The Saucer Magnolia of Seattle






Over the weekend, my eyes fixated upon a magnificent tree with its colorful blooms..

That tree is the Magnolia Soulangeana, or the Saucer Magnolia. This blooming magnificently and stands alone at the Seattle Center (the park area of the Space Needle). You’ll find it a little north to the great International Fountian. This is a tree of multidimensional beauty. From far away and in early spring/late winter, you may gaze upon its’s large blooming flowers of an outside purple edge, shifting to pink and whites. Inside, the petals are white. Upon the ground, they fall to create a surreal, colorful scatter. 

Thanks to the wonderful management of the Seattle Center, I learned of this tree. I was told there colors and changes are a natural evolvement. I felt there had to be more, so I looked up more info..

From Wikipedia..

“Magnolia × soulangeana was initially bred by French plantsman Étienne Soulange-Bodin (1774–1846), a retired cavalry officer in Napoleon’s army, at his château de Fromont near Paris. He crossed Magnolia denudata with M. liliiflora in 1820, and was impressed with the resulting progeny’s first precocious flowering in 1826.[3][4]

From France, the hybrid quickly entered cultivation in England and other parts of Europe, and also North America. Since then, plant breeders in many countries have continued to develop this magnolia, and over a hundred named horticultural varieties (cultivars) are now known.”

Below, we have more, with fallings showing both sides to the loosed petals. In the last pics, are bonus Azaleas.













Pictures of Today 2/21/15, Almost Spring

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I kind of miss the lengthy cold and rain. Now, am not receiving much of either this winter, compared to prior years. Or maybe, I’m too used to these mild climates in the northwest US to notice these subtle changes.

But, I do feel we did not receive nearly enough this season, as compared to the years before. I wish I could visit the east US now, where snow is thick and crazy. Something different from this different would be nice; reminding me that winter is still here. Also, this year needs to slow down.

So, I took a walk with the fresh free time I had. And, made the best of this blue sky, direct sunlight with light winds between. I walked around and sat on some benches, occasionally pulling out my copy of Brandon Sanderson’s “Way of Kings.” It’s good so far, about 500 pages in (another 700 to go).

Below. are some pics for those who enjoy a good day of relaxation with light local exploration. These views are behind the Seattle downtown convention center, in that park I should spend more time in. Those cherry trees are blooming well, and much earlier than usual. Can’t wait to see what they look like when the Spring arrives, soon.

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Golden Noir Nights in Rain City..

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Sometimes, I feel like a bystander in the first chapter of some long mystery. Especially, when the rain happens through the night.

The rain does this sometimes, because nights like this are best described in long opening descriptions, establishing mood and environment. I love this kind of rain, not dense or rough enough to have myself rushing to the next bus; but to casually stroll through and let the wetness sink in (and take pictures). The wet sprinkles are enough to appreciate my surroundings, and think of what has not changed since the noir days of old fashioned city life. This being, how we all become a part of our environments, yet don’t know it. The rain in this city can places between between reflections, making new shadows of us dwelling through. We are all getting by, to become new stories or develop that next chapter.

Just be careful out there.

Shots above and below are of the Westlake Center area of Downtown Seattle; a place that is best in after hours, and in the rain. Also, I really like these shots. I will be coming more of this in the near future.

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Picture of Today 2/4/15, Corner Full of Corners

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Gotta love the crazy of downtown Seattle’s Westlake Center front..

It’s a great place to walk in the rain, because one can notice the crazy conglomerate of rectangles and squares better when looking down. And when clean, it all seems like a newly mopped floor.

Look…
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Pictures of Today 1/30/15, Nightly Comes the Fog..

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The fog is impatient today, rushing in. Seattle’s Blue Friday night before the coming Super Bowl, will be hidden.

I saw it coming a little earlier..

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And then, nothing could stop it..

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The moon shines high above the fog, for now..

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And there was the Needle..

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10 minutes later..

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10 minutes later..

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Now is the time for new secrets..

Picture of Today 1/19/15, Gulls of Mystery..

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I missed most of the daylight today, as I remained busy in my working world for many hours. I heard mutters about protests and helicopters in the distance, and that was enough connection to the outside. There was nothing left in the end for me, but cold and quiet with the sun far gone.

On the way home, I walked a long nightly detour by the waterfront. Then suddenly on the over and up, many sea gulls circled about. Not sure what, but something got them riled. The light from the pier below lit their little flapping bodies, and I tried for a shot. Not quite what I wanted, but this is my first nightly bird swarm shot. I think it’s still worth a share.

Also, it brings to mind the X-Files theme. I miss that show..

Pictures of Today 1/18/15, Seahawk Night

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Today, will be a day long remembered by football fans who followed today’s epic game between Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers.

After a brutal first half, the Seattle Seahawks came back with a vengeance (two touchdowns in 44 seconds!) in the late 4th quarter, and to score a final win in overtime. Though Green Bay played great all through, the real losers were some scattered Seahawk fans who reportedly left the stadium and local bars during halftime; probably missing out on that sweet comeback later on. Those who had faith or stuck to cheer on when things looked bleak, shared more in the grand victory.

After some rain, the night was cold for my walk home. I heard Sea…….Hawk chants everywhere which warmed the heart, and with some shouts for a Super Bowl repeat win in two weeks. Meanwhile, I took some pics of the more grand tributes to our home team spirit, above and below.

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Picture of Yesterday, Between Shadow and Light.

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Another moment in between other good moments..

It has you now.

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 12/16/14, 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 II, Friday Night..

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And I feel all right..
Up here in downtown Seattle.

(Taken from floor 73 of the Columbia Tower, see previous post)

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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.