Seattle Music Pride Fo Sho

I definitely have pride in my hometown. I mean, Seattle is pretty awesome. And Macklemore & Ryan Lewis seem to agree. They released their video for Can't Hold Us this morning, and it's ah-maz-ing. Appreciate the sweeping views of my city. Because it really is that cool.

 

On my day off...

I saw some of these:

Fed this little beggar some french fries:

And ventured here:

And it was glorious!

Last Friday was declared a company holiday, and I did not protest. My mom and I ventured into the city for a day of fun. Those are the very best kinds of days!

To start out, we headed across the good ol' 520 bridge to Madison, the dwelling place of City People's Garden Store. And boy oh boy what a treat this place is!  I'm a sucker for nurseries, and this one did not disappoint. Beautiful (cheap) plants, cute garden accessories--what more could you ask for? And I happened to find some pretty slick cat-eye sun glasses. Always a bonus!

Our next stop was Leschi Beach to stake out a spot for the BIG EVENT. And by BIG EVENT I mean the Blue Angels practicing for their Seafair show (which is pretty much exactly the same as the practice runs). The planes flew right over our heads!  Dogs barked, children cheered, umbrellas were bountiful (but not because of rain), and most everyone got sunburned.  It was joyous!

Because we were already in Seattle, and already paid the ridiculous toll (I'm not a fan), Mom and I decided to head down town, and act like tourists. With our car parked near Pioneer Square, we strolled along the piers where we watched the ferries come and go. We ate fish and chips at Ivar's, and fed the pesky seagulls. We checked out the new Ferris Wheel, and decided it was a little pricey for what it was.  

Then we hiked up the hill to Pike's Place--quite possibly my favorite place in the city. Tourists were everywhere, and I then remembered why I almost never go down town during the summer. What is it about tourists that make one claustrophobic? 

Mom, a true Seattlite, had never seen the infamous gum wall, so it was a must on our list of things to do. It's pretty disgusting, but amazing at the same time. Don't you love how my shorts match the wall?? 

It was a wonderful day spent with my lovely ma. I'm so glad I moved back, so I could be close to her and the rest of my family!

Here's to family, the Blue Angels, and Seattle in the summer! Hurrah! 

It's Sunny in Seattle!!

It's sunny in Seattle--a magical thing, I tell you! Sun in Seattle rights all the wrongs in the world.

And...it's warm!

Summer, is it you?

In the summertime, I've  noticed that my taste in music tends to shift. On sunny warm days, my regular indie/alternative music doesn't seem as appropriate. That's what fall and winter are for. Summer calls for upbeat music, whatever genre it may be (except for most country).

I came across this video the other day, and thought it was soooo funny! Catchy and creative, and Carly Rae Jepsen doesn't seem to take herself too seriously. What's not to like? 

Please enjoy!

Sunny Days in Seattle

The past couple of days have been absolutely beautiful--a rarity this time of year. Monday smelled like summer! I set out on a walk as soon as I got home from work with objectives in mind. One, to see if I could handle going on a long walk in a maxi skirt--I plan on wearing them all the time this summer. Two, to take pictures--I'm seriously lacking in this department of late. Three, to stretch out my legs and get a spot of exercise.

I loved seeing people out and about taking in the evening sun--families with kids on bikes with training wheels, moms power walking, kids playing baseball.

Walks in the suburbs may not be incredibly inspiring such as those in the city, but they are more peaceful. Less cars, less crouds, but also less material for photos. But there are more smiles and salutations exchanged. The air is fresher with scents of flowering trees, and on this particular evening, the clink of softballs hitting metal bats.

Walking by a little league game in the nearby park brought back so many memories of my youth. I remember the try-outs, the smell of the grass, the hope that I would be chosen for the best team. I remember the sunflower seeds, the cheers from the dug-out, and the joy of getting a really good hit.

I loved playing softball, and I was proud of my arm. I had a really good one you see. I could throw long distances, and sometimes could out-throw my brother--that really was something to be proud of (he's one of those irritating, natural-born athletes that is awesome at anything he touches). And I was great at bat. There was a certain satisfaction knowing that the other teams recognized me as a power hitter, and would always back up as I came to the plate.

