10 Things to do in Seattle

I haven't written much in my blog lately, because I have been very busy.  I have had so many different thoughts, but I haven't had the time to sit with them and write.  I hope August provides some time for me to write more in my journal and possibly more on a new blog as well.  What shall I call my desert blog? Dancing in the Desert, Tucson Tranquility, Adventures in the Desert, Transplant in Tucson.... hmmmm.  Nothing has settled with me yet.  I might decide to keep this blog as I'm still on the west side.

My body is tired and so is my voice.  I've been working the past seven days straight at the Space Needle with thousands of people each day.  I think Saturday was the highest... 10,000.  It's draining.  Tomorrow is my last day of work and then I fly out to Tucson bright Friday morning, August 1.  I've been getting some things in order, cleaning things up here, and trying to make the most of my last few days in Seattle. 

I thought it would be fun to reflect about the city of Seattle.  I've lived here almost an entire year, so I have ten highlights picked for my readers.  Maybe it will help someone that ends up in Seattle like I did.  I don't feel like a year is long enough to get a real feel for the city, but I definitely got  a taste.  I tried to get out as much as I could, but I was limited without a car and I also worked full time.  Public transportation in Seattle is pretty good, but the rush hour bus riding is a little maddening.  Retail stores don't like people that carry backpacks, and you almost always have to ask to use the bathroom key.  It's a pain in the butt (no pun intended).  Anyway, I'm dead tired on my feet and will probably fall to sleep soon, but I thought I would list my ten best adventures in the city of Seattle. 

1.  Riding a ferry over to Bremerton.  Awesome experience!


2.  Walking around Green Lake and spending time there.  Lovely park, very serene.  (I planned on renting a boat and doing the paddle boats but never got around to it.  It's fairly inexpensive to do, too)


3.  Visiting the Space Needle.  True.  I work there and I can hardly believe I'm saying it, but I still remember the first time I visited with my friend Amanda.  I remember the excitement, music, hearing languages from around the world, the gusty wind, and incredible views.  It was memorable!


4.  Seattle Symphony.  (Benaroya Hall) I saw them twice and each time took my breath away.  I saw Vivaldi Four Seasons in the fall and Mary Chapin Carpenter in the summer.  I felt lighter, uplifted, and breathed in the ocean air as I left each time.  Magical and beautiful! The music has stayed with me. 


5.  Pike's Place Market.  Every chance I got to go, I went.  I loved the Market.  It is always so colorful, live music, lively, sweet, scrumptious food, inexpensive flowers, interesting arts.  I loved the free samples- the chocolate spaghetti! apples! peaches! cheese! This past week I returned and saw the band One Moment in Time, still singing their great gospel tunes in front of the first Starbucks.  I snagged a picture with these talented men.  They once sang for the baby I cared for and remembered us.  (Also, be sure to visit the Gum Wall!)

 

 

6.  Woodland Park Zoo.  I had many trips to the zoo with baby Cora, and I always enjoyed the visits as much (or more!) as she did.  I loved the penguins, flamingos, rainforest area, farm world, and it was a treat to see the baby cubs playing out with their Mama.  Also, they have a nice play area in the winter, filled with light, and a convenient café bar inside.


7.  International District! Love the food! I followed some Asian men to Hong Kong one night.  It was crowded and delicious.  I also fell in love with the Japanese 1.50 store called Daiso.  They are a chain but only in California and Washington here in the United States.  Such a fun store!


8.  Food and coffee.  I had quite a few delicious meals in Seattle! Clam chowder at Ivar's with oyster crackers, delicious gyros, hummus at Hummus Café.  I tried pho, Korean bbq, and Indian for the first time while I was out here.  I also tried Turkish coffee and octopus.  I love stuffed grape leaves.  I also tried various types of coffee, too- most of it too rich and heavy for me.  I liked Georgia'a a lot, and between Michelle and Amanda- I was exposed to some wonderful Mexican, Thai restaurants, Italian, and an amazing wine bar restaurant with wine rack to the ceiling.  Seattle is a food heaven.


9.  The New Day Northwest Show.  This was so much fun for me.  I met new people and enjoyed being a part of a live audience, and it was all free! I met hikers, singers, doctors, performers, etc., each time I went.  It was always interesting and spontaneous, best of all!



