Tag Archives: thoughts

21 things to the great 21s of today!

So today is the the 21th day of the 21th year of the 21th century. I am posting this on the 21st hour of my day!

So, I will share with you 21 things I enjoyed about being 21 years of age, back when I was 21.

  1. Drinking responsibly, and legally…totally new at 21!
  2. Community college…totally ready and willing to go back to school, but on my terms at 21!!
  3. Having roommates that weren’t my friends, didn’t usually feel weird.
  4. At 21, I can begin to officially quote, “Back in my day…”
  5. “So, this is clubbing…heh.”
  6. Whipping out my state ID with a smile, proving that I am 21.
  7. No weird life regrets just yet.
  8. Not caring about the sodium count in 10-cent ramen packs and 50-cent noodle cups!
  9. Totally a full grown-up with no age restrictions, unless I want to run for President.
  10. But still can be kind of a kid with my Spawn action figures together on a shelf. No explanations!
  11. No big student loan or credit card debts. Probably not ever, riiiiiight?!
  12. Working five days a week at a reasonable living wage for the time, hell yeah!
  13. My peak high metabolism.
  14. Taco Bell food tasted really good then.
  15. Decided officially that gambling was stupid, and I sucked at it.
  16. Sleep was way more manageable.
  17. Hanging out with friends when I can because I can, and they could too. it was just so simple and exciting back then!
  18. Following your dreams instead of chasing after them.
  19. Having an innocent, naïve world view that was more acceptable
  20. The amazing and totally responsible 20s life, 8-9 more of this year to redo…riiiiight?!
  21. Being very overly optimistic. (Now, I am cautiously optimistic).

So yeah, that’s my awesome 21 things I loved about being 21 on this day of multiple 21s. Also, enjoy this catchy opening to one my favorite classic TV shows, 21 Jump Street now…

This is probably going to stay in your head now (you’re welcome!)

Orion T

Oh…you might ask why is there a squirrel as my opening pic. That’s because today, January 21st is also Squirrel Appreciation Day! NOD YOUR HEADS TO OUR FURRY OVERLORDS OF CUTENESS!!!

Also, I carefully planted 21s, 21 times in this article of 21s!

Silence standing, waiting

“Have you ever heard the wonderful silence just before the dawn? Or the quiet and calm just as a storm ends? Or perhaps you know the silence when you haven’t the answer to a question you’ve been asked, or the hush of a country road at night, or the expectant pause of a room full of people when someone is just about to speak, or, most beautiful of all, the moment after the door closes and you’re alone in the whole house? Each one is different, you know, and all very beautiful if you listen carefully.”
― Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

I was enjoying the silence before me over the weekend, taking time alone at the Seattle waterfront, sitting at an open public table freshly sprayed with my lavender sanitizer spritzer. I take off my face mask, eat some delicious barbecue lunch from the Pike Place Market (Pike’s Pit, highly recommended now). My phone battery is nearly out. but that’s okay. It’s a noisy, troublesome device that needs a nap. I devour much of my delicious mix of soaked sweet chicken, rice, mac and cheese and cole slaw. Then, I listen to the silence of the air around me.

It’s very nice and welcome.

The temperature is kind, between cold and warm, with a slight breeze that brushes against my skin enough to keep me awake. I look to the Big Wheel of Pier 57, it’s unmoved, unlit, waiting, and I add a contemplative thought…perhaps this stillness as a moment for all things to think, uninterrupted. The clouds are lively, yet also seem still. I’m sure the clouds if I close my eyes for what another moment.

The Big Wheel remains still, which being an invention meant to move, looks very relaxed in its time of tranquility. It enjoys nothing, but embellishes in it. I stare at it, and think like the Wheel.

And then comes the slightest interruption. A little raindrops followed by a sudden burst of sunlight from somewhere above, then a shout in the distance followed by a distant vehicle squeals its brakes. Such makes the silence a bit more meaningful, remembered. I wait for a few moments for the confusion to go away, maybe let the silence soak in. My phone suddenly beeps with another notification. I look to the screen to measure its importance. It’s too late, the phone battery is dead for now.

I sit back. Enjoy the silence a bit more. The sudden light dies out into the clouds, only a few more skydrops, then stop. I ignore the distant citylife the Big Wheel remains still, and then a seagull makes a familiar squawk. The sudden break in silence blending, adding to the new silence. And then nothing else for another five minutes, as I am left with the flavor of lunch and the last bit of root beer upon my lips.

Then more raindrops come. I get going, but remember the silence for what it brought. Such was a good time to let happen, and use well.

– Orion T

Visit the Post Office before Mother’s Day

I have two reminders to all, as this week closes…

This Sunday, May the 10th, is Mother’s Day. A wonderful day that we pay homage and respect to all the maternal bonds in our mothers, whether they are related, adoptive, single, step, or just taking on the role of such.

