At Sculpture Park today..
Suddenly, birds in the sky!!
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.
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.
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…
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..
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.
Hello San Francisco!
Just a hallway stop, before my arrival in San Diego.
I miss the Bay Area. I grew up here, with many fond memories.
Not really called fire cherries. I just named them that.
The sign nearby read Gilbert’s FINEST TREE RIPE SUGAR TESTED RAINER CHERRIES, $3.99 lb. These, sat with other higher end fruits and vegetables; deep within the center of Seattle’s Pike Market.
I had a sample of two fire cherries…most impressive.
Here are some pics of my brief visit to the annual Dragon Fest fair in Seattle, International District. I was trying out my new favorite lens (Canon 50mm f1.8 II)
Enjoy!
Almost below the Space Needle around 8:45 pm today..
But the best of Seattle today is behind the Needle, and all above. This evening sky is complex, yet beautiful. The temperature is a little windy, cool but not cold. We have had similar skies the last few evenings. Much to love with these Seattle skies; the more reason to stay outside a little longer..
I love a fun parade..
Especially one not pushed on by the big corporations, dominant messages of commercialism and shameless promotions. Also, there are no motorized vehicles, no animals, no company logos. Here, is the good ol Fremont Solstice Parade, in north Seattle. The annual event is produced by the Fremont Arts Council, with much funded support by the locals.
Check out some of the best of the parade below. I love the good ol fashioned big band music, the hand-pulled floats, the creative puppetry, dance numbers. All, very local and very friendly. At times (at least where I was, near the end with less people), some parade participants would surprise random crowd spectators with silly props, photo-bombs, and hugs.
I got hugged, twice.
Many naked, painted people on bikes rode by last weekend, adding tot he cheer to the new Summer Solstice. This was all part of a strange tradition of the great annual Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade. Here is more information from the wikipedia page:
“The event was started by streakers who crashed the parade. The first person to do so may have done so on a dare. Participants now emphasize bodypainting and other artistry. The group is the largest and fastest growing ensemble associated with the parade. The parade, put on by Fremont Arts Council, is held on a Saturday close to the actual solstice.”
Here is a grainy smartphone video I shot, just a minute of this full hour+ long happening:
Space Needle of Seattle,
about 9:30ish, after sunset.
A little windy, but not to cold.
Nice.
Echo..
She listens, with eyes closed. Echo was a nymph, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses; the source of many Greek myths. She had a lovely voice, eventually reduced by Hera, who felt bothered Echo was distracting away from Zeus’s promiscuous affairs. So as punishment, Echo’s voice was cursed to only repeat the last word of another.
Now she is in Seattle, as a giant 46-foot head overlooking the Puget Sound waters. Echo is made from resin, steel and marble dust. Her face, the latest addition to enough bizarre works of art inside Sculpture Park. She was sculpted by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, and brought in from New York as a donation to the Seattle Art Museum.
We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.
– John F. Kennedy
… Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
Yesterday morning was the most colorful of mornings, here in Seattle.
Thousands participated in the 5K Color Run, an untimed race with a colorful twist, benefiting multiple charities through donations. The premise is simple; take part in a collective run throughout the Seattle City wearing a white shirt (and for many, also a pink tutu). At the end in the Seattle Center, get doused with colored powder, while dancing and having fun among other participants. For more on the Color Run, now host to over 170 events in over 30 countries..visit thecolorrun.com.
I was a little late to participate. However, I did take some pictures the finish party..
I can never resist a gathering this colorful.
And here, was the Sakura Con; a gathering of a different sort than yesterday and day before’s NorWesCon. This event focused more towards the appreciation and partaking of Japanese anime and manga. Much of the action was inside the convention center, where the event was centered. However, the heavy rains of the last days finally stopped. Many attendees came out the open behind the convention center, to enjoy the sun and surroundings of each other.
Above, is a Sakura Con tradition continued; where many gathering in a circle whole other participants each kick a bottle and eventually have it spun to a someone connecting the circle. That person soon gets a hug from the bottle kicker, and replaces the other..to continues the cycle.
Also, there some dancing, posing for cameras, and more fun-having.
Here are a few pics..
I’ll post more up, another day..
Stranger worlds are ever close..
And here, are some pics from my great adventure at the annual NorWesCon science fiction and fantasy convention. This was my first attendance to this event (now in its 37th year); of which I had a grand time discovering new fiction, turning strangers into friends, and cheering on the boldest among us.
