Just days ago, the air in the Pacific Northwest suffered through smoke from some wild fires in Canada. The air quality was bad, with the hazy skies covering the blue. Yet, the good part being the decline of the threatening heat have and awesome sunsets.
I was not around for the height and worst of the air but managed to see this catch this moment last Friday. From the Seattle waterfront’s Olympic Park, I enjoyed this moment of this dim sun falling far beyond Elliot Bay.
Then, I went home.
A small concert presentation in the park is a pleasant way to end the afternoon and move gently into the evening.
Such was today, passing through Freeway Park in downtown Seattle. The happening was a welcome surprise put on by the Seattle Chamber Music Society for their Summer Festival. The small event was free, before a gathering of locals relaxed in chairs and lawn spaces.
My ears appreciated and enjoyed the music. I hope to randomly find more when walking in the parks.
– Orion T
I took a little time out to enjoy a local treat, being a Seattle-style hot dog. This is your usual hot dog but grilled meat (or veggie substitute) with cooked sweet onions and cream cheese on a toasted bun. For better, add some other veggie bits, and use a higher grade of cream cheese than the cheap brand name spreads and warm that up. For messy action, throw whatever condiments you love on top of it; sauerkraut, mustard, BBQ sauce, whatever. Somehow it all works out, for a fine tasty guilty pleasure.
Such was my fine evening moment, taking time out on the way home to enjoy this at Westlake Park (though, I refrained on the extras). The best Seattle Dog there you will find, is the “Dog in the Park,” stand in the back area. They have other Hot Dogs styles as well, but I find this one to be the best taste, for those hungry and passing through the area on a warm summer evening.
– Orion T
Today is the 241st annual day in the United States since the final draft of the Declaration of Independence document was approved and put forth. The actual agreement by the Continental Congress to separate from the British, was actually on July 2nd.
I had my day off from work, celebrated my independence by staying home for much of it, tending to chores and projects. I did take a short walk outside, to enjoy the nice summer weather; a warm push of mid 70’s Fahrenheit with a gentle breeze throughout.
No fireworks for me today. I am safe inside, with my windows shut and my headphones on. I hope for the many patriots out there, to stay safe and enjoy what the day gives you.
– Orion T
Today’s picture is the great Space Needle of Seattle, about two hours before sunset. A flag stands above it, to celebrate the 4th of July.
The day has been very busy, but I can afford a look away for this moment.
The view is interesting, and draws upon my imagination. And that, is worth the time.
– Orion T
The view is from downtown Seattle near Pike Market overlooking Elliot Bay with the Great Wheel in the way, a couples before the sunset.
I took this shot with my phone. The location, being at the Washington State Convention Center in the outside park area. I am unsure of why I bothered taking this shot.
Perhaps, it was the interesting blooms on the large tree, giving an interesting look from afar. Or, the foreground of classy dressed people in some private event (being that it was fenced off and I was not invited). Or that, this area is normally empty on a weekday afternoon, and I originally passed through here to have a sit-down to relax on the nearby usual spot for sitting. I tend to take pics of things out of the ordinary.
Then, I looked at this later. And, I think it’s also the distorted backdrop of Downtown Seattle in the background. Perhaps, I think there is a combination of it all; where Seattle is now this growing magical land for the upper crust. But there are parts becoming slowly twisted, but go on unnoticed. That’s usually the part of the dream where someone wakes up, right?
Hmm.
– Orion T
I barely noticed the Spring has left.
I think for much of the season, at least for much of the Pacific Northwest, has left brought us cold and rainy weather, full of gloom with lessened sunshine. Such was especially towards the end.
Yet. there were moments. Many of which I either slept through or worked tirelessly on by. Such were the simple walks, enjoying the moments that can not be specialized through any specialized event or happening.
Here are pics of the recent days, of which took place in between the errands and mundane activities of errand-doing and sky-gazing….
Don’t forget the blooms, for they will be gone soon!
Morning squirrel, I see you!
My hangout these days in Freeway Park, by the convenience of my work walking commute. It’s my place to read comic books and respond to texts.
Kite in the sky, GO!
Hey, a seagull!
Two seagulls!
Many seagulls!
Another beautiful sunset..
