Monthly Archives: December 2014

Thoughts of Today 12/31/14, Goodbye 2014

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2014 was a crazy year, and anything but mundane and boring.

The past year was happy for me at least. However, with a lot of other emotions thrown in. Every year, one must take the good with the bad. I lost a lot, including an organ, and a wonderful friend to an underestimated mental illness. I also gained a lot, including some fantastic video/audio producing skills and new friends; including a person of great inspiration worked for, who fought off life-threatening cancer..twice. I didn’t travel as much, though I have seen some incredible sights around this great Emerald City. I read some great books (lots of comics, ask me for recommendations), and watched some great movies (Nightcrawler, Guardians of the Galaxy, Birdman, Under the Skin, Black Mirror Christmas). I was guest host on a podcast (Junk Food Dinner), and experimented with audio journalism (not the best results however). I learned that I can quit sodas and deep-fried foods (and avoided such for 99% of the year). I also learned how awesome ice cream and waffles taste on a late sleepless night, and the joy of crazy cloud formations and epic sunsets. I spent great time with old friends I haven’t seen in many years, of who I missed much. I also broke my favorite camera, which I have attempted and failed to fix (may have to give and buy a new body for it..sigh). But at least I put some great pictures before that.

Also, the world around me changed. 3-D printing has jumped very far ahead, where we can now print objects in space orbit. We also landed a machine on a comet traveling 55,000 kilometers per hour. Some US states legalized marijuana and gay marriage. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raised more than 88 million dollars, through fantastically viral Internet social networking. Robin Williams passed away, much too soon and very tragically. Multiple police brutality incidents and accusations of such lead to some riots and civil unrest. Far off, there are escalating conflicts with heavy casualties worldwide; most notably in Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, the Central African Republic. Also, the Ebola virus took some major headlines, as doctors and nurses personally handling the spread are this year’s greatest heroes to me. There was much good and bad, of which we will not forget.

Well 2014, all has been fun and everything else interesting.. My eyes are still open.

There is a little left, of which I will spend in a local café writing and organizing. Later I will be on the roof of my Seattle apartment, awaiting the fireworks close by at that Space Needle. To all: have a great and safe New Year’s Eve, and a 2015 run full of great experiences.

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Picture of Today 12/28/14, Cloudy Days

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Funny thing about these cloudy days..

Others see gloom and depression, and little reason to go outside. Sometimes these comes with cold chills, or some forceful winds. The rain can often be expected as the clouds darken. So, many will hide from the greys. That’s understandable, as only a small glimpse from a small or the portion through a windshield may not offer the best of the day. Expect poor reviews from peers who prefer the bland days of blue.

Yet, there are the bold who appreciate some variety. Those who, even on a cold or windy day, will put on their shoes and seek a more truthful view of their day. Because, often there hidden and changing variety above. No two days are the same, and some are better when there is less of everything else. These clusters of moist crystallized formations can put on the best show, though the stage itself can greatly enhance the performance. There is no cost, better than any HD screen. The best way to enjoy, is to seek a proper view to enjoy the grand show.

I found a lone bench on the edge of a city. This was the best seat ever.

Picture of Today 12/25/14, the Holiday Sky..

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Today was a nice gift..

Especially to the feverish and sickly ill in need of fresh air, like myself. The beautiful unique sky became a sight for healing to my congested soul. The overhead brought crazy color mixtures and fresh still air. The space between felt cold but not freezing (a manageable 41 degrees), and clean for this big city of Seattle. The streets were almost quiet, with barely any cars and occasional people walking about. The sound was still, except for some birds and the distant running giant fountain (and some Christmas music on the distant loudspeakers, mostly ignored).

I eventually found a nice chair, and empty table at an upper platform of this local Seattle Center Park (pictured above). Then, I sank deep within my heavy coat wrapped with a thick red wool scarf; then kicked my feet up for lost time, in the celebration of nothingness and continuation of healing. I watched the sky change until..

