"When you sit right down in the middle of yourself, you're going to want to have a comfortable chair. So, renovate your soul before you get too old because you're going to be housebound there."
This tucked away corner of the world is in the midst of an unseasonably cruel winter. On this day, one prior to winter's darkest, we bid Hummy a comforting life's slumber. In retirement, may he know that he brought much joy and warmth to people and cats alike. Alas friend, I bid thee adieu...
I was driving to meet some friends tonight on the frozen streets of Seattle and was simply inspired by an amazing sunset casting shadows over the Puget Sound. I found a small vantage and captured it forever.
Seattle is an amazing juxtaposition between man and its natural surroundings. On occasion, I truly forget that I live in midst of a metropolitan area consisting of 3.3 million people. It’s easy to get lost in the surrounding beauty and feel as if this is my very own.
To the west, a sleepy city opens its tired eyes to another fast-paced workday. This is just over the hill from my local neighborhood. I especially like the holiday colors painting the top of each building.
To the east, Mt Rainier also opens its tired eyes to give yet another great performance to the locals who take a pause in their busy day. I think this bald eagle bought his tickets in advance because he has the best seats in the house.
I grabbed a cup of coffee, put on my down coat, and spontaneously made my way westward to Golden Gardens City Park. Lets see...the snow and cold, spontaneity, the company only of my own thoughts...is anyone else thinking Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind??? I felt like Joel. Meet me in Montauk...
Actually, I did have a few feathered companions.
The Olympics: its all in the name. These impressively rugged mountains tower to about 8,000', jetting straight up from the Pacific Ocean. This western border to Seattle helps to moderate the momentous weather systems that impact western Washington State. It is hard not to marvel at their beauty upon the days first light.
As the sun rounds the curve the of the earth, the harbor begins to wake.
The mountains almost begin to mature in appearance as the sun pushes on. Fierce.
Right as I was about to leave, I caught a glimpse of something frolicking in the bay. Upon closer inspection, it looks like a small gang of hooligan seals were causing disruption in an otherwise serene Puget Sound.
How happy is the blameless vestal's lot!
The world forgetting, by the world forgot.
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!
Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd;
Labour and rest, that equal periods keep;
"Obedient slumbers that can wake and weep;"
Desires compos'd, affections ever ev'n,
Tears that delight, and sighs that waft to Heav'n.
Old man winter showed his stoic face this past week in Seattle. It has been an exhilarating shift for us in the Republic of Cascadia because we are accustomed to having December lows reach 45 F and the highs reach 50 F. However, it seems the weather has placed a buzz in the air...literally! Well, not literally. But, this potent package of persistent buzz is Hummy. He is a welcomed visitor to my front door each morning. He and the cats are best buds.
The Cascade Mountains (just east of Seattle) got their first sizable blanketing of snow this past week. I love how chiseled and 3-D they appear after a little dusting.
Yep, thats my snot freezing to my face because my nose doesn't know how to act on a frigid, cold day any longer. Oh well. If the sun holds, I am going to try to get some pics of the Olympics and Mt. Rainier sometime this week. With all of this wonderful Seattle scenery, the possibilities are nearly endless!!! ~Adieu~
"Upon suffering beyond suffering, the red nation shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for a sick world. A world filled with broken promises, selfishness and separations; a world longing for light again. I see a time of seven generations when all the colors of mankind will gather under the sacred tree of life and the whole earth will become one circle again. In that day, there will be those among the Lakota who will carry knowledge and understanding of unity among all living things and the young white ones will come to those of my people and ask for this wisdom. I salute the light within your eyes where the whole universe dwells. For when you are at that center within you and I am at that place within me, we shall be one."
-Chief Crazy Horse-
Oglala Sioux
"At the end of the Moon of Falling Leaves, after they killed Crazy Horse, the wasichus told us to move..."
Chances are that you, like myself, walk out the door each morning with little white earbuds buzzing in your head. Without realizing it, the artist you have selected to color your audio backdrop (Fiona, U2, Skid Row, Claude Debussy, Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin, Henry Manicini, etc) has already changed the bounce in your step (slower, faster, longer, shorter, with hesitation, with fervor). Music has the ability to trigger a powerful, self-expressive mechanism that is frequently used by most of us on a daily basis. But, how often do we set time aside to cultivate our relationship with the music that we employ?
Music, for me, is a complex and evolving relationship that steers me ever closer to the core of this crazy life experience. Personally, I enjoy music that helps me achieve honest perspectives of the bigger picture. Discovery and understanding, whether it is overt (Bad Religion, Atmosphere, U2) or subtle (Andrew Bird, Norah J., Brian Vander Ark), intertwined within the fabric of beauty can instantly slingshot me to unparalleled heights of joy and exhilaration.
