The South Lake Union got some silly cute deco over it’s cover now..
With Hello Kitty pimped all over, the short ride from downtown Seattle to South Lake Union (and Amazon HQ), wants to inform you of the EMP (Experience Music Project) museum’s latest exhibit. I assume it has something to do with the decades long Sanrio company franchise. It’s amusing to suddenly notice after a hard days work. Maybe we all need a little Hello Kitty in our difficult lives.
– Orion T
Over yonder to the Harbor island area of Seattle’s south industrial ports..
The mechanical beasts are finally rested after another productive day. The beautiful sky during sundown was a nice spiritual bonus..
– Orion T
Along the 90 freeway to Bellevue over Lake Washington, earlier today…
In the distance, I see Mount Rainier with more snow upon than last year. It’s a beautiful sight, as its surroundings from the passenge seat I sit to the peaks yonder, astound and delight. I love especially how the top seems hidden, leaving little mystery to those who dare imagine the nesting dragons above.
– Orion T
Just a light outside home, from a long walk in the pouring rain.
The downpour nearly ends, just as I approach the front door. It was then I look up, for what caught my attention. I was drawn to the light. So was the tree nearby. And, the tiny little drops on its little twiggy branches are drawn to the light. They will stay for much the night, adding sparkle. You just have to notice it all, and be drawn yourself.
– Orion T
“What strange phenomena we find in a great city, all we need do is stroll about with our eyes open. Life swarms with innocent monsters.”
― Charles Baudelaire
Today’s shot is brought to you with extra gloom in Seattle, for the recent Seahawks loss in the NFL playoffs this season.
Yet, the 12 spirit shall live on as fans here shall be wearing their jerseys and waving their flags again for the next season. Also, the game against the Carolina Panthers had a fantastic and amazing second half and that is worth some cheer for such valiant effort. But forget that painful first half, (unless you’re more of a Panther fan; than cheers and congrats to you). Now, I look forward to the next season.
In the meantime, here is a great quote to ponder from football legend Joe Namath…
“Football Is an honest game. It’s true to life . It’s a game about sharing. Football is a team game. So is life.”
– Orion T
Just pictures of ducks today, to bring about the calmness that comes forth before and after the busy work week (plus one Saturday of leftover plans and needed shopping). Sunday is the day we are supposed to stress a little less and be like the lazy ducks here.
And for today I did some sitting of my own, and watched the Seahawks vs. Vikings NFL game. That crazy and very cold (- 6 degrees Fahrenheit) game that had us off our tailfeathers, from the kickoff to the ridiculously close end deciding the advancement of the playoffs through one failed field kick. Go Hawks!
Pictures here, are from last week’s adventure in Vancouver, Canada on the beach edge of English Bay by the Central Downtown area. I like these shots, as I think they deserve a posting of their own, expressing my current state of mind.
Orion T
A good walk on Sunday, is to go about an unfamiliar way..
That I did for my last day in Vancouver BC, before heading out. The central downtown is vast, with far more than the few days over my short visits. This time, I walked around the Gastown area, passed many closed stores and dingy markets along the way. I eventually spent much time at a local flea market; where locals hawked jewelry, DVDs, used tools and old electronics. That was mildly amusing. Not much else happened afterwards, other than me looking through various windows of tourist souvenir stores. Nothing quite caught my interest, as I seemed more for a place to settle down and watch the Seahawks game against the Cardinals (win 30-6!).
But something eventually did catch my eye on the particular corner of Water and Cambie..a smoking clock. Why was the clock smoking? It was powered by steam, of course. The Gastown Steam Clock is awesome and worthwhile of study..
The following shot explains a bit more…
If I had not turned down that path, I may have never known the existence of a steam-powered clock. And, I learned a bit more about the area of Gastown. Perhaps, another day for those tidbits, when I have more time..
– Orion T
The other side of yesterday, beyond West Vancouver and looking back…
This time, standing upon the observation deck of the summit at Grouse Mountian. The moment, a beautiful one looking southward at the land I love exploring and will continue to do so” for later in 2016. Over the mountains in the distance I believe are the United States.
