Where some see piles of wood, pallets, discarded metal sheets…others see canvases, ramps, blocks, connecters, stuff needing to be assembled in some unintended order. It’s all shapes with variances of density, waiting for some direction. Figuring some of that out is part of the fun!
After all, arent all tangible things just shapes with variance in density, just waiting for purpose or repurpose? Waste is so very unnatural.
Don’t thing about that above statements too much. That would be a poor use of your time. Find stuff to put together instead!
– Orion
The above picture is from Cal Anderson Park, Capital Hill district, Seattle. It was a day of light peaceful rain, shortly after the new year turn from 2024 to 2025. I regret not doing a new year’s post. Maybe I should do a late one. Hmm, I am late on a lot of things.
I took time to ponder this moshing of letters in the back of an abandoned supermarket, during the recent Punk Rock Flea Market in the heart of Seattle.
Yet, I am sad to see more empty buildings in the Emerald City we call Seattle. I worry aboutf their use and eventually de-use, as many are torn down and replaced with sky high overly modernized apartments catered to high earners of the snobbish variety.
Then, I cheer up to see many of their shells painted upon to display a vibrant image not everyone will understand, but anyone can appreciate.
Each great used canvas becomes a reminder of what helped build this great city, and we should also be preserving: our past rich with creative visual talent who dared to take the more difficult path daring what they love, loving what they do, in those buildings built to better welcome them from kinder decades… Kenneth Callihan, Guy Anderson, Veronica Sauer, Ryan “Henry” Ward, Mark Tobey, and many more.
The art upon these old mostly abandoned buildings I find beautiful, where I am fortunate to see the parts of Seattle I want to keep seeing, from those who don’t this for money, those I hope many are paid well, do they can keep making this city beautiful, where it needs it most.
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The picture above is in the Belltown district of Seattle. The art is recent, though I could not identify the artist. But I do now the significance of Zanada, Years ago, Zanadu was a mighty comic book store I would often visit. I do miss it, along with many other stores around here.
To be able to look up through a Sakura tree, appreciate fresh blossoms scattering silky pink petals arranged perfectly for the coming days ahead, is a most wonderful way to welcome the new Spring season.
The year began here with heavy smoke caught in the dense fog. The Space Needle within 15 seconds of the new year dissapeared. But that didnt stop the fireworks from making a colorful spectacle…
Thick fog drifted through Seattle yesterday, adding chill density to the end of Fall. The holiday night lights are not denied, as their colorful luminosity is enhanced. The fog is unusually dense for the early evening. The streets are a quiet and spooky. The ground seems a bit slippery, dampened by the heavy mist.
I walk slowly, not so much to be careful, but to admire this moody, beautiful atmosphere.
Since I stood by among cheering folk and enjoyed a good parade. Not just any parade, but the annual (33rd!) Fremont Solstice Parade, here in north Seattle.
To those not familiar with this local tradition, the Fremont Solstice Parade is celebration of raw art and talent, produce by the Fremont Arts Council. The floats and costumes are all home-made, of the highest creative spririt and imagination. No corporations or logos, as funding is propelled by the locals. Spectators join in cheers as positive messages of love, peace, laughter, inspiration, expression, culture are welcome through the streets of Fremont.
It’s all vibrant, beautiful to witness. Here’s some pictures, sharing in my joy…
Where a grand structure is newly built, opportunity is exponetially grown from its foundation. There leads new stories waiting to be told, starting with every new corner turned and higher places to ponder the next journey. Best be there to gaze out the new windows, see fresh perspectives of old roads and people walking about. Nothing is truly boring of a new structure, unless you are a very boring person.
That said, I love the new Seattle Convention Center Summit building, replacing an public transit station. The new modern, seemingly cublic structure rose from construction during the recent global pandemic, just another sign of the constantly growing metropolis. Behold, this 573,770 square foot, 14-hour structure of glass and steel. Within, many new rooms and a large outdoor garden terrace, I spent much time with a few visits, having the most fun exploring at the recent Emerald City Comic Con. Over the Pine Street side, I awed though the wonderous way to the top over a series of escalators. Looking back down truly glorious.
Being there different days, the skies vary as Seattle weather is often never consitant. Yet gazing out through the inside, is an experience to be cherished each time.
Then, for those fortunate inside to enjoy this fresh structure after sunset, may gaze out at the citylife active through the light of the street and surrounding buildings of old and new. Mix the cozy lit atmosphere of the inside, shares a different social experience. the top floor wide walkways are perfect for parties (I was at one!). Notice the side window reflections, adding new layers of inside life. Yet, you may still admire the outside citylife, depending on the angle of you.
