The Late Awakened City

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This morning, my eyes winced at the unusually bright light; blazing through the windows of my Seattle workplace. There was an odd distraction about it, while I slowly consumed my lukewarm morning coffee.

Such was unexpected on this day of cloud dominance with a wide range of greys hues and deep shadows. Below was dark, kept in shadows for a surreal time. What a dream to live I thought, and when will the day really wake up?

The picture was taken from my crappy smartphone. Sometimes that’s enough to capture a good moment.

Orion T

Picture of Today 6/26/2017, Way Over There…

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. 

Pictures of Today 4/1/15, Before the Storm..

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I recall those 45 minutes on the evening bus heading back to the big Emerald City, along the freeway..

I stared out through the glass, feeling restless. You can see the clouds move very slowly, changing swirls and shifting light in curious chaotic directions. Crazy clouds can be exciting, and stirring of my moods. Every now and then, a patch of blue, or a burst of sun; the mind just let’s go. I feel so much of the glorious unique and vast sights, feeding to my imagination to some strange epic fantasy lost in my subconscious. I normally sleep on the long bus rides after work, but how could I? I just stared out, in a sort of hypnotic state for much good time. I would eventually break through the spell, taking pics from the smartphone every few seconds. I think I captured some of that motion.

Two hours later, a massive thunderstorm hit the big Seattle city. No pics of that, as I could only hear the booming throughout under the safety of my bed covers. I was tempted to leave and peek outside, but I think these pics from earlier are enough for today. Also, I remember the outside air as very cold and wet. 

Here below, are those earlier bus pics all unedited and low-res raw, straight from my slightly outdated smartphone. The above pic is from my apartment roof, befoe settling to the inside for the night..

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Pictures of Today 2/13/15, Crazy Highs..

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Wows, what is going in with these skies?

Today, was a day of constant changing patterns and strange hazy hues. Earlier was sunnier and blue in parts, later turning to many shades of grey. The clouds were of many shapes..some straight and narrow, others round and fluffy, some patterns and others in total chaos. The day was also warm, up to 64 degrees; unusual for this time of year to be this warm in Seattle, I think. My weather app said there would be rain, but there was none that I noticed. Still, the skies were beautiful and kept us guessing throughout the day.

More below.. Birds! Totem poles! Space Needle! More clouds!

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Picture of Today 1/6/15, Vivid Morning Undream..

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The long bus ride to work was a sleepy extent of nothing. I left Seattle about 30 minutes ago, heading south to work near Tacoma. Traffic seemed slow at first leaving the busy metropolis that I lived deep within. And with each blinking morning light in the morning haze, my eyes sank closer to the headrest of my comfy seat, on the Sound Transit ride.

But not all the way…

I blinked awide, to find myself drifting high above the clouds. Or at least, that’s what was actually happening, as the bus on the highway reached its high stretch on some hills where one could either see nothing, or everything depending on the weather. Here..was unreal, perhaps could be easily fooled all was a dream, and I might have actually gained a good night’s rest..

And that moment of realization; I snapped this above picture of mediocre pixilation from my decent smartphone, through the dirty window inside a vessel traveling at least 60 miles per hour (traffic improved). I took the shot needed, to prove later that such the sight was not a dream. I watched the white fog layer speed by, drifting with the fully snow capped Mount Rainer in the back. All was breathtaking, for the minutes lasted. Then, the trees arrived on the hill censoring the smooth silky oasis. The all-view soon disappeared..forever, and the road would become part of the thick layered fog. And there was nothing again.

I drifting back to semi-sleep.

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 12/11/14, 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 9/22/14

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I thought the evening could not get better than yesterday on the ol Seattle waterfront.

Yet, here I was..

But then again, yesterday was just as good.

Maybe tomorrow will be even better than these past two days.

Looking forward if so..

Picture of Today 2/25/14

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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.

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