There will be more pics (and more musings) for a few alt-pop websites, soon
In the meantime:
I took a wrong turn..
Not a bad thing, as I love new sights. This time, walking through the neighborhood of Meadowbrook, within the Lake City area in the distant northeast region of Seattle.
Here is Meadowbrook Lake, along Thornton Creek, in what used to be a sewer treatment plant from decades ago. Now it’s reverted somewhat to it’s natural state with the help of locals, over the years. You will see and hear a large variety of birds (many waterfowl) along the peaceful water body. You can stroll across the various walkways and come across some puzzling deco art, like in the above picture.
It’s a nice place..
… Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
The best sign of the fresh Spring..
These Yoshino cherry trees, are scattered throughout the Seattle area. Now, they are full and amazing. This is a nice reward to us locals for putting up with the plentiful showers of early March. Now, the weekend weather is grand and sunny. Many cherry trees, you can easily find Downtown, International District, Capitol Hill and the neighboring regions throughout.
Perhaps the best place to see an organized assembly is here, at the University of Washington, in the center Quad. The weekends are best for non-students. The blossoms are at their peak in late March, early April.
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Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
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The name of that horse is Charlie.
I didn’t get the name of the policewoman, who was very nice. Together, they are part of Seattle’s police department’s Mounted Patrol Unit. This local mounted police force have been a part of the Downtown watch for over 100 years. Currently, the cost and existence of Seattle’s mounted police unit are supported by charitable donations from the Seattle Police Foundation and the Seattle Hotel Association.
… Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
Just the evening, after some brief rain. Walking to home, through the wonderful Seattle Center park..
And then, I look back.
Here, is the view from the 40th floor of the Columbia Tower; the middle of the tallest building in downtown Seattle. There is a Starbucks here, open to the public during business hours. You can get a better view on the 76th floor (and very top) for a small price.
This was good enough, and relaxing for me. I was here for some hours working on a special project. The sunset was a great distraction.
I feel the changes, looking to the sky.
The clouds are thinning, dispersing. The blue is breaking out as the sunlight pierces. Below, the grass is more inviting, as I need to rest. My clothes are heavier, from the warming weather. Just days ago, the city had possibilities of snow, in addition to its long period of cold and rainy weather. For the while until much later, I think such characteristics will dwindle, along with those long nights.
Spring is coming. I can feel it.
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Pictures by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
Enjoy every step while they last..
And here in Seattle, is my final stretch before a work day at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. I took a long detour through Myrtle Edwards Park to Sculpture Park and down the downtown waterfront.
Here’s to the peaceful memories..
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Pictures by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved.
“Overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now.”
― Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull
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Picture by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
Go ‘Hawks!
The great Space Needle show its colorful spirit for the recent Seattle Seahawks win and advancement in the playoffs. Above the saucer, a large blue flag displays the number 12, a traditional honor to the 12th Man; a term used by sports fans with a long history, but now more exclusive to Seattle, thanks to a large lawsuit and settlement with Texas A&M University (who originally coined it as a fan term since 1921).
Another fun term among Seattle football fans is the “Beast Quake.” This came from a Seahawks game back on January 8, 2011; where fans literally shook the Earth in excitement during the playoffs in the 4th quarter as its star running back, Marshawn Lynch made a 67-yard touchdown run, ensuring the crucial win against the New Orleans Saints.
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Picture by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All rights reserved
Good choices in life..
Especially at Pappardelle’s Pasta stand inside the great Pike Market of Seattle; where one may sample a dip from assorted balsamic vinegars, or buy at $10-$18 a bottle. Flavors include Blackberry Ginger, Chocolate, Modena Barrel-Aged, Pear Lime & Cinnamon White, Raspberry and Vanilla Fig.
Also, Pappardelle’s offers a fine selection of uncommon pasta noodles. Try the chocolate flavored!
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Picture by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
Somewhere in Elliot Bay, the great Washington State.
Meanwhile above..some blue patches of sky, clusters of dark clouds take over as the yellow Sun sets. I feel the first raindrops, too soon.
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Picture by Orion Tippens (taken from mobile phone). NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
Happy New Year indeed, from the roof of my apartment building.
The fog came in very suddenly just before midnight and quickly intensified. This I think, made this fireworks show even more unique and memorable.
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TRAVELING ORION 