15, Of Recent Randoms

Here below are some observations, in the great Seattle city. All were captured with my camera that barely works now.

High in the sky before the Key Arena entrance..

Noticed a little timey wimey stuck with a little icky sticky. By the way, today (March 26th) marks the 10th anniversary of the day Doctor Who new revival run began, initially starring Christopher Eccleston. He was a fantastic Doctor..

Singin the rain. Here is Hobbit and Hare, a wonderful Pike Market street performer duo..

Wow, look at these mushrooms (Pike Place Market)..

Gotta heart the Seattle spirit, as someone took time and effort for to bring smiles to those looking down..

Back in Post Alley, one could get lost in art.

In Fremont, I took a friend of mine to make friends with a troll.

The colorful interior basement of the Narwhal, underneath the Unicorn Bar..

Back in Capitol Hill, on Pike Street and 11th..

After the rains..

A bird enjoying a small meal, I think.

Me..

Pictures of Today 3/20/15, Hello Spring..

Today is almost done, and what a day it was!

Tis the first day of Spring, and very wet. In the Seattle and surrounding areas, there was light on/off rain. Very pleasant to walk through, especially throughout my paths. Here below, are some moments with notes..

Within a downtown park by the Washington Convention Center, a favorite little tree stands. Here, the petals seem very relaxed in the rain.

And the petals, I think enjoy this rain as much as I. Let em drop..

Much later, I journeyed far to the city of Redmond for a short research gig at Microsoft’s main headquarters. A nice busy place, but what got my attention for the longest was this little bird outside. That was a very chirpy fellow, but also not letting me too close for the more detailed shot.

And then, after a long walk and briefly ending up lost. I found myself in a parking lot of scattered sakura blossom petals. There is seriously a lot to take in, and a little dangerous. More on this, tomorrow..

Finally, back in Downtown Seattle. Here is another pretty tree in the rain.

Up close and personal..

Later, I took a pit stop at the Kobe Terrace Park at the International District. When last here, there was little on the ground. I said I would be back to see them fallen, in an earlier post last weekend. Now…

More on this tomorrow, or the next day..or whenever I get around to it. But soon, I promise.

Pictures of Today 2/21/15, Almost Spring

I kind of miss the lengthy cold and rain. Now, am not receiving much of either this winter, compared to prior years. Or maybe, I’m too used to these mild climates in the northwest US to notice these subtle changes.

But, I do feel we did not receive nearly enough this season, as compared to the years before. I wish I could visit the east US now, where snow is thick and crazy. Something different from this different would be nice; reminding me that winter is still here. Also, this year needs to slow down.

So, I took a walk with the fresh free time I had. And, made the best of this blue sky, direct sunlight with light winds between. I walked around and sat on some benches, occasionally pulling out my copy of Brandon Sanderson’s “Way of Kings.” It’s good so far, about 500 pages in (another 700 to go).

Below. are some pics for those who enjoy a good day of relaxation with light local exploration. These views are behind the Seattle downtown convention center, in that park I should spend more time in. Those cherry trees are blooming well, and much earlier than usual. Can’t wait to see what they look like when the Spring arrives, soon.

Pictures of Today 2/15/15, Shadow Play

“Shadow is the obstruction of light. Shadows appear to me to be of supreme importance in perspective, because, without them opaque and solid bodies will be ill defined; that which is contained within their outlines and their boundaries themselves will be ill-understood unless they are shown against a background of a different tone from themselves.”

– Leonardo da Vinci

Golden Noir Nights in Rain City..

Sometimes, I feel like a bystander in the first chapter of some long mystery. Especially, when the rain happens through the night.

The rain does this sometimes, because nights like this are best described in long opening descriptions, establishing mood and environment. I love this kind of rain, not dense or rough enough to have myself rushing to the next bus; but to casually stroll through and let the wetness sink in (and take pictures). The wet sprinkles are enough to appreciate my surroundings, and think of what has not changed since the noir days of old fashioned city life. This being, how we all become a part of our environments, yet don’t know it. The rain in this city can places between between reflections, making new shadows of us dwelling through. We are all getting by, to become new stories or develop that next chapter.

Just be careful out there.

Shots above and below are of the Westlake Center area of Downtown Seattle; a place that is best in after hours, and in the rain. Also, I really like these shots. I will be coming more of this in the near future.

