Pictures of Today 11/29/14.. of Snowy Awakenings.

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As I expected the usual to follow, I slept a longer on the night before. In the morning, I rested in bed for an hour longer; using my layers of blankets as a turtle shell. I procrastinate even further, prolonging my morning intake of granola and hot apple cider. My apartment window gives little clue to the world outside, as it faces too close to an emotionless brick wall. I suspected nothing, but a normal day. I wait, with holding onto my unexpectations.

Yet eventually, I would go for the great morning walk. And then, surprise… snow and cold winds overwhelm my senses as I leave the building entrance. And suddenly, there was laughter in the distance of children running in the distance. The bluest of skies, missed from the days of conquering greys. I see these remnants of a snowy wonderland, with the city gardenscapes and roofs of unmoved vehicles saving the last largest clusters of snowfall. I felt bewildered, and unadjusting to this sudden drop in temperature. I ask to the neighbor standing aside, puffing on a cigarette, “how long and how much did I miss this?!”

“All night, and some this morning..”

Heh, was all I thought. Not so much the disappoint as I rarely see snow; but I feel a sort of sureness of what world I would wake up to. The morning was almost gone, and snowfall clearly ended. But thankfully, there was much of it still around for me to take a very long and worthwhile walk.

The color of leaves and sudden rush of sunlight brought uniqueness to this morning. The snow was just enough for nature to peek through in places, bringing the a heightened ambiance and surreality to what I find otherwise usual and expected; yet peaceful and adaptive.

So, I am happy to catch this time and place..perhaps the most important potentially missed should I have stayed inside further on. Here are some moments to pass on, in thanks to this world for waiting up..

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Picture of Today 11/25/14

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Happiness is watching some Peanuts cartoon from the warmth of your surroundings. These good times with Charlie Brown and the gang do not have to be from the home, or with familiars, or in direct gaze at the screen.

Message in a Bottle..

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Now recovering from surgery, and also bummed on some missed blogging days in pictures and stray thoughts. I had a good streak going..sigh.

But then for all that missing, I have this wonderful piece of therapeutic art (above) done by my soulful friend from afar, Laura Teoli (Twitter @lteoli), in a heartfelt response to this difficult situation. Such a thoughtful piece fills in what we could all use in a sudden time of difficulty; that message in a bottle. It could be art, or something else of positive vibes with a warm heart; because we can not always count on ourselves when dealing with terrible pain and uncertainty.

So..if you got a friend in a sudden woeful state, send over that metaphorical message in a bottle (which can also be an actual message in a bottle, there are no rules to this).

Meanwhile, I shall return to posting more pictures and random thoughts.

Picture of Today 11/19/14

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I stared at this strange plant in the dark outside; far deep in the downtown and illuminated by a a lone light fixture from an office building entrance. There were others of Its kind around, but not so captivating..to me at least. This plant is somewhat special, though I could not put my finger on why..

I think, I just really like looking at it.

Picture of Today 11/17/14

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Here, is some hidden street art based on Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal movie. You’ll find it in Seattle’s Queene Anne (lower) area behind The Mecca Cafe and Bar. A local peep hanging out back told me about this, which has been up for at least 20 years and retouched fairly recently. Locals love it, even though some details are a bit off.

As to the Dark Crystal movie, it’s a good classic and among the best of the 1980s dark fantasy epics. For me, I remember being mildly terrified at the bird creatures when I first saw this as a small child. As a grown adult, they still kind of creep me out.

Picture of Today 11/15/14

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The moment is quiet and still. No wind, just chill.

Over there, is a contemporary dance theater with scheduled performances. However, for this weekend (as told by a passing local), the Hump! Festival is going on inside. It was described as all amateur porn films, submitted by individuals; the largest show of its kind in the Pacific Northwest US.

I felt almost curious as further questions raised in my head, but best left unasked, unanswered. So, I’ll just go catch that 10:45 showing of Interstellar at the nearby movie theater.

Picture of Today 11/14/14

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I spotted this sweet Lamborghini on the way home. I am unsure on the model, betting it’s a very recent year. This dream machine was underneath Seattle’s Space Needle (notice the reflection), and quite the extra treat for passing tourists.

