Eyeballs and Butterflies

These were originally intended to be 2 separate posts, but because my friend Ann kills (and inspires) me when it comes to timely blogging, she did it first. The eyeballs are hanging at Pike & 11th (just down from the Satellite). I actually forgot where I saw the butterflies (I was on my evening constitutional). Pretty sure it was either Thomas or Harrison and between Summit and Belmont. I've heard there are more elsewhere on Capitol Hill, but I haven't noticed any. I just think both things are so great. I love it when someone comes up with a cool artistic idea and shares it with everyone (and then I can share it with you).

Fairewell D&G

I could write pages about this, but this isn't really the right venue for it. I love Divya and Gautam and they moved to D.C. this weekend (the mass exodus continues). They had a going away party at a cafe on Capitol Hill called Faire. I've been there several times (usually with them). I also really like their friend who runs the place. It's a great space with great people. Swing by if you ever have a chance. I keep meaning to go on a Sunday for a big glass of wine and the free Jazz. This past Friday I went to swap stories with other friends about D&G and watch my favorite local band, Motorcade, play (unfortunately sans-Casey) what was possibly their last show. Bye D&G, I'm going to miss you guys.

Turtle Power

I love all the random artistic and neat stuff you find all over the place in Seattle. I think it mostly has to do with walking everywhere and how you have more time to look at the little things. I saw this the other day while walking near the corner of Pine and 11th. It was just kind of back in the bushes, not really out there for anyone to see. I just got lucky.

Oklahoma City Supersonics

I saw this billboard while waiting for the bus near the Seattle Center (where the basketball stadium is). Ouch. I am not a Sonics fan, but I'm sad to see them go. I think sports teams help make a city more of a national destination. I think it hurts Seattle a bit to lose the team. I was also excited to see how they do in the next few seasons as they have a very young and interesting team. I guess that's just the politics of it all.

1 Year Anniversary

1 year ago this week (July 6th) I arrived in Seattle, not as a tourist, but as a resident. My first year has been better than I could have ever imagined. I've had 2 roommates and lived in 2 different places so far (though they are 2 blocks from each other). I've had tons of visitors and I've been all over this crazy city. I've had a chance to do all kinds of great and new things, many of which only Seattle allows. Highlights include Santa Pub Crawl, Solstice Parade (upcoming blog), Sasquatch Summer Festival at the Gorge, Tubing in Leavenworth (twice), Urban Golf, and Marques' Halloween party.

I look forward to the next year and plan to continue to try to enjoy all this beautiful and quirky city has to offer.

Father of Trees

This is a mural that was in the middle of Cal Anderson park on the sidewalk (between the reflecting pool and the fountain). It looks like it was done in charcoal. It was created by Allen Sparks and is called Father of Trees according to the signature at the bottom. It amazes me when people put so much work in something that will just wash away. The artist must really enjoy the process to spend so much time on something like this. The design is pretty intricate at the top.

The Post-Marques Seattle Era Begins

This past weekend was Marques' last in Seattle, so it was a busy weekend. There were lots of festivities, including hanging out at the Satellite bar, where MJ and I are regulars. Lots of friends were able to come and we had a grand ol' time.

When I was talking to Justin outside, he said that he saw something pretty odd on the way over to the bar. While walking through Cal Anderson Park, he and Yachi saw a marching band practicing at 11pm at night in the middle of the park. We all agreed that was pretty bizarre. It was more bizarre when Mike ran inside the bar around 1am and pulled several of us out to the sidewalk to see the band playing while they were walking up the street. And it took another twist when they all stopped playing and walked in to the bar with their instruments. Once everyone made it past the ID check at the door, they struck up the band and played us a couple of songs, for no apparent reason, with no explanation, in the middle of the Satellite bar. I apologize for the crummy picture, but it was really dark in there and hard to snap a non-flash picture. It was so great!

The weekend was awesome. I have a few more pictures, but I might spread them out a bit. It is really sad to see Marques go. He is the reason I chose Seattle as my new home. He's a great friend who I have literally known my entire life and just an incredibly fun person to be around and I'm really going to miss him. That being said, one of the best gifts he gave me was this city. I never would have moved here without him nor would I have met so many of these great friends of his that have even become friends of mine. Divya said it best when we were saying goodbye to Marques this morning. "This is the end of an era." It is a little colder and a little darker in Seattle today and that's just how Marques would have liked it.