Seattle Summer Solstice!

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..

Dancing in the Library

The week ago, still echoes in my mind.

There was this dance within the downtown Central Seattle Library. All very unexpected, as I was there on other errands. Yet, I overheard some instrumental, relaxing musical tones in the distance. I realized something was amiss, and looked over the 5th floor overhang to the 3rd. My curiosity was rewarded..

I went for a closer look..

I missed most of the previous act. And, another one began..up to the 5th floor, where everyone would follow. The music continued but fading for the next act.

Soon, an interesting woman would meet an interesting man (music becomes a bit more modern synth)..

Together, they do as many interesting people often do…

They danced..

and danced..

There was more dancing, of which I missed. Still, the caught moments were exciting, and worth the pause from my errands.

This performance act was part of the “Dancing About Architecture” series, presented by the Seattle Central Library featuring the Sapience Dance Collective. For more on the Sapience Dance Collective, click here. And, the Seattle Central Library is awesome and worthwhile for a visit., so click here for more on there.

Halo over Seattle

Tis a lovely weekend, here in Seattle.

However, I missed the rare ice “halo” optical effect over the sky yesterday. I saw few similar moon halos in my lifetime, but nothing from captured like this. The funny thing, is me everywhere outside on errands, visiting peeps, going to shops, typing, more coffee. If I looked up at that time, I would have probably caught this.

So why not? I look up and and around much in this wonderful city. It’s become my new favorite time passer.

But most of yesterday, was a dreary sky void of color. The landscapes were dull, the grass robbed of green, the buildings lost their reflections. The waters of Elliot Bay were still, boring. The weather was humid, and warm. Some would say nice being how cold Seattle for much of the year. I was thinking, meh. I thought the day was nothing special.

But, I was wrong. Every day is special, some just fail to see why.

NOTE: the picture was from a Seattle reddit post, with the origin on Imgur with no credits, not sure on the source. I will update if further info is found.

Days ago, at the Punk Rock Flea Market..

Last weekend, I happened upon an old favorite Seattle happening..

The Punk Rock Flea Market.

The Punk Rock Flea Market is like a regular flea market, but with a small gathering of community sellers, mostly driven by a fondness for loud, non-pop rock music, often containing rebellious overtones. This happening is currently held twice a year, and offers a unique experience for those who enjoy second-hand findings and DIY creations. The entrance fee was a mere dollar and goes to assist in low-income housing for those in need.

I was excited for this community sale. I love thrift stores and flea markets where off findings can have its own interesting stories. Also, I love buying cheap, old things. I can’t resist, especially if some style is involved in the setting.

How does one outsider define this particular punk rock community without being too actively being engaged? I am somewhat familiar with the punk lifestyle, through a long association with good friends of many years and far away in Southern California (I miss them). So without coming off as some kind of poseur, I will leave much behind with some gained knowledge intact, and dive in.

How does this Punk Rock Flea Market differ from a regular flea market?

I think it’s the self-starting independent vibe and community foundation that carries on the punk lifestyle. Also we have visuals, with colorful urban art on the walls, probably from something else unrelated (not very punk stereotype, but I think contributes to the creative vibe of punk culture). On the tables, we have handmade art, home cooked food, nostalgia tributes including Ghostbusters II trading card waxpacks, horror movie posters, buttons/shirts rooting back to the Ramones, Sex Pistols, Misfits and other icons of punk history. Sadly lacking but worthwhile in finding, were the limited presence of music records, VHS tapes, well-read literature. To sift through everything in finding special treasure, has its own excitement.

More importantly, all attendees are welcome and felt welcome. People of all kinds, ages, styles were seen, greeted with smiles and kindness from the tattooed, pierced punkish propagators. The sellers were pretty much all friendly, welcoming people who appear engaged in the punk lifestyle with their colorful hair, ripped stockings, button covered leather. The place was small, with a small outstretch to a back parking lot. Many were sitting, chatting, drinking…having fun.