Here is the further away of that…

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Picture of Today 11/12/14

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This evening, life goes on for this city of Seattle. The wind picks up and the current temperature chills down to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Outside, most people are either coming or going to where they must. Inside, I will soon cook mash potatoes and smoked salmon.

I look back to what made this day special..

Earlier and 510 million miles away, on a comet traveling at 24,600 miles per hour; the Philae probe made its successful landing upon its surface. This journey took more than 10 years in space travel, with many risks along the way. The purpose is to collect and send data (along with the separated Rosetta spacecraft) that may give further insight to the scientific origins of life on earth. More on that at esa.int.

Cheers to this special day.

Picture of Today 11/11/14

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The Pacific Science Center in Seattle shows off the USA colors for this Veterans Day. This day, many Americans take time out to the men and women who choose to serve in out armed forces. Such ways include volunteer or donate to help those vets in need, spending time to learn more about their past and present, promote their brave deeds on Facebook or whatever. Many put up a flag, like atop the Space Needle within walking distance to the left.

All good, and different ways to say thanks.

Picture of Today 11/9/14

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The Cinerama movie theater, here in downtown Seattle.

The mural above you see is fresh, unveiled recently. I love the art style though I wish I knew the artist. The red and blues look great on a rainy day.

The theater itself has been around since 1963, and now closed since late summer for renovations. I often come for special showings of original I look forward to the new changes on the inside (kept covered for now), expecting such to be as amazing as the outside. I’m hoping some of the traditions of old are continued; the chocolate covered popcorn, and the original movie costume props on display.

After it opens, I’ll be sure to take some pictures on the inside. I can’t wait. In the meantime, here are some different angles of the outside..

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Picture of Today 11/8/14

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Just another night in Seattle.

The view is always fantastic from Pier 66. And looking toward, I admire the fresh lights renewing life in the city, preparing for each unpredictable long fall night ahead. Behind me there sets the sun again, but never quite the same in sight as the other evenings. Here was that view, from the other direction…

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More Post Alley art…

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Yesterday, I posted a small portion of some amazing wall art one could see in the Post Alley opening (located under the side of Seattle’s famous Pike Market).

Now, I share a bit more. What is now seen is only what’s here for now and certain to change over time. No two visits over an extended time period are the same. I will look forward to every revisit.

But for now, explore with your eyes..

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Picture of Today 11/7/14

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In Seattle, below the Pike Market, in Post Alley, near the Gum Wall.

The little wads are gum, previously chewed from the passing peoples. You should see the other side behind me. Both walls together is an imagery overload. I think one wall will do for now..

Picture of Today 11/2/14

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Rain down the Needle..

All 605 feet (804 meters) of it on this quiet Sunday. I can take a break under this world famous Space Needle. Here, is generous shelter cover to fix my umbrella, and unwrap the last lolly candy thing in my pocket (snagged from the local dish at the bank three days ago). Also, it’s a good place to look up and admire this unique view.

The rain is light today, yet the loudest noise around me with the constant pitter patter upon my cheap, flimsy umbrella (of which I give and putting in nearby trash). It’s louder than the distant cheers Seahawk fans, as our city football team beat the Oakland Raiders 30-24 in today’s game. The rain is more noticeable than all the passing cars of the city splashing through puddles on every corner. I could imagine stories from the distant sirens, of situations more important than my mundane situation. I can hear some faint laughter from passing tourists, taking those all important selfies with the Needle crouching over. The rain overall, is the most prominent of this moment and the rest of my walk.

I’ll let my smile be my umbrella.

Picture of Today 11/1/14

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November begins..

Or just the day where Fall can be the most Fallish. No more Halloween season to consider (except for Day of the Dead today, but that’s kind of separate) and the last summer is more of a distant memory. The Holiday season feels distant enough to not bother with those decorations yet. I think of today being, the best of the Fall in full swing.

Especially here in the Northwest US, we really got the full Fall. Temperatures now reach below 60 degrees, with moderate rainfall and constant light winds to match. The sky is often gloomy, yet periodic patches of blue and sunlights occasionally peek through, making for some epic sunsets in the later days.

My favorite part of the Fall, is going outside in the morn and noticing copious amounts of fallen leaves scattered about, especially where I live in Seattle. I appreciate much wherever the humans do not sweep, allowing them to collect on the wet ground. Seeing them all scattered about below the stripped trees is a beautiful natural happening, where all local creatures can partake.

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