10. Ballard Locks! Ballard is a nice little community with a great farmers market! That was a fun adventure, but the locks are so fascinating to watch.  There's also a nice salmon ladder, and Ballard is a great place to walk around with a coffee or tea in hand.  There are a few nice thrift stores, tea shops, etc.,  as well!


As I complete this list, I realize there is still so much that I could add such as Chihuly Art and Glass Garden.  The EMP wasn't impressive to me, but I've never been into horror, science fiction, or fantasy... I would also add Olympic Sculpture Park, Bitter Lake Area, Carkeek Park, PNW Ballet, Gas Works Park, Seattle downtown library, and Seattle Art Museum (SAM). 
Seattle is a lovely city, filled with millions of people- the fastest growing city in the nation they say. 
It's a young city, full of up and coming tech geeks, and a literary and unique city.  Almost everyone reads on the bus either with a real book or on a device.  Seattle isn't the friendliest city, the most God loving city, or even the most welcoming, but it is a diverse and beautiful city.  I've always wanted the experience of city life, and I know that my life has broadened from this time in Seattle.  Go if you get a chance!

Weekend

I just finished up a two day weekend (i.e. Tuesday and Wednesday) before going into my eight day stretch at the Space Needle.  At the end of this stretch, I will be leaving for Tucson the day after.  I've been tired the last couple of days, so I've taken the chance to rest while the rain falls down.  I've napped, watched a couple good movies, and read a little in between.  Today I started packing, realizing once work starts up- time flies, and time quickly runs out on me.  I love packing and getting things together.  I also did a little cleaning, changed my address at the bank and ordered checks, and did some walking.  First I walked to the coffee shop and then I walked to another coffee shop (it's Seattle, after all, and it was raining all day!).  I wrote a couple letters, talked to a couple friends, wrote in my journal, and read.  All things I really love doing on my days off, and then I got the impulse to walk to Carkeek Park.  It is an incredibly beautiful park in north Seattle close to where I've been living.  It was lovely tonight.  As I was walking, it started to rain harder but the trees shielded me and kept me dry.  The ocean smells filled my body, and I sat staring at a log that looked like an animal eating the sand.  The Atlantic is a brilliant bright blue filled usually with many boats, lobstermen, ships, but the Pacific tonight was gray and endlessly large.  I splashed my face with the saltwater, and I studied the outlines of a man and woman near the edge of the water.  I watched the train fly by and the kids under the bridge with a flashlight.  I walked in the darkness back to the house thankful for the beauty God creates over and over again.  It rained all day and at the coffee shop, for a minute or two, I saw the brightest rainbow, and on my walk home, Mickey Mouse ears in the clouds. 
Going to the ocean tonight felt like an invigorating way to get back into the living of life. 

Two Questions

My mind has been jam packed with things lately... I fully acknowledge I'm in a season of total transition, and I haven't been able to sit with my thoughts as much as I like.  Don't get me wrong, though, I'm beyond grateful for good hours at work, changes in my life, new opportunities, etc.,
I realize I haven't blogged in awhile, and as I write tonight, I don't have much to offer you.  I'm tired from myself.  I'm pushing through the next couple weeks saving and spending what I must, working whenever I can, and getting stuff done. 
Why I've been contemplating the next two things I do not know, but I keep wondering about them.  Forgive me if you were hoping for something on the deeper side.  I don't have it tonight!

1.  HOW THE HECK DO YOU WEAR RAZORBACKS? oh my gosh.  I am moving to Tucson, right? Well, my wardrobe is going to have to change, and I'm trying to adjust to this reality.  I'm looking at stores to see what kind of summer clothes are offered.  I honestly don't know what I will think about the desert.  It's hard to imagine! I feel like I'm a country girl- in love with lonely roads that take your breath away, old abandoned farms, hillsides, trees, the smell of the ocean seeping through your windows as you drive.  I like sweaters and fleece, wool socks and being covered, but at the same time, I welcome change and I love the sun.  Just call me a chameleon... maybe.  Everywhere I go I keep seeing the razorback shirt/dress style.  I like it! But I don't understand how to wear it? Do women go braless? Do they let their bra straps show? Some do - I see this, but I'm not sure I would feel comfortable with that look.  I don't know what to do (except I don't want to go braless), and I've been thinking about this too much!