It’s best to give a small gift traditionally. Flowers are lovely, or maybe a cookbook. But as necessary is also the card. One that says Happy Mother’s Day or something close to it works well.

But now, so many stores and gift spots are closed, sadly because of this ongoing pandemic. Choices for cards may be somewhat limited. This observation brings on my second reminder, to check you local post office. Many, like the Seattle downtown office in the above picture, has a quaint selection of Mother’s Day cards.

The United States Post Office system overall has been struck by this pandemic, especially with the large decrease in many businesses relying upon them every day. Many remain open, even though they face danger from infections as well. Still, many clerks would love to see their local people, perhaps in support and a reminder that their service is valuable.

Many post office locations have cool gifts, including stamps. Many also have cards for many occasions. I would recommend checking your nearest one for a good Mother’s Day card to send. It might be too late to mail timely for this Sunday, but that’s where adding a gift can help. Then a phone call Sunday, to the Mum, will be your chance to apologize for any lateness.

So, those are my two reminders as we carry this ongoing bizarre May month living. Take care and be safe in your plans, and don’t forget the important things.

Hey look, I’m a Star Wars!

Oh, Marge!

Anyway, Happy Star Wars Day, even though it will over by the time you read this…

Yet, the many of us don’t stop really enjoying and appreciating those Star Wars.

Star Wars is with us forever. What a silly thing this science fiction franchise does for us! So many among love the characters, get deep into its expansive lore, praise, or groan emotionally at creative turns through the years across all mediums. And how remarkable and surprising was that Star Wars: Clone Wars finale? 10 out of 10 lightsabers up for me!

What is it about Star Wars appeals to so many beyond its initial groundbreaking movies from decades ago? There’s a huge plethora of cool creatures, spaceships, robots, action with laser swords and laser pistols. There’s weird space politics, mystical religions, various cultures, and lifestyles that keep growing with the many more movies, games, serials, books, whatever else.

I believe it’s the binding and bonds between established characters. There are ongoing themes about friendships, family, rivalries, comradery, and the sense that we are all connected no matter how far apart in planets we are. You can be a farmer, a robot, a princess, a bounty hunter, a soldier, a wizard, a princess, a knight. Somehow, there’s a possible connection in the universe for anyone to partake. Then go on an adventure, discover something about yourself or others, check out an environment opposite of your familiar zones, get the rush of an exciting and very high stakes battle. From all, gain something new for surviving the experience. Star Wars is just a fascinating thing that happens through its pop culture that will never end as long as humanity enjoys the escapism that science fiction brings us together.

May the Force be with you, always!

Looking up in a day of work..

Look above your head, when walking through a busy metropolis… You might spot a friendly neighborhood window-washing super-person.

To observe a daredevil in action doing mundane work, brings a little thrill to my day. I feel reminded, of extra joys in life that should be gained through some aspects of employment. It’s better to get something more back than money, for your devoted time. Such somethings can be fun conversations, gain knowledge, expand creativity, new friends, tend to a hobby that is part of the job, help others, be an inspiration, be a part of something better, or just be at peace.

This thrill above, is an inspiration for the days ahead. Not so much, to be a window-washer; but to desire something more for my work-time.

– Orion T

The picture, was recently one morning at the Seattle Central Library, an amazing building worth keeping clean.

Fun with some things of yesterday…

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The above pic was the side of some house in the Columbia City residential area of South Seattle. Shortly after admiring this display I noticed a yard sale sign pointing to a nearby house. I’m a sucker for yard sales, and finding new use I can make of something leaving an old life.

There, I purchased a round, wooden artwork of an exploring astronaut, perfect for my kitchen. And then, I was greeted by  a young girl of elementary school age co-hosting the sale, who invited me to play a little game of skill. Before me upon a driveway, a connected little lane made up of parallel wine corks lined downward. The goal here,  to send a narrow roll of once full of masking tape, down but within the cork lane as far as possible. The little host offered a prize depending on skill, but contained with a plastic egg in her basket. I did not get far, but received a tiny porcelain cat, which i would later misplace.

Which is sad, because I enjoyed that little game with that little cat prize. Its place on my shelf would remind me, to perhaps have own moments of joy, maybe recreate that silly game of corks and tape-roll. However, I hold hope that someone would pick that little prize up. Probably, from either the burger restaurant or bus stop where I probably dropped it fumbling for my wallet. Then, continue this silly little story…

– Orion T

 

 

 

 

 

 

My 33 cents of V-Day Love

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Seriously, 33 cents worth of today candy all right here. Ugh, what a terrible effort.

