This is going to be fun! I am now working part-time (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) at Pacific Galleries, a huge antique/art auction house and mall. I still haven't made it all the way through all the vendors in the mall, because it's so huge, but there are gorgeous furniture, lamps, jewelry and collectibles everywhere! Now I understand where all that stuff goes when mom and dad die, and they never got rid of anything - and the kids didn't want it!
So, I'm on the auction side. They just had an auction Sunday and Monday, so it was busy with people coming in to pay for and pick up their new treasures. I was going through many, many invoices either collecting their money, or calling to let them know they were the winning bidder. This was just a "regular" auction, not a premiere auction, so there were many odds and ends sold.
So here is the one I just about busted a gut over.....someone actually bought......"Painting on canvas taped to board of a naked giant and a wagon train and fleeing people!" Gosh, I'm bummed I didn't get that one - NOT! How funny!
The business has a lot of regulars who must buy and sell all the time, because many of them came in, and they've got the procedure down to a science. They were super fun and interesting people!
My co-workers are wonderful, too. There's a jewelry expert, furniture expert, warehouse guys, and everything else any business needs - IT guy, bookkeeper, etc. It's amazing how quickly the "guys" moved the auction items from the auction room to the warehouse. The other front-end person is a 20-year-old young lady named Cedar, who is adorable and seriously knows what she's doing.
The next auction, which is May 9 and 10 is premiere, featuring Asian artifacts. There is an amazing vase, maybe 3-feet high with various family crests on it, that looks extremely valuable going into that one. Beats a "painting on canvas taped to board of a naked giant and a wagon train and fleeing people!"
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Tuxes and Tails - big benefit for the Seattle Humane Society
Wow. The generosity I saw last night was overwhelming. This is definitely an animal town (especially dogs - seems like everybody has one or two).
I've been volunteering at The Seattle Humane Society for several months now as a pet publicist on Friday afternoons. I take pictures of dogs that are available for adoption and put them on the Web site along with a description of the adorable little critter! When I heard about Tuxes and Tails, I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved.
Apparently, this is the 21st year for the event. I was told by another volunteer that the goal was to raise $800,000. Based on what I saw last night, I'm guessing we made it. First off, guests paid $150 per person just to be there. There had to be 500 people in that ballroom. I was working the silent auction, which had a lot of really cool stuff, most of which sold. It was funny, because I was the first bidder on two different restaurant certificates in the silent auction, and when I went back to see how I was faring, the same guy (Schuler) had put a line through and bid all the way to the bottom of the sheet to the max. I wanted to throttle him! However, I take credit for getting his juices going! Then, I REALLY wanted the three wine bottles signed by rock stars (one of which was signed by Mike McCready of Pearl Jam), so I kept creeping up until I was at $53 and on top at the moment. Came back maybe 15 minutes later, and some other dude took it all the way to the bottom of the sheet, too! So, I didn't get anything! Oh well, I bought a raffle ticket!
So, the people in attendance obviously have much more money than me, but I have to say, most of them were so nice and so happy to be there! They were getting their picture taken with dogs, drinking, eating and eventually bidding huge dollars. I was stunned when the cover of the 2011 Humane Society calendar went for $10,500 - in other words, the high bidder paid that to have his dog on the cover! Subsequent months went for anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000. Incredible. One guy just gave them $25,000 and got a huge round of applause, of course. I love the Seattle Humane Society and the work they - well, we - are doing. They are no kill, very, very clean and loving, and they take in dogs other shelters won't, such as injured dogs. They have vets on staff, trainers, groomers, and a foster program - it's just awesome. Amy, who is in charge of all things dog, often takes road trips to bring back dogs from puppy mills or hoarders in other states - many come from California, where they are just overwhelmed with over population. We've also rescued dogs from Eastern Washington.
I'm proud to be a part of it. I'll report in once I find out the total tally from last night, but I know it's going to be huge. Seattle loves it's critters!!!
I've been volunteering at The Seattle Humane Society for several months now as a pet publicist on Friday afternoons. I take pictures of dogs that are available for adoption and put them on the Web site along with a description of the adorable little critter! When I heard about Tuxes and Tails, I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved.