I have more pictures to share of different views of this new convention center, for a different day. And I will probably have more as I look forward to coming back here, for any reason I will happily take.
Christmas season lights, everywhere again. I love it all.
They bring a necessity of cheer to the coldest, wettest time of the year to our northern hemisphere. These colorful beacons repeal the peak darkness and gloom that can be a bit rough sometimes, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle, I welcome them especially under the heavy rain. they inspire fantasy and magic, an extra sparkle to the surroundings with dazzling reflections. The more the rain and darker the air, the more mystical magic I see of the holiday season.
Of course, I take some phone pictures for sharing….
May these visions brighten your season too, or go out look for lights in your area!!
– Orion T
Pics were taken at the Westlake Center in Seattle, a fine spot to enjoy the Holiday Season with shopping and happy rain!
I love small press and homegrown creativity, especially from the Short Run Comix and Arts Festival.
This recent annual event, at its 10th Anniversary in Seattle, drew hundreds of people to a big room to share in that support to meet and shop. Through the many tables, a chance to buy small and limited runs of books, zines, prints, stickers, and a lot of other cool oddities mostly from Pacific Northwest residents. To partake in the joy of creativity and discovery of fresh literature and art, especially the sequential, is delightful.
I have missed this much, as the Covid pandemic has kept the Short Run away for over two years. Now, it’s back to the Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center, bigger than ever.
There was an awesome variety of homegrown material for anyone, any age to take in on pretty much any subject. However, much of it is not cheap, as creators often take a difficult path in their devotion to their craft, often taking sacrifice in time and funds of their own. The best we can do to keep them going in offering such driven creativity, is support by paying the extra bucks. The opportunity through the Short Run is most grand.
Also, the Short Run Comix & Arts Festival is a free event. I think that’s a big reason for the support. Accessibility for all, feels more open and inviting. Though the lines during the prime hours to get in were quite long, with at least 15 minutes wait to get in…worth it.
So here are some great moments of the show, including some of the wonderful people I chatted with, and some purchases from me (last picture).
“It’s as much fun to scare as to be scared.” – Vincent Price.
With much truth in that shining quote, there is more to appreciate in leading up to this day of All Hallow’s Eve. This spookiest day built itself heavily from a Celtic pagan festival, to a preparation on the eve of All Saint’s Day for Catholics, an eventual connecting to All Soul’s Day started by Christian missionaries, then the heavily commercialized push from capitalizing retailers. There is much more history behind every Halloween with it’s many traditions involving wacky costumes, carving pumpkins, and devouring excessive sugary treats.
Halloween is all in good fun, though how much one puts into it is an individual taste. One’s dedication to entertain others through extravagant appearance of one’s self and surrounding to get at least a chuckle, and perhaps a little spooky vibe, says much on how wonderful a beating heart can be. To share in a scare, to delight in disguise, to celebrate a little darkness in each other by making light over much of it, can be healthy for the gloomy days ahead.
So that being said, I hope all have a safe and thrilling Halloween, no matter how we each take part in (or ignore) it.
– Orion T
The picture above was from somewhere near Volunteer Park in Seattle, last Halloween in 2021. In that area was, and probably there again this year, some truly spooktacular displays upon some beautiful vintage houses. I may check that area out again this year, if time and weather allow.
“All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.” – L.M. Montgomery
What a pleasant quote from the famed author of Anne of Green Gables! Though, I am often a bit more of a Fall or Spring favored person, as I love those variances in weather and the changes they bring, Yet, I feel a special, unforgettable summer that works best with all it brings with the awesome raised warm of the Pacific Northwest. a break for many, a time to spend with friends and family on big adventures can be delightful and near perfection.
That being said, I am enjoying this summer of 2022 so far, despite the worries of the world. I have pulled myself further from the claws of the social media beasts, to long escapes to waterfronts and large parks. My times are private, almost selfish as I enjoy my along time in self-reflections, figuring that’s next for the months of ahead. And soon, I shall take a much needed travel trip, to make all this even better.
I hope you are enjoying this summer as well.
– Orion T
The picture was taken by me a few days ago from Gasworks Park, a wonderful little spot on the north side of Lake Union in the Seattle city. The slight combined with the warm ready made that time, near perfect.
I think fast junky food is evidence of dark magic in our modern time, summoning consumables that represents everything that is good and terrible of our human guilty pleasures. We think it out of the thin air of the most basic of thoughts to what we or others can put together using the alchemy of dead animals, vegetables, wheat, fire, grease, and whatever consumable liquids or powders of taste additives. It’s weird as such sudden existence of convenience is often irresistible. The smell of a good burger, a deep dish pizza, garlic fries can enchant a hungry soul. We forget how bad and how processed it is, and seek its bliss just when suddenly in our presence. Sometimes, the more the more quantity, the more flavor, the more we should resist. Then may come regret, but there is that moment with the actual consumption right before that means more, is happiness. This strange process, is wonderful.