Chihuly Glass Art at the Benaroya Concert Hall..

Walk around Downtown Seattle enough, and eventually you will notice the strange glass art of Dale Chihuly, famed artist of curvy glass sculptures. I have seen his work is at the public library, various local businesses, and his museum neighboring the Space Needle. But of his most profound work I have personally seen, is at the Benaroya Concert Hall in the Downtown area.

Here, there are two monster sculptures at opposite ends of the long hall entrance, titled the “Crystal Cascade.” Both way three tons, and each measure about 12 feet wide by 15 feet long. Both are made up of many individual glass pieces, somewhere brought together and hung as the strangest of chandeliers.

Below are pictures I shot over the weekend, of this Crystal Cascade (from the side, and from the bottom)..

For more on Dave Chihuly, visit Chihuly.com.

Pictures of Today 1/31/15, 12 Man Fan Colours

This was early last night, after midnight. Here in the Seattle Center, the 12 man spirit of the SeaHawks is going Beast Mode through the thick fog (see previous Space Needle pics!). The Super Bowl will be the next day, and the Pacific Science Center knows what’s up.

Also, I love the fog.

And, below is a bonus of where I stopped by this night..the Benaroya Music Hall, also showing some Seahawk cheer!

(Go Hawks!!)

Pictures of Today 1/30/15, Nightly Comes the Fog..

The fog is impatient today, rushing in. Seattle’s Blue Friday night before the coming Super Bowl, will be hidden.

I saw it coming a little earlier..

And then, nothing could stop it..

The moon shines high above the fog, for now..

And there was the Needle..

10 minutes later..

Now is the time for new secrets..

Pictures of Today 1/27/15, Time Between..

Late night, between bus transfer points on my way home.

The air is very calm, and unchilly. I forget how different the near south side of Seattle in Pioneer Square / International District / Century Link lot can be compared to the near north side in Belltown (where I live). The lighting dramatically differs, with more orangey glows and matching neon lights. The buildings are very old town yesterday, preserved with a feel that dates back decades..something I feel that shows best at night when the crowds are gone and the nightly moisture descends upon my brow.

I didn’t think to shoot more pics than the above clock. I now reflect on this, sitting at home and thinking back as I write this. When I have more time and less exhausted from daily labor, I will return to this area and shoot more nightly pics.

Here below is the Downtown, shortly before I leave for the bus..
Note the Seahawks colors, lit upon the Columbia Tower on high. Just four days left to the Super Bowl (go Hawks)!

Picture of Today 1/23/15, Lady in Red

Once can loose a sense of reality on the 4th floor of the Seattle Central Library in the Downtown area. Lots of red and curves here. It is best to enter this area from an upper floor via the elevator, for a trippy feel. The senses take some moments to adjust, and then let the surroundings sink in.

This pic was accidental, with the cam settings off and the mystery shadow lady suddenly appearing. I like this result.

Pictures of Today 1/16/15, Hiding Art

Today would have been an otherwise regular day, if it weren’t for the little discoveries I find.

This mural, is the other side of a building I often pass on Broadway street in Capitol Hill (17th and John). I cut through Cal Anderson Park to the back of the building, and I notice this lengthy work of art along the back. There is posted credits to Baso Fibonacci, Zach Rockstad, and Japhy White.

Here is a shot further on. The back residential street is very narrow, with cars back to back along the way. Shots from afar were not good, and filled with much cars. But I like this angle, though it only captures a small part. The first shot above is the best I could do. I like it.

Tis cool to know what kind of sights are around the corner to my otherwise familiar paths. Perhaps, I’ll come back when there are no cars and try for a wider shot of the long art.

Much later and further away to the Downtown Seattle area, I cut through the Post Alley underpass at Pike Place Market for another errand. And here, the wall art (which I post up occasionally) is ever changing with something new and thought provoking..

Cool.

Pictures of the Night (Part 3), The Night Stop..

Continued from previous Part 1 and Part 2, where I lost myself in the fog and I had a strange yet short adventure. And now, I return back to the Federal Way transit station.

And I have a little time left to look around..

And, there are others. But, not for long..

I explore the parking structure, because it’s there. And to get a better view from above.

Everyone is gone, almost.