I had a visitor, another local traveler drop by. Hello..

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Picture of Today 12/21/14, Winter at 3:03 p.m

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Early today at 3:03 pm, I snapped this moment.

Then, also the official minute when the Winter Solstice officially begins for the area, says this site. The shortest day of the year will soon become the longest night.

What else included the unique and special moment, was my sipping of some amazing hot buttered rum apple cider. It was the best, tastiest cider I can recall from memory. The comforting aroma and steamy hot mixture made with organic fresh apples, was minutes purchased from the nearby Pike Market. They also had other cider mixes, of which are all good (you can taste test). I highly recommend these to visitors, especially if feeling a little ill (like myself this weekend). For those here and wanting, the location is usually in a small tent outside, or check out their site for more info at tinysorganic.com.

That totem pole is awesome. There are others throughout the city, with an interesting history, but for another day to me to share. For now, here is a better shot of that very tall pole..

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Picture of Today 12/20/14, Merry Holiday Season at the Market

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‘Twas the peak of the Holiday weekend shopping rush all through the Market. Earlier, where the corridors were crowded with tourists and gift-givers being greeted by merchants and fish-throwers. The rain outside stayed all day, and a little in the night with some sprinkles here and there. I meanwhile, am happy with my box of smoked salmon, of which I will bring to a party later on.

Good night.

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Picture of Today 12/18/14, Around in the Rain..

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Serious rain happened this evening. From the sky, everything drenched below to these streets of the Emerald City. For us getting home from work, we hurried. For others getting the holiday shopping done, they hurried. For the rest, there were whimsical choices and not the need to escape the nightly showers..which is why this merry-go-round was ready to go this late evening.

Also, one can never be too wet for mini-donuts and hot chocolate..

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Picture of Today 12/16/14, Holidays Bound II

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More lights!!

Same place as yesterday, at the Westlake Center by the Westlake Mall in the jolly Emerald City of Seattle. Enjoy these lights, especially when put up in such a brilliant and strategic pattern.

Picture of Today 12/12/14, The view from Floor 73..

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Of the Columbia Tower, tallest building in Seattle; and the 2nd highest within the west coast US states at 933 ft (284 m).

It is a nice quiet place to relax, unless a fear of heights develops. The floor is open to the public, for a small fee (of which I do not remember). The floor is almost 360 degrees, with nice seats and a cafe.

That land between here and the Sun is West Seattle, surrounded by the Puget Sound waters.

Picture of Today 12/11/14, Moment Along

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A brief moment here, between difficult weather happenings. The clouds here moved quick, in multiple layers from right to left. My fingers shiver in taking this picture; anxious to return to my warmly pockets. The moment is lovely, but I also had to move. My break is over..

(Picture taken at Sculpture Park, and that tree is made of some metal)

Hours earlier, a furious rainstorm. Hours later, howling winds. Then, early night took over, and the winds and rain will likely team. It is best to be inside now (8:47 p.m.)

Picture of Today 12/8/14, the 5 Point Cafe and Bar

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The 5 Point Cafe and Bar, located very close to the Space Needle of Seattle.

A nice place to eat and sit for a late rainy night, especially when you are not ready to go home just yet. They have good steak dishes, and beer.

Picture of Today 12/6/14, Through Sculpture Park.

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Through Sculpture Park, in Seattle.

Here, was good for the later afternoon before the early dark (around 3:00 pm). The temperature was a tolerable 49 degrees with no threats of rain. The cold wind picked up a little and distressed my face, so motioning on was the best activity.

Picture of Today 12/5/14

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Sadly, my usual DSLR camera remains broken. Yet, here I am alone on the roof and I need to share this moment.

The clouds are moving fast, teasing the Moon and its piercing light; entertaining us who stand on rooftops in the night. It’s near full, this Moon (waxing gibbous) So, being stubborn in my moment, I capture with the little phone thing in my pocket (and slight editing later).  I hope you will love this moment with me, in every low-resolution detail.