2.  WHAT KIND OF MAN WOULD ELVIS BE TODAY IF HE WERE ALIVE TODAY AND 40? I don't know why- maybe it's all the Elvis music at the Space Needle that I love, maybe it's the lack of class and character I see in so many of the celebrities of today, but what, I wonder, would he wear? What would he sing? What would his concerts be like today? What would his overall style feel like? Would he still sing Gospel? shake his hips? have black hair? wear diamonds and bell bottoms?

Trials of an Elevator Operator

I've had many jobs in my life (many odd and peculiar ones too!), and there have been plenty of times when I've taken note of the way people act.  Sometimes I think, Wow, that's so kind.  I want to do that too! Other times I think, Wow, that's so rude, does the person realize it?
I don't want to be rude.  Love is not rude.  Today has been such a long day.  It was a beautiful day in Seattle, a Saturday, too, and it's nearly the middle of July.  Thousands of people rolled through the lines and onto the elevator where I attended to them for forty one seconds or so.  Here are some things I observed in my day (starting with the bus ride), work, grocery store, bus ride, and home. 

1.  FOR HEAVENS SAKE, give up your seat for the elderly and women with children.  There is nothing else that irritates me more than to see young buff men sitting while a woman with a child stands.  More often than not, I notice that young women stand up to give up their seats and not the young men.  Young men need to be more AWARE (get off your technology devices!) and CONSIDERATE.

2.  Pay attention to your kids.  When you have kids (I know I'm not a parent so I never feel like I have a warrant to judge) but common sense makes me feel like you should be aware of your kids especially in crowded, busy places like the Space Needle.  In other words, DON'T LET YOUR KIDS TOUCH THINGS THEY SHOULDN'T TOUCH!  (I had a young girl repeatedly push buttons after I told her not to please.  And it completely freaked out everyone in the elevator when it stopped in mid-air....)

3.  IT IS RUDE TO TALK OVER PEOPLE.

4.  When visiting another country, try to be aware that people are talking and saying things, even if it's not in  your language.  Remember that other people may be trying to hear even though you can't (or don't want to) understand. 

5.  IT'S NOT OKAY TO POINT!




Okay, maybe that was all a little negative and leaning heavily to the venting side, so I will include five positives I experienced from the world today.

1.  A friendly bus driver.  Some of them can be so cranky, but this one said Good Morning!
2.  A young boy asked me to please pat his head.  He wanted me to feel his soft hair.  He was so cute.
3.  A smile goes a long way!
4.  It's nice when people notice and say my name.
5.  It's really nice when people don't throw a big deal about being cut off next in line.  I love when people smile and say no problem. 

half birthday July 13.

My half birthday is coming up- July 13, which will make me 35.5- tipping closer to the 40's than the 30's.  Lord, help me!
I'm feeling slightly reflective tonight so I thought I'd post some thoughts.
Now that I've reached mid-life, here are 20 things I vow:

1.   I'll remember my faith as the most important thing and spend time with like minded believers, nourishing and being nourished.
2.   I  will take the Word of God more into my heart with an open heart 
3.   I will finally start wearing SUNSCREEN and SUNGLASSES, praying fervently that I am not damaged beyond repair.  I will drink water and take a daily vitamin! :)

 

 

4.   I will read more challenging books and spend more time reading than aimlessly browsing the Internet.
5.   I will stay abreast of world news via BBC, NPR, newspapers.
6.   I will stop being sloppy, remembering that I feel better when I take time and put on nicer clothes, a little make-up, earrings...
7.   I will make new friends and keep in touch with my old friends.  Cards! Phone calls! Visits!
8.   I will support and pray for Victoire.  I will visit her before she is 18. 
9.   I will travel more.
10. I will spend more time worshiping at HOME.
11. I will try new things, new recipes, new songs. 
12. I will be daring.
13. I will go camping!
14. I will sky dive!
15. I will road trip!
16. I will be open to love.
17. I will save money every month, minimum of 100.00 a month.  It's something!
18. I will go barefoot more... walk and bicycle!
19. I will dance and kayak and canoe...
20. I will stay grounded in His love and grace,  living a life for others, reflective of His love. 

Final Advenutres!

In my short time in the PNW I feel like I've been able to see and do quite a lot- even without a car! I've learned the bus system and am blessed with a couple friends close by as well. 
I leave for Tucson, Arizona in less than 22 days now.  I am excited.  I have an apartment, my ticket, and am researching the area.  I am hoping to find a part time job along with the full time work I do with AmeriCorps at Arts for All. 
But I had a couple of things I wanted to do before I leave, and it's strange to realize that my list is pretty much checked off.  I'd still like to visit more with some friends, ride the monorail, and do a little more hiking/walking (Carkeek Park). 