Meanwhile, I engaged in short silly conversations with some sellers and attendees, relating to stuff for sale and sold; mostly of personal interest involving classic horror and obscure literature, and classic magazines. I peeked through with awe at a stack of old Judge Dredd comics on flimsy, torn newsprint from the UK. The lengthier of conversations happened with a present street artist concerning the recent Black Sabbath reunion, and the emergence of sci-fi icons in DIY pop-art. I enjoyed these common grounds with strangers, where we geeks of special sorts can sniff each other out.

For me, I purchased a paperback on African theater plays of the 70s, and a tasty brownie from a small child present. Next Punk Rock Flea Market, I will carry more cash. But more important, there was a kind of moral to this tale of flea marketing and punks. That, in venturing through odd territory, even for an hour, could reinvent the familiar and make life a little more fun.

More on the Seattle Punk Rock Flea Market, can be found here.

The wonder full International Fountain of Seattle

In Seattle, you can find rain on the sunniest of days.

Visit the International Water Fountain near the great Space Needle! It’s got a nice surrounding lawn, relaxing classical music, and some fantastic art museums nearby. The fountain itself is an everlasting, constantly changing work of awesome.

For more info on this grand fountain, here are the specs from the official Seattle Center online page:

Built: Originally in 1961 for 1962 World’s Fair
Replaced & rebuilt: 1995
Landscape Architect: Kenichi Nakano & Associates
Mechanical Designer: WET Design
Diameter of bowl: 220’
Height & width of dome: 10’ tall & 27’ wide
Water Capacity: 9,000 gallons
Water Shooters: 137 total mist nozzles
77 fleur-de-lis’
56 microshooters
4 Super Shooters
Height reached by Super Shooters: 120’
Water in one Super Shooter: 66 gallons
Air pressure in one Super Shooter shot: 120 psi
Number of water programs synchronized to music: 5
Welcome to Seattle Center Show, Aaron Copeland’s ‘Billy the Kid,’ Duke Ellington, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and a mix from Northwest Rock ‘n Roll legends.
Time of shows: up to 12 minutes

Touch the center if you dare..

Seattle May Day yesterday..

May Day is an interesting day for this great Seattle city.

In the past, the day seemed worldly focused more on festivities, associated with some kind of pole. Now and especially in Seattle, May 1 is part of the International Workers’ Day movement. So, there are big massive public gatherings of protest and solidarity. In most, the participant organize well with much shouting and marching with a focus on worker and human rights. However last year, the city had its troubled incidents involving the Black Bloc anarchist group, the Seattle Police Department and a local famous superhero.

Yesterday, I took an errand-filled evening walk on this bright and sunny day, almost forgetting the May 1st significance. Then, I heard the chanting and cheering. Streets closed, and a march through the downtown city streets happened. All seemed to move well, as I joined with curious intent.

For 2013, the majority issue was on immigration rights and reform. For this particular portion, the atmosphere was positive and feel good. I listened to the loud voices, chanting with the American flags waving and large signs held high. Not all was agreeable, some messages were unclear. Overall, I felt reassured and positive for this society where peaceful gatherings are allowed, encouraged, and attended with many participants.

Also noticeable, were the large number of people snapping and recording visuals. Many will spread online, especially to the great social networks where the message will go global and observed with inspiration. Also, much police stood aside and ready; keeping the peace as they should. Other places and times nearby not so much, as violence broke out and questionable tactics happened, ending with 17 arrests, 8 police officers reported injured.

Here below, are my low-res phone pics on the lighter side of Seattle’s May Day 2013.

Cosplay fun at Sakura Con – Part 3 (of 3)

Finally, the remainder of my pictures of my brief visit to the 2013 Sakura Con Northwest Anime Convention, in Seattle. These focus on the costumes and the fanpeople who wear them well.

For previous pics and commentary on this event, click here for Part 1, and here for Part 2.

I really enjoyed this kind of visual atmosphere. I am a bit of a “geek,” so I feel a part of the fun and in showing my appreciation by sharing their awesomeness with the world around. Many of these costumes, I know very well from games I played, books I read, TV shows and movies I viewed. For those I do not, than I am open to learn more.