I have more to say and show, but the day is late and I am hungry. There will be features and sets soon, promise. But for now, here is a bonus pic with a different lens…
– Orion T
L 
Today, I looked to a whole new world for this New Year..
Not so much West Vancouver BC, the city pictured above beneath what I think is Cypress Mountian. The perspective is afar using a 300mm zoom lens giving a sort of optical trick. The vision, is from Stanley Park in Vancouver BC, Canada; while passing through on a long five hour walk around and through the large wooded area.
Pictures will be later, of which there are many.
But today, this picture is a good representation of why I am here. This place being part of a spontaneous trip outside of Seattle; the city I live and now working excessively in. While I have a lot less time for far-out adventures, it’s important to remember the crazy new worlds that are still within a day’s drive or bus ride on the road.
I know absolutely nothing about this huge city outside of the samewhat familiar perimeters of Central Vancouver. Is it the same or different? How are the people? Are there cool, unique small shops I can browse through and find fantastic treasure? Are there exclusive cultures or secret societies, to which I can break into? How about the food? New friends maybe?
Not that the place is of any particular fascination, right now. It bears about the same as North Vancouver, a similar land to the east if there. There’s also the rest of Canada. Someday, I wish as I am very curious and life is short. I just want to start this new year right with the reminder and push of what I should strive for; tending to my thrill of discovery and adventuring.
2016, looking forward to what is “over there.”
Would you believe it was colder in Seattle this morning than than the North Pole?
Actually, the North Pole was much warmer because of some unusual storm (reached 32 degrees this morning, 2 more than what I woke up to). For the rest I cared little for the cold, tending to long work chores…sigh. But soon that will be all over for the year, as I looked up one last time at the Space Needle after work. It’s magenta lit for some reason.
Cool.
Anyway, that’s the last I gaze upon at it for this year. Tomorrow after another round of work, I shall leave the Emerald City to another place far for some days to spend the final Eve of 2015. It’s a kind of a secret for now..
– Orion T
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the city
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse..
Perhaps probably because the night twas too cold for stirring, and more like slumping. I noticed much slumping from the few stragglers outs past 7pm tonight, working out the last minute shopping, holiday planning, probably finished with extra work shift hours (including myself)
I passed by the old Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle while admiring the serene calm of this cold night. I finished some last minute errands in the area, with high hopes to see the fullish Moon up high. It was there, I knew. But sadly, too much cloud density to capture such a rare view this Eve. Maybe where you are, the sky is clear. If so, go outside and take a look.
And to all, have a wonderful warm and silent night. Then, have a Merry Christmas Day!
-Orion T
Ah, the first day of Winter!!
Tis a most wonderful time for when the nights are long and the air is cold. For then, we value warmth in tiny cups and small furnaces while celebrating the seasonal traditions with a fresh new year. Outside, we tread through icy landscapes, tote around naked trees, go about daily errands with perhaps a little playtime; all while covered in wooly layers.
Such is the typical life for the people of Centerville, a very small town within the Armory Mall of the Seattle lands (South Queen Anne territory). There is grandness for the local Winterfest of the annual holiday season; where this hidden town is suddenly visible to the outside world. Anyone may peek inside during the right hours; to see the trains arrive on time, admire the nostalgic architecture, or just people watch. For more info, click here.
I snapped some pics of my last visit, capturing that small town life…
– Orion
Down Occidental Street, through Occidental Park, on a quiet Tuesday night in Pioneer Square, Seattle.
Look up and see the holiday spirits..
– Orion T
Back to Westlake Park in the rain, where at night the Christmas Forest is bright..
But the air is cold. I recommend a cup of hot chocolate when passing through.
– Orion T
I think heavy rain inspires me to mess with the settings on my camera. Here at Westlake Park in Downtown Seattle, I went for a new long exposure in the night. It was another wheel (see previous posting for the other wheel), but this time a little smaller with horses on it. Are there other big wheels for me to gaze upon in this Emerald City?
And for a bonus picture, here is the full stop. The rain kept going.
