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 2/17/15, the Special Set

Another day, another awesome reason to enjoy the world around you.

Though, I regret not finding the time yesterday in my busy schedule to venture local. I saw much from the Seattle social media of some epic sunset then. Well, that seems to happen all the time! I said before on how amazing our sunsets are, as no two seem the same.

Yet, for some reason yesterday was super special. Well, today is also super special. Maybe not as super special as yesterday, but still…super special. You just got to enjoy the time outside no matter what day (even with no sun). Anything else awesome in wait, is just a bonus.

Below are others who may agree, in a moment of sunset glory..

Pictures of Today 2/13/15, Crazy Highs..

Wows, what is going in with these skies?

Today, was a day of constant changing patterns and strange hazy hues. Earlier was sunnier and blue in parts, later turning to many shades of grey. The clouds were of many shapes..some straight and narrow, others round and fluffy, some patterns and others in total chaos. The day was also warm, up to 64 degrees; unusual for this time of year to be this warm in Seattle, I think. My weather app said there would be rain, but there was none that I noticed. Still, the skies were beautiful and kept us guessing throughout the day.

More below.. Birds! Totem poles! Space Needle! More clouds!

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 1/16/15, 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 Today 1/13/15, Winter Fruits of Pike Place Market.

The Pike Place Market is the most famed and cherished farmers market of Seattle. Also, the second most popular tourist destination.

The reason for such, is of many. The fantastic fish, the local businesses kept strong, the variety of entertainment, a place of unique and interesting gifts, the wall of gum, and the interesting history attached. But for today and of many random visits my favorite reason for Pike Market, is the assembly of special fruits and vegetables; much of which you could never find at those brand name grocers. Of some, I gladly pay the little extra money to get a lot more flavor and discover new boldness.

Here are some below from various vendors of the Pike, from my latest visit. There more to explain in every picture, but I must withhold for now (also, quite exhausted from errands and other work lately). I will save the info for a very special project I am working on, of which this is first hint of mention. For now, admire the colors and info within; and let your imaginary senses to those tastebuds run free!

Pictures of the Night (Part 2), Playtime Alone..

Continued from yesterday (part 1), to the night before..among shadowy characters..

Above and below, we have a playground further away from the transit station. The basketball court has a very colorful layout, and very smooth. I wish I had a ball. But, I will playfully walk around.

Here is a two-dimensional maze, daring lost souls in the fog to partake..

And here is a hoop guardian, ready for basketballs to pass through. It waits patiently for the dark and fog to pass.

Soon, I would I would need to board the bus. But there was a little time, but not much..to explore a little more. Next up, the Federal Way Transit Station itself..

(To be continued.. )

Picture of Today 1/6/15, Vivid Morning Undream..

The long bus ride to work was a sleepy extent of nothing. I left Seattle about 30 minutes ago, heading south to work near Tacoma. Traffic seemed slow at first leaving the busy metropolis that I lived deep within. And with each blinking morning light in the morning haze, my eyes sank closer to the headrest of my comfy seat, on the Sound Transit ride.

But not all the way…

I blinked awide, to find myself drifting high above the clouds. Or at least, that’s what was actually happening, as the bus on the highway reached its high stretch on some hills where one could either see nothing, or everything depending on the weather. Here..was unreal, perhaps could be easily fooled all was a dream, and I might have actually gained a good night’s rest..

And that moment of realization; I snapped this above picture of mediocre pixilation from my decent smartphone, through the dirty window inside a vessel traveling at least 60 miles per hour (traffic improved). I took the shot needed, to prove later that such the sight was not a dream. I watched the white fog layer speed by, drifting with the fully snow capped Mount Rainer in the back. All was breathtaking, for the minutes lasted. Then, the trees arrived on the hill censoring the smooth silky oasis. The all-view soon disappeared..forever, and the road would become part of the thick layered fog. And there was nothing again.

I drifting back to semi-sleep.

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 12/18/14, Around in the Rain..

Serious rain happened this evening. From the sky, everything drenched below to these streets of the Emerald City. For us getting home from work, we hurried. For others getting the holiday shopping done, they hurried. For the rest, there were whimsical choices and not the need to escape the nightly showers..which is why this merry-go-round was ready to go this late evening.

Also, one can never be too wet for mini-donuts and hot chocolate..

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 12/8/14, the 5 Point Cafe and Bar

The 5 Point Cafe and Bar, located very close to the Space Needle of Seattle.

A nice place to eat and sit for a late rainy night, especially when you are not ready to go home just yet. They have good steak dishes, and beer.

Picture of Today 12/6/14 II, Seattle is for the Birds..

At Sculpture Park today..

Suddenly, birds in the sky!!

Picture of Today 12/6/14, Through Sculpture Park.

Through Sculpture Park, in Seattle.