I look at the time. I best go back (bus arrives at 9:45 pm).

and here I am again. Almost empty..

Another one appears, than disappears.

And the last one runs. But not too late. Here comes the bus.

And that was all. I slept very soundly on very comfortable seat. I remember nothing else..

Pictures of the Night (Part 1), Strangers in the Fog..

Lost in spirit…..

In the middle of somewhere, by a transit station in Federal Way (further south of Seattle)..I missed the bus back home, after leaving another bus from work. I was early for the next, by 45 minutes. I could wait impatiently and wear down my phone battery with obsessive social media play. Or, I could let my curiosity take over and walk away with the phone buried in my knapsack.

So, I wandered in the fog further away from the station and around the corner, drawn towards different lights. Between them, odd silhouettes stranded about.. These were the strangest strangers, frozen in the fog.

And, I wondered in my wandering..Who or what were these strange stone apparitions? Did they also miss the bus? Would I join them?

There is no escape. I am among them now..

This one is important. A spell or counterspell in process, I can only guess..

Here, I think is some part of a grand epic with an aquatic setting. Details are difficult, as the night hides much.

This one is different, and most suspicious…

And this one, I think strays from all company. It stays alone, especially tonight.

I could find no more information while here, other than shadowy visuals. Perhaps in the future, I will google this place. But for this foggy night, I like mysteries to stay as they are.

But, I noticed something else in the distance, far beyond this tree. It was enough to draw me away from the binding spell of the this strange gathering.

(To be continued.. )

Pictures of Today 1/3/15, de Lights

Let me show you some lights..

Big and small, in many shapes, connected and apart, in many colors or just one..
But I will only show a few for now. Some are enough for one night…

Especially, in the freezing cold.

Picture of Today 1/1/15 II, First 2015 Sunset

Back at Sculpture Park, here in Seattle…

I had an evening stroll, with some cold winter weather expected time of year. The day was clear at least, giving us the bluest sky throughout the day. But the temperature I think was in the low 30s. I stayed the hermit until I was hungry for some cheese and grapes. I made a detour to the market, feeling drawn to the fading light of Elliot Bay. Then, walked down to the water. Looking at the leftover sunlight, makes the distance so warming to the soul. I savor this until the last little light left.

Look at those colors..

Picture of Today 12/28/14 II, Letters from There

And, here is another something one could pass in Sculpture Park. Of that, I have no idea what this means or amounts to. Art or nonsense,..could be both.

I, just like this picture.

Picture of Yesterday, Between Shadow and Light.

Another moment in between other good moments..

It has you now.

Merry Christmas!

For all, may your day be full of Joy.

Picture of Today 12/20/14, Merry Holiday Season at the Market

‘Twas the peak of the Holiday weekend shopping rush all through the Market. Earlier, where the corridors were crowded with tourists and gift-givers being greeted by merchants and fish-throwers. The rain outside stayed all day, and a little in the night with some sprinkles here and there. I meanwhile, am happy with my box of smoked salmon, of which I will bring to a party later on.

Good night.

Picture of Today 12/12/14, The view from Floor 73..

Of the Columbia Tower, tallest building in Seattle; and the 2nd highest within the west coast US states at 933 ft (284 m).

It is a nice quiet place to relax, unless a fear of heights develops. The floor is open to the public, for a small fee (of which I do not remember). The floor is almost 360 degrees, with nice seats and a cafe.

That land between here and the Sun is West Seattle, surrounded by the Puget Sound waters.

Picture of Today 12/9/14, Reflecting Seattle

Today was blue, full of thin cloudy strands above. Added surroundings added nicety, for a pleasant walk and great reflections.

Pictures of Today 11/29/14.. of Snowy Awakenings.

As I expected the usual to follow, I slept a longer on the night before. In the morning, I rested in bed for an hour longer; using my layers of blankets as a turtle shell. I procrastinate even further, prolonging my morning intake of granola and hot apple cider. My apartment window gives little clue to the world outside, as it faces too close to an emotionless brick wall. I suspected nothing, but a normal day. I wait, with holding onto my unexpectations.