Orion T
Just a long exposure shot of the Great Seattle Wheel by the waterfront, in the rain.
it was a pretty awesome blue color, which looked somehow bluer in the rain I think. I think it was also blue (with some green) because of the Seahawks football game today. I say it’s their game not because I happen to live in Seattle, but for them beating the Vikings 38-7 and advancing as a “wild card” for the upcoming playoffs. Go Hawks!
Anyway, rain is coming down pretty hard. Gotta go home, and rest for the busy work week. I leave with the a bonus still shot of that ferris wheel at full stop…
Orion T
I recently checked out this year’s huge seasonal Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. Every year has a theme and this time it’s all to a galaxy far, far away.
It’s all Star Wars!! Also, the Village promotes the cause of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for treatments and research. Children dealing with Type 1 diabetes helped with each display, working with various architecture and construction firms to make each one impressive.
I am huge sci-fi, nostalgia geek at heart. The kid in me of all ages in me cheered to this display collection of all the movies, which I enjoyed (even The Phantom Menace). I also look forward to the next chapter, The Force Awakens.
The display is open to the public and free, and it’s located near the Washington State Convention Center in Downtown Seattle, at the Sheraton hotel. The Gingerbread Village is here until January 3rd, 2016. You may also be encouraged to donate money to the (JDRF) Northwest Chapter while there. For more site and event information (and donation info), click here.
here are below are a few pics of the display. I posted a lot more with more info about on another site I post for, at strangerworlds.com. Click here for more awesomeness!
– Orion T
“The unwelcome November rain had perversely stolen the day’s last hour and pawned it with that ancient fence, the night.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald, This Side of Paradise
A little motivation from others, during a nice day walk through city park.
Located within the Jim Ellis Freeway Park, very close to the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle. That board is erased and begins anew at times I do not know..
Orion T
Just a meaningless moment, is what can truly matter.
The days have been long, and busier than normal with an urgency for swift actions. Yet, I feel the damp murkiness of the days passed wearing me down. Reasons for this range, from trivial sports moments to the many tragic lives recently lost in faraway nations. I go on yet, with my daily errands and long work schedules. Moments between, call for a bite to eat and a sip of coffee. I check my social networks for the latest in birthdays and the opinions of others. Further out are lonely walks between work, the public transport, the post office, a therapeutic thrift store adventure. The rain and wind switch through the airspace above. I leave behind the scattering of leaves on the wet city streets. The days go on, while I continue my stepping through.
However today during a particular hour leaving my work, I halted for a moment on a small overpass. I look to the southwest over yonder, noticing a moment of time standing still. For now..no wind, no rain, no fresh news, and I have little immediate need of sustenance or destination. I simply see a beautiful crescent Moon shining above through a darkening sky. For much of the day, the light stayed out, yet coming back for the evening to give us locals one good moment before the night falls. I stood still, and let the moment sink in as I snapped a picture with my somewhat decent phone camera. The moment is good..
Then, the time became too cold and the moment ends. I move on..
– Orion T
There goes a little more of yesterday…
Meanwhile upon a nearby hill, a beloved thrift store is on its last open day (Value Village in Capitol Hill). In the opposite direction towards the bay, a local tourist attraction will soon exist only in memories (the Gum Wall, see last post). Look all round Seattle now, and you will many cranes and bulldozers galore; removing what was and building towards a new skyline.
There is no rest for change.
Here I was told, stood the 811 Stewart Hotel (see edit below new info). The building was of two, and stood next to the old Greyhound bus station and parking lots for a time. I could not find any information on this building or the other not pictured. From guessing on its old school brick structure, it was around for some decades.
Edit: Thanks to our reader Wedgewood in Seattle History, for some added information on the front building in the picture, leading to a helpful ink via a historical building database on seattle.gov, with this extra info on its history (known as the Bonair Apartments):
“This building was designed by architect Charles Haynes as an “Apartment Building for Amelia Hemrich, according to drawings from July 8, 1924. (Amelia Hemrich is presumably a member of the Hemrich family, long associated with beer brewing in Seattle. The family commissioned several brewery buildings, completed in the 1900s, including one originally located at 1275 Mercer, but demolished for the construction of the 1929 Kenworth Motor Company Building, in the Cascade neighborhood). Known as the Bonair Apartments, this apartment building was completed in 1925….