– Orion T
Picture was taken a couple weeks ago at the Washington Summer Con, in the townsy town of Puyallup, Washington. A lot of people cosplayed for the event. I took less pictures and focused more on treasure hunting. But love this little surreal moment, as I was also hungry for fast food.
I love a local street fair, especially the annual University District Street Fair here in Seattle. I attended, absorbing the sights and sounds of free entertainment and random happenings. But even more so, I enjoy the smells and tastes the food choices of this street fair brought. The weather, perfect.
I love the food options this street fair offered. Here tended much extra special dishes with a variety of culture from many local businesses. One takes chances from each, be a little brave in trying new things, wait in line for and pay a little more. Every disappointment can be a notable experience. Every tasty surprise, a euphoric reward to that street fair experience.
So, I took pictures of some choice food from this fair, with both visual appeal and invite curious taste. Many have links on where you can learn more from the business that served each. Enjoy, and let them encourage you to check out some street fair food stands…
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Kettle corn, naturally fresh from a big kettle…very authentic!Here’s a huge block of potato curls, best shared with friends!
Some dessert made with liquid nitrogen, from 320 Below!
Boba tapioca balls piled up ready to put in delicious drinks at the Mustache Milk Tea stand!Bubble waffle deserts truly taste as amazing as they look, from Cafe Kleo!I love the Tornado Potato, a tasty work of art!A savory strawberry crepe I enjoyed from Blinchiki!This Character Cotton Candy sweet ducky pal to share the fair with!My favorite treat of the whole fair. The Korean Cheese Dog from Puffle Up Seattle, simple yet amazing to my tastebuds!
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So with all that delight in mind, I would love to know your favorite street fair food. Please share in our comments!
I have to enjoy these fresh blossoms while they last…
And, the best place for the grandest trees in Seattle, are foremost at the Quad in the University of Washington. Here, a grand gathering of cheery cherry trees stand tall in top bloom through this week. Nearly every year, I take time out to enjoy the awesome view. But this year, it seem many were present to share in their glory.
The new spring season has finally arrived, and its new atmosphere feels absolutely great.
Slightly warmer weather, a time change giving more light to our evenings, more outside sports actions, and very notably come the fresh blooms.
My favorite visuals of this new season are the many cherry trees adorn with their brightest blooms, of which I have wrote about many times, and did a little video last year.. Yet, I can never express enough the wonders and atmosphere these sakuras bring at such a perfect time. I am often drawn to them. My imagination is brought to visions where I will someday witness see their grandest display in the Land of the Rising Sun.
But for now, I shall continue to appreciate this annual natural tradition, well appreciated in the PNW where cherry blossoms are plenty. Cherry blossom festivals are coming, with a new one this weekend at the University of Washington. I may check that out.
But if you see a cherry tree or grove, stop and enjoy what’s freshly given in the narrow time seen. Look close, and appreciate every branch, every petal whether resilient or loosely falling. Then get lost in the overall picture…
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone, as I wish you all a most green, fun and delightful time, should you decide to partake in this odd non-holiday tradition of green clovers and happy dancing.
Last Sunday, I celebrated a bit of that grand St. Patrick’s Day spirited tradition.
That joy was from the local annual parade here in Seattle, returning to full spirit with the marching and convoy entertainment to a cheering crowd. I think this may be the first of its kind to a regular cheering crowd since before the pandemic. I was a surprised with the huge public reception!
The event, was for the coming St. Patrick’s day. All hosted by an awesome variety of mostly local Irish culture groups, celebrating different facets of Ireland traditions, music, dance, spirited ideals, and non-profit backed charity.
Overall, a good time. I wish I brought a better camera, but still I took pictures worth sharing. Here below, are my favorite shots for your amusement.
Today, marks the last day of the 2022 Lunar New Year festivities as we welcome the Year of the Tiger. I hope many readers caught some part of this longtime 15-day tradition. I almost missed out with schedule complications and untimely weather.
But, I was fortunate to be around the Seattle Center last Sunday, getting some fresh air. I wasn’t very excited about this year’s Super Bowl this year, but did enjoy the halftime special later. This day was the only chance I had for a while to spend extensive time outside, and that’s important to me.
