie with a bowl of buttered popcorn.

Fondest Memory: Celebrating coming home with both of my sons for the first time and swimming with the dolphins in Kona, Hawaii this April while on a Spiritual Retreat.

What do you love about Bellingham: The fact that we have only one degree of separation. With everyone I meet, we discover that we know at least one person in common - always! This is such a warm, tight-knit, close community.