Some of my greatest friendships came from playing softball. I met one of my very best friends, Ilene, when her dad was our softball coach in 4th grade. We stayed friends throughout junior high and high school. We were close through college and often went on walks, played catch, or volleyball. And I'm so grateful that we continue to be friends as we've entered the real world, meeting up for dinner or dropping by her workplace for lovely chats.

Who knew that one lovely evening walk would trigger such nostalgia? Then again, it is me we're talking about.

Hears to memories, friendships, and spring/summer in Seattle!

P.S. Still undecided about the whole 

going-on-walks-in-maxi-skirts thing...

I'll keep you updated. 

The New Year...

...brought to you by the Seattle Center!

I hope yours was just as spectacular!

Here's to 2012 and all the amazing possibilities!

Family. Saunas. Boats

One of the major reasons why I wanted to move back to Seattle, was so I could spend more time with my family. This week has been chalk full of memory making. Mon pere was out of the country on business, so ma matka and ma setra and I had numerous slumber parties. Movies were watched, food was consumed, stores were shopped!

I was also able to spend time with my cute grandpa. He is one amazing man! His parents sailed to the States from Estonia and homesteaded on Finn Hill in Kirkland, Washington. G-pa grew up speaking Estonian, Finnish, and English. His father built a full-size sauna next to their farmhouse, and that sauna is now here:

My mom, grandpa, and I paid Ballard and the Nordic Heritage Museum a visit this week. I'd never seen the sauna, and it was a beautiful day to spend in that part of the city.

After visiting the the sauna we headed down to the Ballard locks. It was a gorgeous day to be there. There were several boats already geared up and ready for Labor Day weekend. And there were salmon!

Here's to family and beautiful Seattle days!

Bumbershoot: a festival of the arts--primarily music and other awesome stuffs

Ah, Bumbershoot. Oh how I love thee!

Each year over Labor Day, the city of Seattle hosts a spectacular arts and music festival at the Seattle Center.

Ever since I can remember my dear mum would take my siblings and I to Bumbershoot as a treat before the new school year started. We would always start at the Children's Museum progress to the cool kids crafts and end up with painted faces listening and dancing to a band my mom loved.

As I got older, friends replaced my family (that sounds bad, but only in this instance), henna tattoos replaced painted faces, and soon I was going to see the bands that I wanted to see.

After I graduated high school, the fun tradition ended. College always started before Labor Day, and I just couldn't justify returning home after having spent a week at school. So, for eight years I've yearned to go, yet was never able to. That all ended this past Labor Day, when my friends Aaron and Christina indulged me and accompanied me to the awesome festival.

Did I set myself up for disappointment? Perhaps. Was I disappointed? Absolutely not! It was pretty much awesome!

 Bands seen: Civil Twilight, Jamie Lidell, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes.
Food eaten: pad thai, swimming rama, mango lemonade.
Fun had: spades!

Here's to music, friends, and the blessed city of Seattle!

Happy Weekend!

After almost 12 hours of travel, I'm in the grand ol' State of Washington where there is a chill in the air, and I don't mind, not one bit. DC has been hot and muggy, and I'm so ready to get out of the heat.

So I figured, since I'm in Seattle, I'd share a Seattle classic with you for this glorious 3-day weekend. None else than Nirvana. Can I just say that I love Nirvana?

Anyhow, please enjoy!



P.S. There are some updates, but I should probably get some sleep first. And go to Bumbershoot.

Into the City

So about the time I came back from Taiwan, my cousin Chad was up from California. It's been a huge long while since we've seen each other, and the reunion was pretty awesome. Especially since Tausha, his awesome girlfriend came up with him.

One fine Seattle day, the three of us plus my mom made a trip into the city, to show Tausha the sites, and reacquaint ourselves with our hometown. Having been away for practically eight years, I'd forgotten why I love Seattle so much. I've lived in other big cities all over the world, but nothing quite compares to how I feel in the Emerald City.

Anyhow...the hot spots we hit: 

The Seattle Art Museum--we were there on the first Thursday of the month, so admission was free. We were able to see the Calder and Michelangelo exhibits. It felt good to look at art. It's been almost eight months since I left DC, and I think I took the Smithsonian for granted. I've missed it. 