Here, was good for the later afternoon before the early dark (around 3:00 pm). The temperature was a tolerable 49 degrees with no threats of rain. The cold wind picked up a little and distressed my face, so motioning on was the best activity.

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 11/17/14

Here, is some hidden street art based on Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal movie. You’ll find it in Seattle’s Queene Anne (lower) area behind The Mecca Cafe and Bar. A local peep hanging out back told me about this, which has been up for at least 20 years and retouched fairly recently. Locals love it, even though some details are a bit off.

As to the Dark Crystal movie, it’s a good classic and among the best of the 1980s dark fantasy epics. For me, I remember being mildly terrified at the bird creatures when I first saw this as a small child. As a grown adult, they still kind of creep me out.

Picture of Today 11/15/14

The moment is quiet and still. No wind, just chill.

Over there, is a contemporary dance theater with scheduled performances. However, for this weekend (as told by a passing local), the Hump! Festival is going on inside. It was described as all amateur porn films, submitted by individuals; the largest show of its kind in the Pacific Northwest US.

I felt almost curious as further questions raised in my head, but best left unasked, unanswered. So, I’ll just go catch that 10:45 showing of Interstellar at the nearby movie theater.

Picture of Today 11/8/14

Just another night in Seattle.

The view is always fantastic from Pier 66. And looking toward, I admire the fresh lights renewing life in the city, preparing for each unpredictable long fall night ahead. Behind me there sets the sun again, but never quite the same in sight as the other evenings. Here was that view, from the other direction…

Picture of Today 11/7/14

In Seattle, below the Pike Market, in Post Alley, near the Gum Wall.

The little wads are gum, previously chewed from the passing peoples. You should see the other side behind me. Both walls together is an imagery overload. I think one wall will do for now..

Picture of Today 11/2/14

Rain down the Needle..

All 605 feet (804 meters) of it on this quiet Sunday. I can take a break under this world famous Space Needle. Here, is generous shelter cover to fix my umbrella, and unwrap the last lolly candy thing in my pocket (snagged from the local dish at the bank three days ago). Also, it’s a good place to look up and admire this unique view.

The rain is light today, yet the loudest noise around me with the constant pitter patter upon my cheap, flimsy umbrella (of which I give and putting in nearby trash). It’s louder than the distant cheers Seahawk fans, as our city football team beat the Oakland Raiders 30-24 in today’s game. The rain is more noticeable than all the passing cars of the city splashing through puddles on every corner. I could imagine stories from the distant sirens, of situations more important than my mundane situation. I can hear some faint laughter from passing tourists, taking those all important selfies with the Needle crouching over. The rain overall, is the most prominent of this moment and the rest of my walk.

I’ll let my smile be my umbrella.

Conventional Fun at the GirlGeekCon..

So, I attended the GirlGeekCon in Seattle…

Continue reading →

Picture of a Double Moon

Looking forward to that Blood Moon lunar eclipse tonight, if only no overcast and I can stay awake until 3:30.

Yesterday night, was another interesting events..double Moons!! It’s quite an rare sight for one to notice. One just needs to be at the right place at the right time, with the right angle of the Moon hitting through two angles off the corner of a glass building. And then. one would need to notice within three walking steps, head pointing in a very specific direction while moving slightly upwards. Then run home, and get a longer lens. Come back and hope the sight is still there.

It was, and now here it is..

Picture of Today 9/22/14

I thought the evening could not get better than yesterday on the ol Seattle waterfront.

Yet, here I was..

But then again, yesterday was just as good.

Maybe tomorrow will be even better than these past two days.

Looking forward if so..

Picture of Today, 9/21/14

A little bit of that summer, still here..

Picture by me, during a recent evening stroll along the Seattle waterfront.

Picture of Today 9/20/14

Enjoying the last Saturday of summer at Alki Beach, in West Seattle.

TRAVELING ORION

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

Tag Archives: travel

Pictures of Today 2/21/15, Almost Spring

Pictures of Today 2/17/15, the Special Set

Pictures of Today 2/13/15, Crazy Highs..

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 1/16/15, Hiding Art

Pictures of Today 1/13/15, Winter Fruits of Pike Place Market.

Pictures of the Night (Part 2), Playtime Alone..

Picture of Today 1/6/15, Vivid Morning Undream..

Pictures of Today 1/3/15, de Lights

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

Picture of Today 12/18/14, Around in the Rain..

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

Picture of Today 12/8/14, the 5 Point Cafe and Bar

Picture of Today 12/6/14 II, Seattle is for the Birds..

Picture of Today 12/6/14, Through Sculpture Park.

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

Picture of Today 11/17/14

Picture of Today 11/15/14

Picture of Today 11/8/14

More Post Alley art…

Picture of Today 11/7/14

Picture of Today 11/2/14

Conventional Fun at the GirlGeekCon..

Picture of a Double Moon

Picture of Today 9/22/14

Picture of Today, 9/21/14

Picture of Today 9/20/14

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