Picture of Today 5/4/2017, May the 4th be with you..

You will know (the good from the bad) when you are calm, at peace. Passive.” – Yoda, Jedi Master

Picture by me at Kobi Park in Seattle. Figurine obtained at a yard sale many years ago, for one dollar.

 Orion T

Picture of Today 11/1/15, The New November

 
Just a beautiful moment in a small city park (Denny Park in Seattle)…

This day is Sunday, and after Halloween. Also, overnight rain happened of which the Pacific lands need. The amounts did not overwhelm, yet were sufficient for the more leaves to fall. The time change also added to this new November, bringing the darkness in a little earlier. Add the notably colder temperatures, and I feelthe difference in this Fall season turning point. 

I look forward.

Picture of Today 2/8/15, Grey Sunday

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Today was a simple day of nothing. Some waffles, some books, some light thoughts of where the week will go; no stress and kicking feet up when possible. Then, I remembered to take a walk. That took effort, as I enjoyed my lazy state of mind. Yet, I did go out (realizing I was almost out of laundry detergent, and the local market closes early on Sunday).

And, the city was quiet. Not many out, with most cars in their parked positions. There was little wind, but enough to let the currents cleanse the the dulled senses (from being indoors for so long). Looking to the sky, where all was grey and thick..the occasional bird gliding by; feelings of kind nothings filled the mind of mine. So, I went for a longer walk, and took the above picture (and below). That was the highlight of my day, perhaps the whole week. Let’s see..

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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 12/21/14, 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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Pictures of Today 5/26/14

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All in a good day, with extra special added to the established special..

This Memorial Day, I enjoyed the annual Seattle Folklife Festival, with a kaleidoscope and my cheap smartphone camera (and first posted on Instagram).

The festival was nice; a huge annual event in Seattle, where musicians of a humble variety performed in different spots all near (some on stage, rooms, sidewalks) and play for the cheerful gatherings. All free, and donation backed by sponsors and collected tips. I did not feel much on the picture-taking; just enjoyed the sounds with a preference for jazz and bluegrass. The passing time was best spent on the grass under a warm sun and cloudy sky. I would change spots; with some engaging casual conversations with strangers, light writing, consuming sugary deep friend confectionaries and playing with my kaleidoscope.

Good times..

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Picture of Today 5/18/14

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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

Pictures of Today 2/9/14

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Snow in Seattle..

A grand surprise for this interesting city. As snow is often in th near mountian regions, but only hitting the city lowlands once a year, maybe. For days, the local weather reports downplayed the plausibility of sticky snow. Yet, here we are; along with Portland and the rest of the northwest.

The snow fell yesterday morning, hitting hard and fast. The temperature was a steady cold (30-40 degrees), typical of the deep winter for Seattle. The morning, light snowflakes from the many trees and tall structures about, floating down.

Very pretty.

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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.

Summer Daze at Ocean Beach part 2/2

Ocean Beach, San Diego

Continued from part 1.

Put the world behind you, and enjoy the best part of Ocean Beach.

The dense and plentiful sand, a grandest sky, the endless water, the resonance of unending tides. OB has it all in wait.

Further out, is the amazing Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, standing tall since 1966, This is my favorite escape, within an escape. The OB pier is where one takes good time, slow walk and let the worries of the wold fade out with each step out. Among you will be those with fishing poles, casting out for good catch. Maybe, I will someday join them.

Look out and far, especially on a clear day.

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Also, the OB Pier is the longest concrete pier on the West Coast at 1,971 feet (601 m).

Ocean Beach, San Diego

Looking over, the pier is a great place to watch surfers in action. Like much of California’s Coast, OB is a prime spot for the surfing culture.

Here in OB, the surfing lifestyle has its early roots. Surfing was been traced back as far as 1916 when local lifeguard Charlie Wright borrowed a wooden surfboard from the Hawaiian Olympic swimmer and surfing’s living legend, Duke Kahanamoku. Wright went on to produce more boards, gave lessons, and promoted surfing to the local area. Afterwards, that surfing community grew as the sporting became native to San Diego.

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Some surf late, enjoying the best of the golden Californian sunset.

Ocean Beach, San Diego

Ocean Beach, San Diego

For me, I often go for another walk on the great OB pier. The coming night offers a different reward for those looking for quality alone time. Also, one could enjoy a more illuminate view of the coast looking back. On my last visit, the camera battery power faded. So, I present these views from the same place from a previous time some years ago, upon the night of a Harvest Moon.

From here, there are no more words..

Ocean Beach, San Diego

Ocean Beach, San Diego

Ocean Beach, San Diego

Seattle Summer Solstice!

Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013

Look, there was a parade here!

That, and so much more within the highly overlooked Fremont district; home to a bridge troll, giant stone Lenin, long walks, desserts and happy people.Also, the place for the great Fremont Summer Solstice Fair of 2013.

Among thousands of happy people in attendance was big live music, an auto show, a nude bike ride, food carts, art galleries, random dancing, tents full of stuff for sale. Between all, was a sunny, glorious day with an epic supermoon on the way.

I missed a lot of this, but not the nude bike ride. That will get its own entry soon. I was here for the parade. I love a parade, especially one like this..

This happening was amazing for its content and local feel. Sights and sounds turned special from all by the present area folk; nothing corporate or crying out for name recognition. Much was homegrown and very creative, with silliness attached (also, some environmental awareness mixed in).  From that, we had monsters and knights, sea beasts and jellywomen, pharaohs and hippies, puppets and propellers, disco and drums, jungle and jazz. 

I’m out of words, let the pictures say the rest..

Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013

Falling in Spring, somewhere in Seattle..

Wow, Kobe Terrace Park.

Seek this beautiful yet small park in Seattle, especially in the Spring. Find Kobe Terrace Park, northeast of the International District. Go east, uphill on Washington street and past 6th, before the freeway. This small public paradise awaits you, covered with cherry blossom trees and small shrubbery.

All this on a hill, perfect for a nice stroll. Also, some well-placed benches, perfect for reading. You may notice a pleasant, distant overview of Seattle’s somewhat droll southeast region. But cares may not happen, as the enveloping surrounding nature and peacefulness will be all the matters for the restful mind.

I was here twice last week, with business nearby. First on Sunday, during the bright sunny weather. And then again on Friday, after some rain and heavy winds. The place was beautiful, but on two different frequencies. In between, a transformation happened.

I took pics on both visits. Below are some raw, unedited pics from my outdated cellphone.The first set is from my afternoon visit on Sunday evening, March 31, 2013. The weather was warm, sunny. The blossoms are near full, amazing:

cellphone photo by Orion Tippens cellphone photo by Orion Tippens cellphone photo by Orion Tippens cellphone photo by Orion Tippens cellphone photo by Orion Tippens
photo by Orion Tippens

The next set is from my visit after some rain and wind, the following Friday. The weather is now cold, wind and cloudy above. What was in the sky, is on the ground. Imagine, with each gust of new wind, blossoms fluttering to the ground. I imagine much of Japan like this, but on a grand scale. Someday, I hope to set foot in that far land of the Rising Sun. But for now, Seattle will do:

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That’s all for now.