Even when the sun hides…
That’s all. Now, on to the Summer!
Orion T
I looked up during my lunch break and noticed a very large surprise in the sky….
A 22° Halo, also known as an ice halo, or solar halo, or just a halo. Whatever you call it, the sight is still special to behold with the slight grayness trapped within, and the rainbow tint on the outer edge. Such was hard to capture with my phone and bright, direct sun.
That is, according to this excerpt from Wikipedia:
“A 22° halo is an optical phenomenon that belongs to the family of ice crystal halos, in the form of a ring with a radius of approximately 22° around the Sun or Moon (in which case it is also called a moon ring or winter halo). It forms as the sun- or moonlight is refracted in millions of hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. The halo is large; the radius is roughly the size of an outstretched hand at arm’s length. A 22° halo may be visible on as many as 100 days per year—much more frequently than rainbows.”
This phenom is the second one witnessed in my life which I have blogged about back in 2015. This time, being the first I have seen this directly above and uninterrupted by nearby structures. Such was a glorious, welcome surprise for an otherwise routine day.
– Orion T
The weekend in Seattle held plenty for those with little in time, especially moments with great band music.
For me, I spent a little time for the second day of HonkFest West, a three-day grassroots, non-profit musical festival run and produced by volunteers. Much of the big sounds are from street bands coming from a variety of locations and backgrounds, to perform along three days in local areas. All performance are free and open to the public. However, donations in monetary supp ort are highly encouraged.
I had a little time on Saturday, passing through Pioneer Square’s Occidental Square, where nearby folk can hear the music and cheers from around the block. Coming closer brought a special awe to ears, with large group performances involving all the best instruments of the big band sound. I mainly stuck around for two main featured bands.
One group being The M9 (the M is Minor), a local band using high-energy in its brass combinations to bring about “global fusion sounds of the rich Balkan Romani brass tradition form the core of a repertoire which excites, invigorates, and inspires curiosity about one of Europe’s most misunderstood minorities.” Here’s a sample:
The other being Love-Bomb Go-Go, a PNW band from Portland, Oregon, a retro-future intergalactic band group dressed in funky attire, using an awesome blend of brass and dance. They are on “a mission to mend, with music, the divisions of civilization; seeking universal equality and striving, even, to re-establish purposefulness for each and every life.” Here’s a sample:
After both bands, I was treated to another gathered performance of the M9 and some added performers for another amazing jam session.
I share some choice pics I took of the excitement, below. For more on Honkfest West, check out www.honkfestwest.org.
– Orion T
This Memorial Day Weekend, I took a little time out to check out the 46th annual Northwest Folklife Festival. The event is a wonderful combination of music (mostly) and artists gathering for free (donations highly encouraged) performance for the thousands of visitors present.
All located in the Seattle Center by the world-famous Space Needle, there was something extra special added to the grand mix of delights. That, being a full weekend of warm weather, supported by the blue sky and the sunshine. After nearly half a year of wet, cold, and gloomy weather, such kindness felt deserved for the locals and an extra bonus for incoming tourists.
I meanwhile did not spend as much time as needed, being that I had many errands and some projects to work on. Still, there were some good hours I got at the NW Folklife, checking out a nice variety of international sounds. Here, are some highlights in pics (with some video links)…
“3 Play Ricochet, ” bluegrass band.
The”New Genesis Gospel Choir,” I think. I forgot to write this one down, but the schedule I believe matches the time I took the pic.
“The Debaucherauntes,” a Jewish fusion folk band
“See Beeze,” sidewalk performance
The “Bollywood Stars”
Greg Youmans, of the “Not Quite Full Harmonic Orchestra” one-man band
A picture from my cellphone, showing the great Space Needle, with some reggae band playing. Sadly, I could not stick around to enjoy the entire show.
That’s all for this year’s 2017 Northwest Folklife Festival. The past years, I covered more time, but at least I discovered some new music with a nice international variety. This year will likely not be last, and I look forward to checking out new acts, and hopefully more pleasant weather.
-Orion T
A curious minivan remained parked around the corner from home, covered in fashionable accessories and dazzling decorative art.
I admired much but had little time to study further (very busy evening). I did shoot some pictures but regret not getting much further on the close details.