From here, I hope people who have not attended a gathering like this will understand the love cosplayers bring. These cosplayers are not paid, nor do most of them seek to promote their name or service. Their costumes are handmade. The more skill and thought put into the costume, the more cheer. It’s all in good fun. This collective mindset in enriching, adding to a special atmosphere by dressing up. When next you see a cosplayer, at least smile at that person for being so bold and wonderful in sharing.

Below are the last and best of the cosplayers, noticed at this Sakura Con. Enjoy and click on each for the full details. I recognized some and labeled them in descriptions. Others, I could use some help in the comments.

Saturday…

Saturday..

is the day to run wild.

Wa ha!

Cosplay fun at Sakura Con – Part 2 (of 3)

Here below, are the next set of pics from my brief visit to the 2013 Sakura Con Northwest Anime Convention, in Seattle. For the first set and opening commentary, click here.

This set is focused on the outside fun. The day was bright and wonderful, with cherry trees in bloom and the sky blue. This environment and wide open space was perfect for its for anime, gaming, alternative “geek” culture enthusiasts. Here are some observations on this gathering, based on similar musings over the many years at other alternative pop culture conventions.

Anime conventions bring a younger, more energetic crowd. Most come to entertain and be entertained. Being outside, often leads to random conversation and sharing of favorite things, especially if wearing a costume, apparel, or even holding a sign referring to similar interests. This can also leads to…
Singing and dancing. Some bring their own instruments and voices. Conventions and sponsors sometimes liven it up with their own special paid performers. But overall, the attendees will gather around and cheer on entertainers (especially if it’s Japanese pop or Japanese rock.).
Impromptu games happen. Often these began after a large circle is formed. At this event, I observed some sort of bottle kicking game in the center of a circle here. Succession leads to massive hugging, and myself being a bit puzzled in this observation. Other things I have noticed in the past and a little here are sing-a-longs, dance-offs, and the occasional pretend fight.
Some shows are measured in popularity by their frequency in cosplay. Bleach, Naruto, Gurren Lagann still carry a strong presence. Nintendo and Disney, Capcom company characters also have a strong infiltration. Cosplayers centered around fan-favs often gravitate together, merging for amazing (sometimes surreal), group photo shots and posing.

Below is much of that fun. Click on each images for the full picture and additional text details.

Cosplay fun at Sakura Con – Part 1 (of 3)

Colorful, exuberant, awesome. This describes the atmosphere of cosplay, the culture of voluntary costume dressup, at its best. Such words are more in frequency for convention gatherings involving anime appreciation.

The following set is from my brief visit to the Sakura Con Northwest Anime Convention, in the great Seattle city. Here, is a gathering of wonderful folk who display their love for their favorite Japanese animation art styled programs, movies, manga, etc. By the best, I mean those who wear their custom-made costume and mingle with others who appreciate, smile, and participate in that displayed affection.

Keep in mind, anime conventions differ from comic and science fiction conventions. More people do dress up. Often, you will see offshoots of things that are not quite based on Japanese animation or styles. – Disney characters, Doctor Who, Marvel and DC characters, and a lot of video games. They are also welcome, as the spirit and pride of cosplay is all the same. Anime conventions also attract a more youthful demographic, so more activity and energetic interaction result.

For the Sakura Con, the weather outside was beautiful and sunny. Outside in the back area of the convention, there was an open courtyard adorned with blooming cherry trees. The atmosphere was playful, full of cheer and activity. Much of that will be highlighted in the next set, to be posted another future day.

For now, dig in. I took all the pics myself. I’m happy to share as long as I and this blog gets the credit. Click on each to enlarge and get the full detail, and some identifications. Feel free to comment and add more information.

Zant, the Usurper King - Sakura Con 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:

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:

That’s all for now.

Happy Easter Sunday, and other stuff…

O special day, this Easter Sunday.

For many, Easter is a religious day celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Church activity is heightened among some denominations, and families connect. A heartened feast often results.

Happiness is spread, and celebrations connect with later traditions not religious. In many places, this will involve bunny rabbits and decorated eggs. Children laugh and cheer, and usually encouraged to go outside and play.