In general, the building, which was renovated along with the neighboring Ray Apartments in the early 1990s by Kovalenko Hale Architects, has retained a high level of historic integrity. Windows have been replaced in kind and at least two of the storefronts appear to be surprisingly intact. The building is notable for its terra cotta trim and ornamentation.”
The building was eligible for historical preservation, but failed its nomination in 2013.
In place, will be the tallest hotel yet in this city, boasting 1,200 rooms and 41 floors. On the good side, this should give many jobs above the heightened minimum wage to locals (at $15.00, when done). Also, downtown Seattle could use more hotel spaces for visitors for large events at the Convention Center.
Yet, it’s also a sign of the passing days and new challenges ahead. I can’t say I will like the new building, as I enjoyed Seattle for much of its vintage architecture. Many buildings here and the surrounding areas are coming down. In their many places, will be spots targeted and reserved for the upper elites and better fortunate of this city’s grand growth. Demographics I think will further change, along with traffic and property rates. Perhaps by then, I think I will become bored with these new surroundings, and move on.
But for now, here is another picture of yesterday..
– Orion T
Behold, the great Seattle Gum Wall to its fullest potential.
For over 20 years, this small south Post Alley area within the Pike Place Public Market welcomed people to place chewed sugary bubble gum remains upon a large wall. Tourists and locals constantly added to it, enhancing its disgustingness into an old wall (now walls, as it spread to the neighboring surfaces and pipes).
Soon, all the sticky chewings shall be removed, and the walls will go through a massive cleansing, to remove chemical buildup and potential harm upon the aged building. The Seattle Times reports that an industrial steam machine till be used. “The machine will melt the gum with 280-degree steam; it will fall to the ground, and a two- to three-man crew will collect the gum in five-gallon buckets.”
I recently dropped by after work long after sunset. I admire how the street lights adds mystique to the germy area. I may return again before the final removal of sticky contents. But for now, here are some pics from I:
– Orion T
Over Lake Washington from Bellevue to Seattle on the 520 bridge, around 5:30.
Meanwhile in California, the Seahawks would beat the 49ers (20-3) in football.
Beautiful, the sunset is.
– Orion T
The early evening looking out from Westlake Center (Downtown Seattle) toward South Lake Union in the distance.
This day, not the cheeriest of days for many out there, as much of the day had gloomy skies with rain finally this evening. I expected the rainfall since the morning. I also expected the Seattle Seahawks to beat the Carolina Panthers. One expectation eventually happened while the other did not. O well, Go Hawks for next time!
Anyway, I am grateful for this little bit of rain. Downtown Seattle is beautiful when wet.
– Orion T
Downtown Seattle, this morning.
Loving the rain on the fallen leaves..
– Orion T
Check out the Olympia town in Washington State, when exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Olympia a wonderful stop, halfway between the Portland and Seattle cities, close to the 5 and one 101 freeway intersection. This area is also the best stop for food and a stretch when traveling the between the major cities in no particular hurry. You’ll find much to love for any length of time you spend here.
A few things special about Olympia. You will find much art around many corners, more notably upon the walls of allies and businesses. This brings much color and uniqueness to the area. There are also some fantastic sources for literature, with some bookstores I checked out (Browsers Book Store and Danger Room Comics Store). The variety of food is excellent, with the best of it from local businesses. Also, lots of vintage antiques are also visible and up for buying. In between and throughout, you may also notice multiple signs of social activism and awareness with Black Lives Matters signs, climate change awareness, and other messages of modern progressivism. Olympia shows character aplenty in its overall presentation.
For me, it was all about stepping out from the weekday work stress. With a friend as company, I went to explore, and seek interesting visuals, eats, and a little shopping. Olympia did not disappoint, as this was my second visit to the city. Last visit, I barely walked around. This time,we had no particular direction here, other than its main downtown center.
Here are some findings in pictures, with some more notes on the area..