I just did a bit more research and found that the car is named the Excessories Odd-Yssey, decorated by local artist Kelly Lyles. Her website is http://www.kellyspot.com, and definitely worth a look if you would like to see more of this awesome car, and the creative mind behind the wheels.
The quick walk to work this morning had to slow down…
So, I can take a moment to appreciate the quickened beauty of the developed Spring, where after the heavy rains have produced the greenest of results.I often go through the Jim Ellis Freeway Park in Downtown Seattle. Seemingly recently, I am astounded by the sprout of extra fullness and vibrant greens of the surrounding trees, the epic height of this Pacific Northwest wet Spring.
Of which, I have yet to take pictures. Soon, I will snap and share the green views for another posting.
But for the earlier today, I focus more on two lone trees by the often used walkway, not as green but more white in distant sight. I am unsure of their kind. I think these are Sakura trees, but different from the larger prominent Sakura Tree clusters bloomed and shed in the early spring.
Here is one young tree, just after the recent rain of yesterday’s end….
and here is the nearby other…
I enjoyed the sight of both trees while nearly late to the next hour, letting the moment of this in-between display stay still, which shall come to pass very soon. Just one more look for then, and I leave for the day…
– Orion T
The partly sunny, warm weather this weekend with no minimal plans meant two essential things for me, to read and relax.
And so I did, after a visit to a couple of comic-book stores (Comics Dungeon in Wallingford, Seattle and Zanadu Comics in the Downtown area). On Saturday, they and many other stores of its kind took part in the annual Free Comic Book Day event. This special day is meant for promoting the still existing physical comic stores with the sequential art they promote and sell.
For me, I did partake. From both, I got a nice stack of new reads and purchased some ongoing favorites. Such purchases were Flintstones #11 (a brilliant satire and very different take on the classic cartoon), Eternal Empire #1 (interesting new sci-fi fantasy from a favorite writer/artist duo), Paper Girls #14 (paper delivery girls from the 1980s displaced in time, discovering weirdness), Extremity #3 (a fresh sci-fantasy action drama, with war and revenge themes).
With those and free comic curiosities (too many to list), I read some at Gas Works park in Fremont for Saturday, then others at Olympic Sculpture Park on Sunday; while taking breaks to nap and take notes on ideas and thoughts. An overall good productive time, that would be wasted in doing less.
– Orion T
The picture above is from Gas Works Park in the Fremont district, while reading the latest Paper Girls comic. Here is the view without the pages…
Did you know, that Seattle gets a lot of rain? Sometimes, more than normal.
In fact now, Seattle has soaked up 44.67 inches of rain since October 1. Since 1895, this period has been the wettest on record, according to the National Weather Service’s Seattle Twitter.
So this results with more Fall in the Spring. Signs of this weather are everywhere, especially on the way to my daily life in the morning; when the streets are still wet and not know exactly when the rain happened. Just, that is was recent, for a while.
This Spring does have a special feel from the ever-recent showers. I think it’s in the fresh blossoms, that gave up on sunny days. Many of them rest upon the grounds now, soaked.
– Orion T
Others are still up, waiting their turn.
This Earth Day on April 22nd in 2017, hundreds of thousands of persons (at least) worldwide participated in the first March for Science. I was part of that, for.
I was part of this, for which I am proud. My stake is the desire for cleaner air and water, renewable clean energy, wildlife and nature conservation, end to reliance on oil, more funding in public education and access to educational public resources, a stronger pull with the science community in politics than corporate lobbyists, more critical thinking in public policy towards the cause/effect on environment and those living in affected areas, climate change monitoring and reports, an overall emphasis towards the betterment of humanity through science and the continued pursuit of knowledge from our world leaders. Also, I feel troubled with the current Commander in Chief’s statements and actions in Congress on the many science-related issues that concern me.
For Seattle, there was rain and a gloomy sky, for which was nothing yet notable for the chill atmosphere provided. Many showed up at Cal Anderson Park in the Capitol Hill district, where the Science March began. The journey continued through the Downtown area, through Belltown, and by the Space Needle in the Seattle Center. Such was a much shorter march, compared to the record-breaking Woman’s March back in January; yet notable and attention-getting in current headlines.