So, I felt rewarded in that time, for I witnessed a glorious gathering for the continued Lunar New Year celebrations with the White Lotus Dragon & Lion Dance group. These are very talented performers in colorful costumes, from Portland, Oregon. They do a variety of dances, musical numbers, sharing of Asian culture rooted from longtime traditions, for entertainment and promotions.
This stylish lion dancing dates back over a 1000 years, rooted in ancient China, backed by related folktales that add mystique to this creature rarely seen by locals. Traditions have remained steady since, with regional variations, promoting Chinese culture around the world now. Unlike Chinese Dragons who need many to animate the creature movement, Chinese Lions only unit persons per unit. Music is added, often introduced with fireworks, and stunts may be performed. To witness these lions in action, is an awesome spectacle.
I enjoyed this colorful display, of which I share further with these pics from my camera.
The White Lotus Dragon & Lion Dance group performs for many events, and remain local to the Pacific Northwest. For more info, visit www.whitelotusliondance.com.
Sadly, a recent weather report concluded to zero chance of lowland Seattle, for the coming days, and likely the rest of this month. The weather will warm up instead.
Which is too bad for those who don’t get enough snow in their life, but enjoy what it brings. Meanwhile, I do love those pics of the northeast U.S snowfall. And then I remember, that I have pics to look back on, with many I have yet to publish on travelingorion.com.
Last year here in Seattle, we received much low-land snow where in Seattle. I posted some pictures here, and here. But, I held back on many pictures of handmade snowpeople, with an intention to feature in a separate post. But sadly, the plan was set aside in favor of editing and producing a video. I was hoping to revive the theme with the recent snowfall, but didn’t quite find any more snowpersons, and also was a bit too busy to seek any out. So, I remembered last year’s adventures, and now would like to share these special pics.
What a nice bunch! Someday, I will build one of my own. That’s on my bucket list now.
I love a good bookstore, especially with a staircase that leads to room with more books.
One favorite staircase is from Ophelia Books in the Fremont neighborhood in Seattle, located one block north of the Fremont Bridge. It’s got a nice collection of used books at very decent prices.
But the coolest aside from the books, is that awesome staircase noticeable at entrance. It’s a narrow spiral, and important that you watch your step going down. Take it downstairs, then browse their science fiction, mystery, lots of non-fiction books of many subjects.
I was there recently, filling in time before a meeting. I found some good books on journalism history, and The Dictionary of Science Fiction Places. I would take the past and future with me, back up the spiral staircase. I will travel this way again.
And now I ask. Do you have any favorite used book stores with cool book cases? Or just favorite book stores? Please share with me in the comments!
Here’s a special theme for this post…walking together in the snow. Trailing through a beautiful place where snow cover is an amazing, poetic experience meant to be shared.
So, I hereby mix up today’s pictures recently taken by me, with a poem (Velvet Shoes) by Elinor Wylie, an American poet and novelist of the early 1900s. She lived an interesting yet shortened life of 43 years; married three times, wrote five novels and multiple poems. This poem is timeless, and perfect for a snow walk through the woods.
I will share more details on the pics, at the end.
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Velvet Shoes
“Let us walk in the white snow In a soundless space; With footsteps quiet and slow, At a tranquil pace, Under veils of white lace.
I shall go shod in silk, And you in wool, White as white cow’s milk, More beautiful Than the breast of a gull.“
“We shall walk through the still town In a windless peace; We shall step upon white down, Upon silver fleece, Upon softer than these.
We shall walk in velvet shoes: Wherever we go Silence will fall like dews On white silence below. We shall walk in the snow.“
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The candid pictures were taken at Ravenna Park, a beautiful little ravine forest in north Seattle. The park is a 1/2 mile stretch where you can spend a day not admiring it enough. I can never visit there enough and will take any excuse to trail again. The recent snow here was amazing, and a lot of fun for photography. The first shot was taken above the Ravenna Bridge. The others are of the main path through the park. have more pictures, which I will share soon. These three pics with the theme of others walking though, just deserved its own special post.
I’m having fun again, with my old and slowly outdated DSLR camera.
Show me fresh shapes, crazy lights, tricky angles, strange surfaces. With the right camera, fun will will happen, as I shall go for some interesting shots.
Recently here in downtown Seattle, I took my old Canon T5 with a 24mm lens for an evening walk. The weather remained chilly, as some recent snow remained scattered through the streets. I originally looked around for some dramatic themes of cold winter weather, while also picking up some food to go. But upon checking for what remained open, I read on some “SLU After Dark” displays in the South Lake Union area. These were four light-up, interactive art installations. All of which were temporary on display until the end of 2021, and then likely moved elsewhere.