…
One of Olympia’s prominent buildings, the Old Capitol Building. It’s now the office home of the Superintendent of Public Instruction since 1906. Before in Sylvester Park, stands John Rankin Rogers..twice governor of Washington State, who believed in giving a fair education to “every poor son of the commonwealth.”
Some up close sculpting on that building. Love the detail here..
The charming outside of Darby’s Cafe and neighboring local businesses on a 5th avenue block. I love the random little deco touches upon this old building…
The Capitol Theater across the street from Darby’s. I love the look of this old movie theater, and will look into seeing its inside in a future visit.
The inside of Darby’s Cafe, to a wall of wild art…
Above and around inside Darby’s Cafe, a tribute to the Wizard of Oz. The food was quite good too. I had a Brocco Burger (Broccoli, white cheddar, other good stuff) with fries (a bit too much they give) and a root beer float (root beer can be replaced with an alcoholic alternative). All quite good, and filling enough until my trip back to the Emerald City.
Some art on the side of The Great Cuisine of India restaurant. Many of the following pics are select examples of the overall mural art scene of the Olympia area.
The Olympia Rafah Solidarity Mural. from About this from olympiarafahmural.org. “Four thousand sq. ft., interdisciplinary mural with over 200 participants from all over the world. Project celebrates and mourns Rachel Corrie through action. Rachel was born in Olympia and killed in Gaza when run over by an Israeli driven bulldozer in 2003. ORSMP mourns and celebrates the lives of all who struggle for justice.”
Up close on a select section of the Rafah Mural..
A mural inside the alley of next to the building of the Old School Pizzeria. A wonderful and very colorful tribute to the imagination..
The best thing for us comic nerds out there, this old school tribute to the classic Marvel Comics. Located to the side of the Old School Pizzeria. I love this.
The inside of the Old School Pizzeria is pretty awesome too. Lots of vintage nostalgia all around, and the pizza was pretty awesome too.
Capitol Lake, with what I think is the Washington State House of Representatives capitol building.
The lake itself is very serene, and calming for anyone who enjoys a nice walk in the park.
That’s all for now on this amazing area of the Pacific Northwest. I will be back, with a look at other interesting signs and aspects of this interesting area.
– Orion T
Broken down, leaving memories behind.
These ruins are what’s left of the old Greyhound Central Bus Terminal in Downtown Seattle. The terminal first opened in 1928, and underwent many renovations and changes since. Here are some pictures. Click here, for some history and pictures of the former station.
In its place will be a new fancy hotel, towering as Seattle’s highest for those rich folk seeking a temporary stay in the Downtown. Meanwhile, the Greyhound bus service has a new location for Seattle, in the south SoDo region close to the Century location. New memories will build from both, bringing more layers to the ever-changing history of this great city.
– Orion T
Further north as the morning rises..
I am on a bus heading north,
Somewhere between Seattle and Bellingham..
– Orion T
Coming home after a long pointless walk, I noticed a large circular phenomenon in the sky..
I think it’s an ice halo. I hear these occasionally happen around here in the Pacific Northwest, then dissipate quickly. I wasted no time, and took this shot with my tablet thing. I tried to get to the waterfront for a better, more open shot. But soon, it was gone (about 15 min later).
Here’s a bit more from Wikipedia on ice halos, because Im not going to pretend I really know this stuff..
“Among the most well known halos is the 22° halo, often just called “halo”, which appears as a large ring around the Sun or Moon with a radius of about 22° (roughly the width of an outstretched hand at arm’s length). The ice crystals that cause the 22° halo are oriented semi-randomly in the atmosphere, in contrast to the horizontal orientation required for some other halos such as sun dogs and light pillars. As a result of the optical properties of the ice crystals involved, no light is reflected towards the inside of the ring, leaving the sky noticeably darker than the sky around it, and giving it the impression of a “hole in the sky”.[2] The 22° halo is not to be confused with the corona, which is a different optical phenomenon caused by water droplets rather than ice crystals, and which has the appearance of a multicolored disk rather than a ring.”
– Orion T
TRAVELING ORION 