Here below, are some unedited pictures from the March of Science in Seattle, giving a small portion of the overall grandness, for which I hope will have lasting effects in the years to come for our ever troubled planet.
– Orion T
Today was a pleasant Easter Sunday, where I spent much of it at the 2017 Sakura-Con, a convention for lovers of anime and manga. Though for me, it was more a nostalgic prance through a portion of pop-culture that is an occasional guilty pleasure for me.
There will be more pics and some notes, after I get some rest and pick time out of my busy schedule to sort and edit them. In the meantime, I hope the many of you out there had a most wonderful, adorable Easter Sunday.
– Orion
Picture above – no idea on who the two attendees were cosplaying as, or perhaps there is no reference other than the Easter subtext, but I love their presentation.
Do you often find yourself in a moment of boredom, or inspiration? Both are opposites but useful toward innovation. If so, then play with your surroundings.
For me, it was with friends on Pier 66 on the Seattle waterfront. The view is nice, but all the usual for this local city person on this otherwise very gray day. Then, I played with my smartphone camera upon the public mounted binoculars. This resulted in some random dramatic feeling visuals. Here are some shots of the surroundings…
Using the tiny camera was a bit of a challenge, but the results were most welcome. You should try it, especially if on Pier 66.
Orion T
“The significance of the cherry blossom tree in Japanese culture goes back hundreds of years. In their country, the cherry blossom represents the fragility and the beauty of life. It’s a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful but that it is also tragically short.”
– Homaro Cantu, famous American chef and inventor.
Pictures taken at Freeway Park, behind the Convention Center in Downtown Seattle. The scattered blossoms were from the previous days of heavy wind and rainfall.
– Orion T
Pictures and notes by Traveling Orion, (Orion Tippens). For external use for public use, please contact and obtain permission first.
Yesterday, I worked some extra hours.
Among the free coffee and snacks, I now appreciate that our workplace has many windows. Such that I may enjoy the beautiful day, of which I am otherwise missing out on a good long walk. Still, there was much to appreciate in the small area occasionally gazed upon. The morning rains stop, then a lengthy blast of the sunshine (and then, more rain just as I finished work…sigh).
Here below, are some window captures from the uppest floor; a nice opportunity to open a few windows and stick my camera outside, being that most of the staff was out and out of the way.
– Orion T
Pictures and notes by Traveling Orion, (Orion Tippens). For external use for public use, please contact and obtain permission first.
Woah, look at the all the books!
This, being the highlight of my winter end weekend, at the annual Friends of the Seattle Public Library Book Sale. This was my fourth year in attendance, now held at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Over 100,000 items, including Music CD, movie DVDs, audiobooks, vinyl records, and many, many books.
Many, many people joined in this massive treasure hunt. Many of them resellers, for which there are sure profits. Others, treasure hunters looking for rare finds. Some just like the cheap thrills and the joy of finding such. I can’t resist, especially at the $1.00 to $4.00 prices for each item.
So here, are some sights up close inside the massive hullabaloo…
History!!
Literature!
Rare Books!
Half my catch, mostly comics and graphic novels. The other half contained mostly larger books and hardcovers (mostly odd fiction, biographies, and history).
Good fun, though I will probably not get around to reading many of these anytime soon.
– Orion T
According to a recent article in the Seattle Times, there were only three full sunny days in Seattle, with mild temperature since October start.
The last of them was a month ago on February 13th, a month ago. The other days have been a mix of gloom and rain. And compared to the prior years, the trees have shown barely any sign of bloom and leafing. I personally miss the cherry blossoms, which would normally bloom in the pics above. But not all is melancholy, for the days here are what you make of them.
There is a feeling of just another natural cycle taking place. Perhaps, the spirit of nature or whatever you believe is in control, making up for the prior warmer years. I feel the need to enjoy whatever is offered. And there is plenty of natural beauty. You just have to look up and around.
But, I really hope the cherry blossoms come around soon.
– Orion T
I spent much of this past weekend at the 2017 Emerald City Comic Con, here in Seattle.