Valentine’s Day is nearly over. I hope many of you made it special. I sadly, did not. But to make up for that, I leave a quote that should last longer than this one day..by Abraham Lincoln, inspired by Bill S. Esquire, and Ted “Theodore” Logan; bringing forward the connection we should share…

“Be excellent to each other.”

– Orion T

Picture of Today 9/10/2017, Admiring Distance…

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Here is a good day in the wind, where I sway low and look away. I admire the beauty of the distance I see, where time is slowed and clarity is gained. I wish I had more of this in the current days. With longer time and attention given to the distance, I could write more.

Orion T

Picture of Today 12/29/16, Holiday Leftovers..


A little leftover from the holidays, of which I have missed much.

The reasons, never mind. I was occupied with much else. Such is only that one begans to feel such things over the latent appreciation of them. Perhaps, to be preoccupied with other non-seasonal matters, the surroundings of things can distract. Yet, there are beautiful lights and things demanding of attention. That’s a lot of the holiday deco of which I was quite used to in this otherwise usual holiday season. 

Yet, here I was on the way home in the Westlake Center of Downtown Seattle. The rain was heavy, and my shopping bag of groceries soaked. I stopped and looked about, considering the best direction to buy a new umberella. The, I noticed much of the decorated lights along the streets and buildings, gone. The giant Christmas tree with adorned bulbs and sparkly lights, gone. The decorated cart selling hot cocoa and chewy holiday bits, gone. Yet, there was that Seasonal carousel, still there…slowly spinning in the dense rain and darkness. 

It will be gone, likely after the New Year’s time has ended. And that will be, no more holidays. In 11 months, perhaps again. But until then, just the memory we take for granted. At least I have the moment for now.

 – Orion T

Picture of Today 7/13/16, Little Strange World..

A snippet of the little world around us, with much of that similar to ours. We see interesting things under construction. The workers around them play a small part, as they provide for their community, families and themselves…so I would think through observance. Soon growth will develop, and such will be noticed by the world around them in admiration. The workers I suppose will benefit, but for how long? I think as the process repeats, they and new generations could be there to partake in and around new constructions. That could be enough to live by. Such, is another cycle of life. 

– Orion T

I captured this pic at a small garden in front of the Seattle Space Needle landmark. It’s wonderful to see a small sight under a big sight, to be just as grand.

Picture of Today 7/4/16, The Patriotic Journey Continues..


So, another celebrated day of independence has nearly passed again in the good ol U.S of A…

Starting off, as many slept in late from the busy weekend and waking up to put a an American flag out. Eventually, some of you Facebook scrolled through endless 4th of July posts informing us of this most festive day, 277 years since the original 13 Colonies signed that most epic letter, asserting their united breakup from British rule. 
And since, we move the day on for picnics, parades, punch, hot dogs and BBQ, apple pie, patriotic jingles, days off , and the fireworks. Flags will be raised and the Star Sprangled Banner will be played, over and over as the day goes. Those in true spirits will put aside their differences of political opinion, to enjoy the moment of how far the country has come; to perhaps drink beer and sink their teeth into some cooked animal meat while discussing that favorite baseball team roster with others. It’s all independence, in our favorite celebratory customs for rememberance to how this country started. 

Cheers, and stay safe out there.

– Orion T

Note: Picture was taken today by me during at the Seattle Center, during a quiet time as a light rain began to set in. I felt quite tired and decided to skip going to any fireworks event for the night, 

Goodbye Spring…

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And finally the curtain closes, and the end of another long season is at hand…

What a memorable play thus far! Allow for a brief intermission, while we ponder the events of the past few months. Presidential primaries, transgender bathroom debate, tragic deaths, overhyped movies, unpredictable weather, TV season finales, the rise of VR tech, adult coloring books being a thing, and much more.

There is much to leave behind, as we look to the next act of this 2016 theater. I am on the edge of my seat!!

– Orion T

(Picture of above is from yesterday, from Edmonds (an hour north of Seattle), overlooking the Puget Sound waters.)

Weekend Thoughts 11/29/15, A Needed Peace of the Season..

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Meanwhile in the Emerald City, the Holiday Season feels fresh once again.

Though this could be the same picture as what will happen during the following weeks. To the left is part of a very tall Christmas tree, which was present last year in this very spot, and probably the next. If not for some particular buildings in the backdrop, this deco could be easily mistaken for nearly any developed big city.

What makes the holiday season special is not the deco, but the people what they make of it. Not everyone may find the holiday symbolization as welcome. For example, the night before the above picture was Black Friday, a day infamous for shopping madness frenzy on “doorbuster’ deals; and also for tree lighting ceremonies and opening festivities. It was (and I think becoming) a day for civil unrest and social justice here in Seattle at least, as a massive Black Lives Matters protest developed in the midst of a crowded Westlake Center area. This was similar to last year’s Friday after Thanksgiving. There are many points of view on whether that was a good or bad outside additive to the holiday festivities, but such a happening brought this particular place and setting a somewhat distinct feel to it all.

