Community Connections
[Sponsored Article]
by Melissa Petrini
In today’s busy world, it’s easy to get swept up in screens, schedules, and to-do lists. But sometimes, all it takes is a few minutes outside to reset, reconnect, and remember what really matters.
That’s exactly what Deanna Ratnikova, creator of The GO Deck, discovered when she made getting outdoors a part of her everyday life—and it’s what inspires her to help families and individuals do the same.
Her mission? To show that you don’t have to travel far to find adventure. Nature, connection, and grounding experiences are right where you are—if you just take the time to go.
The Simple Joy of Stepping Outside!
Deanna’s journey started with a love for athletics, but as life evolved—career, family, the 9-to-5 routine—staying active began to feel more like another task than a joy.
Then she set two small but powerful goals: spend time outdoors and keep moving. That mindset shift changed everything.
After moving to San Diego, she rediscovered the outdoors through cycling, and later, through walking. What began as a way to stay active turned into something much deeper—a way to notice and appreciate the beauty of her surroundings. From coastal trails to hidden urban parks, Deanna found that nature was everywhere.
And with that realization came a spark: what if she could help others find these moments too?
Meet The GO Deck — Your Guide to Everyday Adventures!
That spark became The GO Deck, a colorful, hands-on deck of cards filled with local outdoor adventures. Each card features an easy outing idea—like a dog-friendly trail, a scenic waterfront walk, or a short family drive—complete with color-coded maps to make planning simple and fun.
It’s the perfect reminder that adventure doesn’t have to mean packing for a weekend trip or driving hours away. Sometimes, it’s just a few blocks down the road.
“I wanted to show that you can connect with nature right in your city,” Deanna explains. “The GO Deck is about helping people explore what’s already around them—and make those small, shared moments with family and friends feel special.”
What started with GO decks featuring cities she knew and loved (including her hometown of Knoxville, TN, and San Diego), has released the GO Deck Seattle, and is now expanding to new places like Washington, D.C. and Dallas-Fort Worth. Deanna partners with local writers and photographers in each city to make sure every card captures its community’s unique charm.
The result is something truly meaningful: a tool that helps people slow down, get outdoors, and reconnect—with nature and each other.
Capturing the Beauty Around Us in Seattle
To help bring each deck to life visually, Deanna collaborates with passionate photographers who share her love for exploration—including George Matthew Cole, a retired Boeing engineer from Burien who found a new creative spark behind the camera.
After years of writing novels, George discovered photography as a way to capture moments that move people instantly. His relaxed approach and eye for the simple beauty in everyday places make his work a perfect match for The GO Deck’s spirit.
“I wanted to do creative things and I'm doing creative things. So I'm happy about that,” said George, as we sat in his cozy living room. He shared his books and photo books and is proud of collecting more than 25,000 images around Washington state and other places.
You can find many of George’s photos on many popular stock photo services and websites.
You can see more of George’s photography and creative projects by visiting his website at GeorgeColePhoto.com where he shares his latest images, stories, and reflections on life, creativity, and finding joy in new passions after retirement.
Go, Explore, and Connect!
At its heart, The GO Deck isn’t just about exploring—it’s about connecting. Whether it’s a morning walk, a weekend drive, or a spontaneous family outing, each adventure brings a chance to pause, breathe, and truly experience the world around you.
So next time you’re looking for something meaningful to do—whether it’s with your kids, your partner, or even just a moment for yourself—take Deanna’s advice: JUST GO!
Step outside. Wander. Notice. Connect. Because life feels fuller when you get out there and see what’s waiting.
🗺️ Ready to explore your city? Discover The GO Deck and start your next outdoor adventure today at www.thegodeck.com.
📸 See more from George Matthew Cole Visit https://georgecolephoto.com/about to enjoy his photography and creative work celebrating the beauty of everyday life.
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