Many attended, for which this was its 15th year in annual rotation showcasing the latest in geek culture through various guests, events, and merch. The good portions were the plentiful choice of awesome products, the many attendees in colorful cosplay, some cool guests, and plentiful opportunities to make new friends and discover new obsessions. The sad portions ran the lack of promotion towards the current comic book industry. Its artist alley ended up in a separate smaller space above the main floors, benefitting less for reaching out to possible new fans. The comic dealers and publishers were kept further to the back, while non-comic dealers carried a heavier presence in the main hall showroom. TV and movie celebs were promoted far more to the audience, with barely any marketing toward the new and exciting stuff happening in the comic industry. This is sadly the direction of many “comic cons” lately. I wish they would just stop pretending to emphasize that.
All that aside, I still love these events. The interaction is still there. I met a few creative people, whose work I have enjoyed past and present. I took part in some fantastic gatherings, bought a lot of cool things, and enjoyed myself with friends here and there. I will post more on the details in the near future.For now, I must rest. Excitement on a large scale can also be exhilarating.
– Orion T
In the above picture is Barry Kitson, a comic book professional artist from a wide range of well-known Marvel and DC comics titles.The character in the picture is Angela, a heavenly warrior currently residing in the Marvel Comics universe. Barry was sketching all weekend for the Hero Initiative, a non-profit charity helping comic creators in a time of desperate need. For more info, visit www.heroinitiative.org.
The winter is still maddening for the Pacific Northwest, especially here in Seattle.
There was some rain, snow, and lightning. There was no order to any of it, just a jumble of madness. Some areas were moreso on the weathering than others. Meanwhile, the main roads contained a lasting standstill of heavy vehicle traffic jams throughout the day. The air felt chilled, unwarning of the sudden hail. The evening slush was plentiful throughout the Downtown area, with leftover snow scattered about. Now the near future weather is up in the air, with no promises of any tranquility. Carry a good umbrella and warm coat.
– Orion T
A little side-walk art in Seattle’s Capital Hill district, placed last year by the Seattle Department of Transportation.
I think it’s cool, if not to think too much of it all. I mean the growing tech, hipster culture engulfing the area. To me, the Pac-Man represents the simplier era of video game machines past scattered within various barber shops, video stores, small markets, pizza joints, and cool hang-outs. Such is to be remembered in whatever way now brings a smile, especially in public.
– Orion T
I now share some pics, a little later in Kobe Terrace Park after a grand snowy morning in Seattle, earlier this week (see last post).
Here, are pics from an afternoon walk, just as the sudden rains began to wash away the snowfall. There was a special beauty to the surroundings, revealing a momentary awesomeness to an otherwise dull afternoon.
– Orion T
Pictures and notes by Traveling Orion, (Orion Tippens). For external use for public use, please contact and obtain permission first.
Seattle morning just last Monday, I awoke to witness the beautiful snow blanketing the city. I walked towards work, with a detour to one particular small park upon a hill, where the overnight snowfall revealed a new world.
That park is Kobe Terrace (in Seattle’s International District), a small enclosed area with a community garden upon a hill, all overlooking to the southwest distance of Seattle. Anytime is a good time to visit throughout the year. Though some particular times are better than others.
This time was short and quite wonderful, being a winter wonderland surrounded by cherry trees, small garden pots, and Japanese style deco wooden structures. Even with the noisy freeway nearby, one can feel the serenity brought in by the fresh overnight snow (about one inch, I was told). I could easily imagine traveling through the country town of Hokkaido, Japan; for at least the 30 minutes to myself, before arriving at nearby work thereafter.
Snow in this area is rare, as the Seattle central area is low and distant from the mountain regions. Such occurs once or twice a year, if lucky. For this time, the snow continued to fall until the noontime. Shortly after, the rain washed much of away, leaving a different beautiful setting (of which I will share in my next post).
These pictures below and the memory with them, are very worthwhile to share for this wonderful little moment away…
– Orion T
Pictures and notes by Traveling Orion, (Orion Tippens). For external use for public use, please contact and obtain permission first.
Some snow late night, here in Seattle..
A pleasant surprise, differing from the sudden 4th quarter upset in today’s Super Bowl game (not a New England Patriots fan). I think more snow is on the way. I look forward to waking up and seeing more, in the morning.
– Orion T
The latest rally against Trump across many cities, here again in Seattle.