This brings me to The Smashing Pumpkins' 1995 release entitled Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. I can vividly remember the day that I walked into Hastings and bought this album on it's day of release over 13 years ago. That night, I went home a better person. This album has so many memories embedded into the fabric of it’s creation: traveling across Florida (1979), my first song in my first car (Tonight, Tonight), orchestra state competition in Bozeman (Zero), my ex-girlfriend’s dead cat (Galapagos), Leah (Farewell and Goodnight), countless nights of pondering the bigger picture when I didn’t even know what the bigger picture even was (Porcelina), jamming out with Josh (Jellybelly), jammin’ out by myself (Ode to No One), Autumn of 2002, Spokane WA (Thirty-Three), shootin’ hoops in my drive-way trying to figure out highschool (Thru the Eyes of Ruby), moving to Fremont (By Starlight), learning to love italian sodas at The Wallstreet Café (Stumbleine), and on and on and on….
“Believe in me as I believe in you, tonight”
“Tomorrow’s just an excuse away”
This collection of songs allows me to seamlessly stair into the eyes of my past. Each melody owns a feeling that was discovered through events of foregone days that together, are a crude painting of my personal history. In taking a recent trip through the portal, I have once again realized that I am a very lucky individual. My life has been extraordinary, blessed and cursed, but always gifted with wonderful people. Since the very beginning, I have been well cared for and I am grateful to have a musical refuge where I can let my secret thoughts come alive without a care in the whole world…
"...goodnight, always, to all that's pure that's in your heart."
Hang on tight, folks because this is the inaugural Tour de Magnusón at Magnuson Park in Seattle, WA. I have the good fortune of having this park at my fingertips, and with my fingertips, I will bring it to you. Put on your helmet and lets go!
Lets start by just appreciating some of the great backdrop that the weathered architecture from the original airfield provides. Top left: The entrance to the park. Top right: Brick buildings dot the west side of the park. Bottom left: One of many hangers that is still used today. This one is used for indoor soccer, beach volleyball, and assorted other sports when the rains grace the great Pacific Northwest. Bottom right: Previously used for, well, administration.
Left: The mountaineers, a local hiking and nature conservation group, have renovated this old building and made it their new mothership. On the other side, they installed an 80' climbing wall. Its HUGE! Right: Other buildings have been renovated and are cleverly being used as community housing...playground and all!
Alright, lets head up to the Northshore to check out the sailboat launch and other activities.
From here, its just a jump and a skip over to the P-patch. This is one of my favorite activities at Magnuson Park. I go here to grow food, play in dirt, log some volunteer hours, get some much needed sunshine, and clear my mind when things get tough. Top left: It looks like there are still some veggies going strong. I suppose some will over-winter. Food all year long...spectacular. Top right: My food bank plot has been cleared for the season and is recovering from a nice tomato harvest this past summer. Bottom: These lil' eggplants are refusing to quit. Better luck next season my wee friends...
We have many miles ahead of us so lets keep moving through the park. Top left: Referred to as the Sports Meadow, this is one of the best grassy fields that I've ever experienced. I like to lie down in the middle and feel small...that is, when there aren't a million knee-biters trying to play soccer. Top right: Magnuson Park has acres and acres of winding trails through beautiful nature preserves. Bottom left: As we crest over Kite Hill, the waterfront and Mt. Rainier comes into view. Bottom right: I spotted a few brave blackberries that were hanging on for dear life...I promptly ate this one.
Lets head on down to the waterfront. There's so much to see. This is a piece of public art called The Fin Project. It sort of looks like fish, as their seen from shore, swimming in the grass.
Summer of 05: My friend Tanner and I would travel from far and wide to go swimming off of this dock. Its just a superb little beach.
It looks like the locals are out sailing. Looks like fun!
And don't forget to look across the lake. It appears as if the Cascades are getting their first snow dusting of the season.
Change is abound at Magnuson Park. The City of Seattle has begun to invest several million dollars to turn the western corridor into outdoor recreational facilities. Next autumn, I imagine things will look a little different...
Well, no one...and I mean NO ONE...enjoys this park more than the dogs. Seriously. It's been scientifically proven that one can't walk through the dog park at Magnuson without smiling. I dare you to try...
Crazy canines. Is anyone else famished after the inaugural Tour de Magnusón??? I hope you aren't sore tomorrow. Drop by sometime and we'll make this virtual tour a reality!