Sunday I got off work and walked around the Seattle Center area.  It was a hot day, so I cooled myself off walking around and hanging out at the International Fountain where they play live music and spontaneous bursts of water! Kids love it, and adults love watching the kids.  Fun, free entertainment, and it was refreshing to feel the mist.  I even caught sight of a beautiful rainbow in the middle! I love childhood, and all the wondrous, joyous gifts of that time in our lives: paper airplanes, ball throwing, puppets, water fountains...

Then I decided to check out the Chihuly Art and Glass Exhibit.  I see it everyday, talk about it every time I work at the Space Needle, and I've heard so many people rave about it.  It was definitely over the top.  Like my friend Tom, I'm not sure how I feel about glass mixed with gardens, but maybe it's a chance to appreciate the diversity and creativity of another...

 

The Persian ceiling was my favorite.  So colorful, and I loved how the colors bounced and danced around the room.  Check it out!

 

 

It was peaceful, relaxing, and I enjoyed it very much.  I liked the theatre, and learning a little more about the process of glass making- I am fascinated by its natural elements including breath, fire, heat.  I think it was worth a visit.  I would have regretted it had I not gone, and now I understand what a landmark Dale Chihuly is to the PNW. 

 

Last night was a night I have been looking forward to for a long time. Boy, it's helpful to have things to look forward to in life! I have always loved Mary Chapin Carpenter as a songwriter and singer.  It was a treat to see her last night with the Seattle Symphony.  I caught a picture before I realized I shouldn't be taking pictures!

 

 

I love the Symphony experience, the beauty of the hall, instruments, and the animation of the conductor.  It's extraordinary and a huge love affair! Mary Chapin was classy, elegant, and soulful.  Her voice is perfect compliment to the symphony.  She sang many songs from her newest album and some old classics like "Stones in the Road" and "Hard Way".  It was funny not to see her with a guitar, but also so glorious to hear her voice.  I was honestly so sad that the night ended.  It was too soon! I also enjoyed the experience of being a little more dressed up, people watching, and talking to an usher.  Before the concert they serve expensive glasses of wine, fancy strawberries, and so forth.  He told me that the Mormons sang the other day and there was no wine or coffee, but they did drink Coke and had a baby room for their families.  Interesting! Mary Chapin is such a fine songwriter, and I see so many visual pictures as I hear her sing.  I see fireflies, families around the table, full moons, walks by the river, heart breaking, heart flying, and so much more.  It was a treat!

 

Before the concert, I walked around the city a little and wrote in my journal under a tree.  Here are some things I saw...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benaroya Hall is very close to the waterfront/ Market area.  As I stepped out from the concert to catch the bus home across the street, I could taste and feel the sea air.  I boarded the bus, and as I was looking out the window I saw the sun setting pink over the mountains, and everything looked so beautiful and majestic.  I was sleepy but at peace and so thankful for the day-  an approved apartment and a concert of a classic, modest, brilliant artist. 

only 30 days left!

Well, my friends, I only have thirty more days left in Seattle.  Seattle is a wonderful city, and I always seem to discover this on my days off work! Ha!

Today I was off, so I decided to make the most of it.  I enjoyed a nice healthy salad with a diet cherry coke with crushed ice.  yum! And then I took the bus to Denny Way, and I walked to Olympic Sculpture Park.  It's something I've wanted to find and see here.
I found the park after getting a little lost (extra walking!) and relished the quiet and sweet company of the ocean again.  Oh, I've missed you! I pulled out my book and read, and I let the waters heal and soothe my spirit. 

Thank You, God, for Your expansive beauty found on this earth around us! I have enjoyed experiencing Seattle.  I walked around at the waterfront, paying attention to new sights since I now know more from working at the Needle.  I saw the Edgewater Hotel (where Bill Clinton stayed) up close, and I also went back to the Market.  Too crowded for me, so I just used the restrooms! I don't have much left that I definitely have to do before I leave, although there is still plenty left to do here.  So much to do! The two most important things that I want to hit are the concert next week (Mary Chapin Carpenter with the Seattle Symphony) and the Chihuly Art and Glass Garden Exhibit.  Happy July!