Yet eventually, I would go for the great morning walk. And then, surprise… snow and cold winds overwhelm my senses as I leave the building entrance. And suddenly, there was laughter in the distance of children running in the distance. The bluest of skies, missed from the days of conquering greys. I see these remnants of a snowy wonderland, with the city gardenscapes and roofs of unmoved vehicles saving the last largest clusters of snowfall. I felt bewildered, and unadjusting to this sudden drop in temperature. I ask to the neighbor standing aside, puffing on a cigarette, “how long and how much did I miss this?!”

“All night, and some this morning..”

Heh, was all I thought. Not so much the disappoint as I rarely see snow; but I feel a sort of sureness of what world I would wake up to. The morning was almost gone, and snowfall clearly ended. But thankfully, there was much of it still around for me to take a very long and worthwhile walk.

The color of leaves and sudden rush of sunlight brought uniqueness to this morning. The snow was just enough for nature to peek through in places, bringing the a heightened ambiance and surreality to what I find otherwise usual and expected; yet peaceful and adaptive.

So, I am happy to catch this time and place..perhaps the most important potentially missed should I have stayed inside further on. Here are some moments to pass on, in thanks to this world for waiting up..

Picture of Today 11/26/14

It’s a whole new day!

But I should be getting some sleep soon..

Picture of Today 11/25/14

Happiness is watching some Peanuts cartoon from the warmth of your surroundings. These good times with Charlie Brown and the gang do not have to be from the home, or with familiars, or in direct gaze at the screen.

Picture of Today 11/19/14

I stared at this strange plant in the dark outside; far deep in the downtown and illuminated by a a lone light fixture from an office building entrance. There were others of Its kind around, but not so captivating..to me at least. This plant is somewhat special, though I could not put my finger on why..

I think, I just really like looking at it.

Picture of Today 11/18/14

This evening, a lively dance party happened on the Magnolia Bridge. The tiniest of guests arrived, all naked and spinning beneath the super light.

Picture of Today 11/16/14

Just me, the Seattle Space Needle, and a small kaleidoscope.

This is not the best of my experiments in photography, but I like this. I’ll try it again on a much warmer night..

Picture of Today 11/14/14

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…

Picture of Today 11/13/14

“Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain.”

Henry David Thoreau

Picture of Today 11/12/14

This evening, life goes on for this city of Seattle. The wind picks up and the current temperature chills down to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Outside, most people are either coming or going to where they must. Inside, I will soon cook mash potatoes and smoked salmon.

I look back to what made this day special..

Earlier and 510 million miles away, on a comet traveling at 24,600 miles per hour; the Philae probe made its successful landing upon its surface. This journey took more than 10 years in space travel, with many risks along the way. The purpose is to collect and send data (along with the separated Rosetta spacecraft) that may give further insight to the scientific origins of life on earth. More on that at esa.int.

Cheers to this special day.

TRAVELING ORION

My frequent blog of my adventures in writing, discovery, and learning.

Tag Archives: Photography

Pictures of Days 3/21-3/26/15, Of Recent Randoms

Pictures of Today 3/20/15, Hello Spring..

Pictures of Today 2/21/15, Almost Spring

Pictures of Today 2/15/15, Shadow Play

Golden Noir Nights in Rain City..

Chihuly Glass Art at the Benaroya Concert Hall..

Pictures of Today 1/31/15, 12 Man Fan Colours

Pictures of Today 1/30/15, Nightly Comes the Fog..

Pictures of Today 1/27/15, Time Between..

Picture of Today 1/23/15, Lady in Red

Pictures of Today 1/16/15, Hiding Art

Pictures of the Night (Part 3), The Night Stop..

Pictures of the Night (Part 1), Strangers in the Fog..

Pictures of Today 1/3/15, de Lights

Picture of Today 1/1/15 II, First 2015 Sunset

Picture of Today 12/28/14 II, Letters from There

Picture of Yesterday, Between Shadow and Light.

Merry Christmas!

Picture of Today 12/20/14, Merry Holiday Season at the Market

Picture of Today 12/12/14, The view from Floor 73..

Picture of Today 12/9/14, Reflecting Seattle

Pictures of Today 11/29/14.. of Snowy Awakenings.

Picture of Today 11/26/14

Picture of Today 11/25/14

Picture of Today 11/19/14

Picture of Today 11/18/14

Picture of Today 11/16/14

Picture of Today 11/14/14

Picture of Today 11/13/14

Picture of Today 11/12/14

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