Though, this particular gathering happened in response to the sudden and troubling new Executive Branch order put forth by President Trump. Such was the denial of citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States, for the next 90 days while suspending the admission of all refugees for 120 days. A great many including myself, were not happy with this confounding orders, frustrating many while driving tens of thousands across the nation to protest.
The Seattle crowd this time, took a more focused approach on immigration, in defense of those wronged by the new policy. The most popular chant was “Say it loud, say it clear..immigrants are welcome here,’ delivered in massive unison through the streets. The police led them around the blocks, and I think split the marching portion crowd into separate groups. A clever ploy to dwindle the crowds perhaps, as they seemed much smaller in number with less time to prepare. Still, all went well for the protesters in the thousands gathered to have their say, including Mayor Ed Murray and Governor Jay Inslee.
To where all this will lead, is foreseen. But such unity is inspiring a great hope for the troubled times ahead, that all will be okay in the end.
– Orion T
Yesterday, nearly 4,000,000 people stood up and marched in solidarity for the collective resistance and concerns of the recent massive change within the current US federal government political landscape. Many affected and off-put by what will likely lead towards an anti-progressive agenda, are women. Also, our newly sworn-in 45th U.S President, Donald Trump, noted for multiple offensive remarks towards women, in general and of specific targets.
So, to “send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world that women’s rights are human rights,” was originally for the prime Women’s March on Washington, then setting the template for various other marches of a similar name, different locations.
I, living in the Pacific Northwest, attended the Women’s March on Seattle (also known as the Womxn’s March on Seattle, for reasons I remain unclear about on LGBTQ matters). From Judkins Park, through the International District and Downtown, ending at the Space Needle, over 150,000 persons took part in that very dense slow three-mile stretch.
And within, were many other concerns on issues hard-pressed by activists; all affected by developments in the new Trump administration and GOP dominance in other government branches. Such included but not limited to; climate change, universal health care, LGBTQ rights, foreign policy, war rhetoric, immigration policy, religious exclusion, net neutrality, press freedom, environmental protections, and much more. Also raising concern, are the shaming attitudes of Trump towards specific targets, leading to further discourse. Many organizations and large groups feel threatened, of the new government power and its formal reality show/entertainment celebrity turned leader of the free world still known as Donald Trump.
So forth, comes the best way in dealing with a system no longer in favor of the collective American people. Such are the protests, where ones can freely gather and express their grievances in a wildly visual display. For the Women’s Marches are many adorned pink hats, in light of Trump’s offensive remarks to “grab them by the pussy.” Notable are the many Leia Organa signs, perhaps inspired by Carrie Fisher’s recent passing who portrayed the Rebel Princess of the Star Wars. I noticed many signs reminding of us real-life icons; including Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai, Angela Davis, Frida Kahlo, Angela Davis. Also, in plenty sight were the three colorful prints of women representation, by Shepard Fairey (whose first well-known work was the iconic Barack Obama “Hope” poster). And overall, lots of feline imagery and wordplay referring to a particular popular euphemism.
That being said, I enjoyed my good walk for nearly the entire way (from Judkins Park to the Westlake Park area, then needing a long rest at home). Much of me was in exhaustion from the previous night walk, where I ended up with a little pepper spray on my lips and eye. That story, I leave for another article.
Overall, a worthwhile time for the history books, of which I am proud of and cheering towards all who participated, especially the friends I know who traveled as far as Washington DC to take part in this historic, and record-breaking event. I also, feel much hope for these worrisome times, that it will be the people and not our government, that will decide our future.
Below, are my personal pictures shared of the Seattle Women’s March. Enjoy and be inspired!
– Orion T
Pictures and notes by Traveling Orion, (Orion Tippens). For external and public use, please contact and obtain permission first.
Just a moment among many, where the holiday spirit was shared among the locals. Here, being Friday as some streets in the downtown area were shared for some happening at the nearby Westlake Center. Not quite feeling like a crowd, I enjoyed this jolly group of youngsters jamming with their brass, in a little march of their own. No names, cause, or message. Just a brief spirited jam playing some familiar Xmas tunes in the middle of the holiday lights and shopping madness. That’s enough for me.
– Orion T
TRAVELING ORION 