Pike's Place Market--quite possibly my favorite place. There are just too many great memories with Pike's Place for it not to be. Since it was during the week, it wasn't as crowded as it normally is when I get down there. The flower sellers already had tulips and daffodils! It was bliss. 

The Original Starbucks--I don't drink coffee, but I sure do love Starbucks hot chocolate. It was fun to be in the original store. The atmosphere is very different from any other Starbucks I've ever been too. Plus it was standing room only.

 {See how different it is?}

 
The Fremont Troll--Fremont is one of the coolest parts of town, and if you ever go there, you can't miss the troll under the bridge. It's made an appearance in many movies. The one I can think of the most is Ten Things I Hate About You.  

Gasworks Park--I had no idea how close this was to Fremont--just down the street really. I've been wanting to go here for ages, thinking I've never been. Apparently I've been there when I was just a wee lass, but, you know, it's hard to remember those sorts of things. 

 {Gasworks Park}

 

{Me, Chad, and Tausha. The peace-sign was an ode to Taiwan}

 

{A guy and his slack-line}

 

 {The house boats of Lake Union (think Sleepless in Seattle)}

The park on Queen Anne--I can't remember the name of this park, but it's the one that has the fabulous view of the entire city. It was such a clear day for January that we were able to see Mt. Ranier.

 {View of the Space Needle, EMP, the Seattle Science Museum and Mt. Ranier}

 {View of West Seattle, where the first people of Seattle settled. 

The point was too exposed so they moved further in Elliot Bay to where the city is today.}

All in all, it was a wonderful day, and it was great to spend it with Chad and Tausha. Next time she comes up, I promised her we'd make a trip out to Forks. I mean really...how could you not?

Blogger's block, and I mean hard core...

So it's almost been two weeks since I last blogged, and it hasn't been because I didn't want to. I've been having some major blogger block. I can't think of anything to write, even though I probably have a ton to write about. Well, now that I think about it, I have two whole trips to write about, yet I have no desire to write about them quite yet.

Maybe it's because I have a lot on my mind? Could that contribute to writer's block? I would think otherwise, but who knows? Life's funny. As soon as I make a decision with what I'm going to do with my life a wrench seems to get thrown into the mix, and things completely change. This is a good thing, despite the fact that my stress levels seem to rise every time it does happen. Plus it keeps me from making the wrong decision. 

Halloween is quickly approaching, yet it doesn't really feel like it. Come to think of it, it still doesn't even feel like fall. The average temperature is still about 85 degrees with 70% humidity. I wake up every morning hopeful that it will be cool enough for me to wear a cardigan. And "cool enough" would be anywhere below 80. You might think I'm ridiculous, but here's the thing--I'm a lover of layers. I think it has to do with my being from Seattle.

Everyday in Seattle is cool enough for layering, as my mom would attest. I never minded probably because I didn't really know any better. Fall was always the best because I could wear my favorite V-neck sweater and sandals at the same time.  At least that's how it was in high school.

Fall has always been my favorite season, and those crisp cool autumn mornings were the best. I remember going on walks up the Tolt River Pipe Line right by my house  (it was always up, in both directions) and admiring the hills of lush evergreens interspersed with jolts of orange and yellow deciduous trees. The best days were those when the sky was a piercing blue, which made the colors of the trees pop.  My favorite tree (and I did have quite a few) was at the top of our hill and it would turn into a flame of orange. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.  

 I miss the fall colors. I miss the cool crisp fall mornings. I miss wearing scarves. And I kinda miss wearing cute shoes.

Taiwan has forced me to shed my layers and learn how to actually dress for summer weather. If it really felt like fall here, I wouldn't/couldn't go to the beach and still get a tan. You win some, you lose some, eh?

On another note, teaching is going really well. I really love my kids. My fifth graders are in the process of making pinatas, and I'm in the process of persuading them that they should let some of the other classes break them open. They are still wanting to keep all three of the pinatas, but we'll see who wins. Muahahaha.... I mean, I am the one providing the candy.

The school is doing a big to do about Halloween this year complete with a haunted house. It should be wicked fun. No clue what I'm going to be, but it will be interesting.

Here's to fall, Halloween, and to writing despite blogger's block!

Photos from Seattle PI and National Geographic.