The display labeled Prismatica caught my eye the most, by RAW, a Canadian architecture firm. Prismatica is a series of prisms filled with color lights, where anyone near may give each a spin. It’s simple yet dazzling amusement with an incalculable amount of experiences in visual joy brought with variances of light, motion, position, and your reaction.
So, I took pictures with my camera. At first, very difficult to get a good angle many, while the snow also distracted in each shot. Yet, I was a surprised at some results of myself trying, but up close. Depending on what you looked through, what reflected, finding yourself in them, and different cam settings; some very interesting results. Here are some favorites through different glass layers using a combination of bouncing of colors, reflections, focus depths…
That was all good fun. I love to try this again soon, but with warmer weather.
I hope you (yes, you!) had a wonderful, warm, and safe Christmas weekend.
I did, though I would have preferred a more traditional day with many friends and family. The pandemic and rising Omicron variant have put a severe damper on that prospect. Still, thanks to the wonders of modern technology with the video conferencing and cellphones, had a lot of heartwarming talks and goofy discussions of the Matrix Resurrections movie (mini-review at the end).
Through the day of Christmas Eve, I went on a small road trip to the Snoqualmie Pass in the mid Washington State mountain region. The snowpack did not disappoint, with about 11 inches fallen in that last 72 hours. I have never been there before, as I wanted at least one small adventure for this Holiday season. So I enjoyed my time, and will write more on it soon.
On Christmas, I spent much of the day alone in my apartment with my cat, Smokey, who was extra cuddly that day. Some friends online could not visit their families that day, citing a lack of vaccination at the dinner tables. So for much of the day, we spent smiling, chatting, updated on our lives though our webcams and microphones. With that exchanging fun video bits from YouTube, and played some Jackbox.tv games online (Quiplash, Drawful 2).
And, I got to share this hilarious comedy sketch from the BBC of a Nativity production gone horribly wrong. Lots of fun, and very clever near the end.
And then the next day, we got Snowpacalypse in Seattle 2, Holiday Boogaloo!!! Lots of snowfall happened overnight and through the day. Of course, I took a long walk. This time, to somewhere different and visual stunning. I have many pictures, of which I will sort out later and share soon. The location, I will keep hidden for now.
Here are some snow pics in the meantime, from Seattle downtown and somewhere in the north of Seattle.
That’s all for now. Stay warm, safe, and cheerful out there!
– Orion T
Bonus movie review: Matrix Resurrections is a reminder that truly creative work owes us nothing, leaving more room for appreciation to be given. I had a lot more typed about that, but then it ‘s more than what I wrote above. Maybe, I will share more on this later. It’s still a great movie for it’s meta-humor, original themes reexplored, and multi-layered relationships. But, the viewer needs to free their mind of what to expect or want, and what may not be given.
Tis the season, from here in the Pacific Northwest…
As the air is cold, the ground is damp, and the day sky is many shades darker. Yet anew, this month of many Holidays brings light and warmth with a fresh mix of seasonal lights, cheery sounds, and activities to enjoy in this rough time.
Especially lately with the ongoing pandemic and bleak news as they can bring a heavy heart down further. This time can be difficult as not everyone has the comforting company or financial stability to help balance out the daily struggles that will not disappear. Especially in Seattle, I feel can be an especially hard city to be mentally struggling for many here dealing with growing socio-economic changes that favor the privileged. Also, the Seattle Freeze is still very real. Yet, we try our best to keep a smile and look forward. I see the Holidays time cheers as a much needed necessity to our collective well-being.
The holiday cheers much help. Every directional salutation of Happy Holidays followed by a smile from merchants, baristas, co-workers, friends, and strangers adds warmth and light to this darkest and coldest of months. There are many public events and sights to witness, especially at and around the Pike Place Market area. We share with something for everyone, leaving room to give and help those troubled and less fortunate. Come together with the best we can, to get through the Winter Solstice, wrap up the longer and eventual year, and also enjoy the Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Rohatsu, Festivus, Life Day, etc. and more with out friends and family.
So, enjoy the holiday decor that lights up the streets and guide our shopping, as they have a universal appeal. Here are some glorious sights of lights from my local area in Seattle (Westlake Center).
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
Albert Camus – French philosopher, author, journalist, 1957 Nobel Prize winner.
You may notice these “flowers” with their varied sizes and colors, falling to the ground now, especially if you live to the far north in areas of high tree density. This is the best time to look down, admire the scatters, see massive landscapes covered. Some remain on their branches, each telling their own story, waiting for the cycle to end, so others may eventually begin.
Here are some pictures of some select leaves in various states, ready to move on as this season brings beautiful change.
TRAVELING ORION 