Here was that tree in the background on that evening..

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The crowd was quite massive, with a mix of emotions on the invasive presence of the Black Lives Matters protesters with chants and signs calling for an end to police brutality, racial discrimination, and social injustice. Walking through the crowd I heard approving and disapproving voices (with dashes of racism as well). For me, my claustrophobia was developing, and thought my place was away from all this. Also, I was very hungry..

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Sadly, I missed out on the fireworks and big Christmas tree-lighting that happened shortly after. Meanwhile,  I felt reminded of recent words from Pope Francis in a recent speech to some Catholic churchgoers: “We are close to Christmas. There will be lights, there will be parties, bright trees, even Nativity scenes – all decked out – while the world continues to wage war….It’s all a charade. The world has not understood the way of peace. The whole world is at war”

And that brought me to thinking while I heard the fireworks boom in the distance, that perhaps the Holiday season does need some change. Should some consideration of what is not right in the world, have a damper on holiday festivities, or should we take time out ponder this incompleteness of our Holiday season?

I felt the reason for the BLM protest; a large group of people felt a disconnect with a dominant status quo on the long-running issues of racism and police brutality in the US, and perhaps that was reason enough to interrupt the joys of tree lighting and musical entertainment. Is it reason enough to interrupt the planned joys to the bigger crowd? That’s for the public to decide, if any change will gain support, or result in resistance. But either way, I felt what the Pope said to where we can’t quite celebrate the spirit of Christmas without considering the larger pictures outside our comfort zones (though he was referring more to the escalating war conflicts). War, injustice, starvation, and other signs of inhumanity..still out there.

So, I will be thinking of some good deeds I can do, perhaps giving and donating to the homeless and less fortunate (an issue I feel this city of Seattle needs to address more). I will read more on what else troubles humanity this Season, and consider what I can do to make a holiday season festive for those who truly need it more.

Meanwhile, we can’t all be magically happy with doorbuster deals and seasonal lights as we start the Holiday Season. I will continue to appreciate any wonderful displays of Christmas decoration, because otherwise the month is too cold. Perhaps, we people should collectively take more time to understand and show some compassion to the distraught toward the time of Christmas Day, even if their messages are not convenient to our liking. That extra warmth and additive in our traditions could go a long way, and make the next Christmas Seasons even more festive.

– Orion T

 

 

 

 

Thoughts of Today 12/31/14, Goodbye 2014

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2014 was a crazy year, and anything but mundane and boring.

The past year was happy for me at least. However, with a lot of other emotions thrown in. Every year, one must take the good with the bad. I lost a lot, including an organ, and a wonderful friend to an underestimated mental illness. I also gained a lot, including some fantastic video/audio producing skills and new friends; including a person of great inspiration worked for, who fought off life-threatening cancer..twice. I didn’t travel as much, though I have seen some incredible sights around this great Emerald City. I read some great books (lots of comics, ask me for recommendations), and watched some great movies (Nightcrawler, Guardians of the Galaxy, Birdman, Under the Skin, Black Mirror Christmas). I was guest host on a podcast (Junk Food Dinner), and experimented with audio journalism (not the best results however). I learned that I can quit sodas and deep-fried foods (and avoided such for 99% of the year). I also learned how awesome ice cream and waffles taste on a late sleepless night, and the joy of crazy cloud formations and epic sunsets. I spent great time with old friends I haven’t seen in many years, of who I missed much. I also broke my favorite camera, which I have attempted and failed to fix (may have to give and buy a new body for it..sigh). But at least I put some great pictures before that.

Also, the world around me changed. 3-D printing has jumped very far ahead, where we can now print objects in space orbit. We also landed a machine on a comet traveling 55,000 kilometers per hour. Some US states legalized marijuana and gay marriage. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raised more than 88 million dollars, through fantastically viral Internet social networking. Robin Williams passed away, much too soon and very tragically. Multiple police brutality incidents and accusations of such lead to some riots and civil unrest. Far off, there are escalating conflicts with heavy casualties worldwide; most notably in Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, the Central African Republic. Also, the Ebola virus took some major headlines, as doctors and nurses personally handling the spread are this year’s greatest heroes to me. There was much good and bad, of which we will not forget.

Well 2014, all has been fun and everything else interesting.. My eyes are still open.

There is a little left, of which I will spend in a local café writing and organizing. Later I will be on the roof of my Seattle apartment, awaiting the fireworks close by at that Space Needle. To all: have a great and safe New Year’s Eve, and a 2015 run full of great experiences.

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