Also on this day, there are public holidays, bonfires, butter lambs, and other cheerful activity. There is plenty good fun for everyone, I think.

Meanwhile, I am having fun while thumbing through some pictures I snapped from the recent 2013 Sakura Con, an annual Japanese animation festival held in Seattle. Time will wait for me to properly edit, upload and share these pics. Above is an appropriate bunny pic for today, and a preview of what’s coming from my blog.

And below is another exclusive sneak peek. Look forward to the rest!

Saturday!!!

Don’t stay home.

Especially, if the weather is bright and wonderful.

Get out.

Enjoy the day.

Walk around.

An unfamiliar scenic route is best.

Don’t plan your destination.

Unless, the destination is a good place to sit.

And do nothing,

except observe,

and relax….

Comics convention fun in Seattle part II: The Rise of Cosplay

In continuation of yesterday’s posting, the rest of my 2013 Emerald City Comic Con pictures are now posted on my friend’s blog, All Day Comics!

For this second half, it’s all for the love of cosplay, or the act of dressing up in some costume, usually based on a fictional property. Often at these conventions, many attendees will dress up as their favorite characters from books, comics, movies, games, etc. They usually do this for fun, and to express their current or nostalgic “geek” obsessions. Here are a few extra notes and observations on the nature of this wonderful culture:

Often, the costumes are hand-made. Some are sewn together, and/or made from gathered materials. The more work and details that go into a costume, the more appreciation is given. Also, using body or face paint accentuates a certain boldness in presentation of character choice.
Crossplay is a rising trend in cosplay convention visibility. This is the style of taking a familiar character and flipping the gender. This is usually done by females, in using their natural body shape and costume alteration to make that provacative switch.
Often, a measure of popularity can be attributed to the frequency of cosplay choice. For example, Doctor Who exploded in popularity since its revival eight years ago, so expect to find many Doctors running around, wielding their Sonic Screwdrivers.(an easy costume). Star Wars is still very strong, so expect to find many Jedis, Stormtroopers at these gatherings. The recent Avengers movie (and related individual character movies) raised the presence of Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Nick Fury at recent conventions. Rising the fastest are characters from the popular animated Cartoon Network series, Adventure Time.
The best-loved and most memorable costumes (for me, at least) are those of obscurity and lesser known. Sure, we all know our Batmans, Jokers, Spideys, Vaders, Spartans, Mario Brothers, etc. But who among us can spot the Ambush Bug, Castle Crasher, Trap Jaw, Radia, Duffman, and others not well-known? To identify, often puts a smile on the face of those making the obscure effort. And if not, ask who is that character. This could be your next obsession, or perhaps opening the mind to something new and exciting. For example, a conversation I had with a lady dressed up as a character exclusive to an obscure Tron video game. She had me far more curious about the expanded Tron world, beyond the otherwise limited movies. My later online searches also stretched my love for hardcore science fiction, just a little more.
Some costumes are recognizable by their style. Some are adorned in steampunk fashion, others in medieval garb, a few in heavy military gear. Often, the participants are part of a club or a scheduled gathering of similar attire. Many are also into live action role-playing or LARPing.

I could go on with these notes, but another day or perhaps the next convention to share on. For now, I leave behind a couple more enticing samples of my larger picture set for the All Day Comics blog. For the rest of my wonderful ECCC pics (and footnotes), please click here..

TRAVELING ORION

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

Tag Archives: Seattle

Seattle Summer Solstice!

Dancing in the Library

Halo over Seattle

Days ago, at the Punk Rock Flea Market..

The wonder full International Fountain of Seattle

Seattle May Day yesterday..

Cosplay fun at Sakura Con – Part 3 (of 3)

Saturday…

Cosplay fun at Sakura Con – Part 2 (of 3)

Cosplay fun at Sakura Con – Part 1 (of 3)

Falling in Spring, somewhere in Seattle..

Happy Easter Sunday, and other stuff…

Saturday!!!

Comics convention fun in Seattle part II: The Rise of Cosplay

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