Apparently, this is the 21st year for the event. I was told by another volunteer that the goal was to raise $800,000. Based on what I saw last night, I'm guessing we made it. First off, guests paid $150 per person just to be there. There had to be 500 people in that ballroom. I was working the silent auction, which had a lot of really cool stuff, most of which sold. It was funny, because I was the first bidder on two different restaurant certificates in the silent auction, and when I went back to see how I was faring, the same guy (Schuler) had put a line through and bid all the way to the bottom of the sheet to the max. I wanted to throttle him! However, I take credit for getting his juices going! Then, I REALLY wanted the three wine bottles signed by rock stars (one of which was signed by Mike McCready of Pearl Jam), so I kept creeping up until I was at $53 and on top at the moment. Came back maybe 15 minutes later, and some other dude took it all the way to the bottom of the sheet, too! So, I didn't get anything! Oh well, I bought a raffle ticket!
So, the people in attendance obviously have much more money than me, but I have to say, most of them were so nice and so happy to be there! They were getting their picture taken with dogs, drinking, eating and eventually bidding huge dollars. I was stunned when the cover of the 2011 Humane Society calendar went for $10,500 - in other words, the high bidder paid that to have his dog on the cover! Subsequent months went for anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000. Incredible. One guy just gave them $25,000 and got a huge round of applause, of course. I love the Seattle Humane Society and the work they - well, we - are doing. They are no kill, very, very clean and loving, and they take in dogs other shelters won't, such as injured dogs. They have vets on staff, trainers, groomers, and a foster program - it's just awesome. Amy, who is in charge of all things dog, often takes road trips to bring back dogs from puppy mills or hoarders in other states - many come from California, where they are just overwhelmed with over population. We've also rescued dogs from Eastern Washington.
I'm proud to be a part of it. I'll report in once I find out the total tally from last night, but I know it's going to be huge. Seattle loves it's critters!!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tip-toeing through the Tulips
Yesterday I made the drive to the Skagit Valley for the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which lasts the entire month of April. The valley is about 60 miles north of Seattle - equal distance south from Vancouver, B.C. I had heard this was quite spectacular, and since it was a beautiful day, so I made the trip.
First I went to a nearby town called LaConner, which is on the water, for lunch at a seaside restaurant. What a darling little town! Quaint, artsy - it reminded me a great deal of the towns on Whidbey Island. While I sat and had my salad on the deck, I saw a seal swim by, several boats and even a landing by a float plane.
So onward to one of the two major tulip fields, Roozengaarde. Roozengaarde is a bulb farm founded by William A. Roozen, who passed away in 2002. On a business trip in 1946, he passed through the Pacific Northwest and when he reached the Skagit Valley, he knew he was to return and grow bulbs just as his family did in Holland in the early 1700s. There's even a little Dutch windmill there!
Wow! I've never seen such spectacular color! It's absolutely breathtaking. Acres of tulips of many different varieties. It was so beautiful.
I sort of felt like I was at the Gorge Amphitheatre, due to the traffic issues. Once you get back there, just like the Gorge, it's country roads, and when everybody decides to leave (at the same time) it's a freaking nightmare. It took an hour and a half for me to get back to I-5 (about 10 miles). Crazy. Next time I'll go on a weekday.
I didn't make it to Tulip Town, the other enormous field, because I was worried about time, but it was still very impressive.
First I went to a nearby town called LaConner, which is on the water, for lunch at a seaside restaurant. What a darling little town! Quaint, artsy - it reminded me a great deal of the towns on Whidbey Island. While I sat and had my salad on the deck, I saw a seal swim by, several boats and even a landing by a float plane.
So onward to one of the two major tulip fields, Roozengaarde. Roozengaarde is a bulb farm founded by William A. Roozen, who passed away in 2002. On a business trip in 1946, he passed through the Pacific Northwest and when he reached the Skagit Valley, he knew he was to return and grow bulbs just as his family did in Holland in the early 1700s. There's even a little Dutch windmill there!
Wow! I've never seen such spectacular color! It's absolutely breathtaking. Acres of tulips of many different varieties. It was so beautiful.
I sort of felt like I was at the Gorge Amphitheatre, due to the traffic issues. Once you get back there, just like the Gorge, it's country roads, and when everybody decides to leave (at the same time) it's a freaking nightmare. It took an hour and a half for me to get back to I-5 (about 10 miles). Crazy. Next time I'll go on a weekday.
I didn't make it to Tulip Town, the other enormous field, because I was worried about time, but it was still very impressive.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Trapeze Class!!!
Today I did something I've never done before, or even thought I'd do. I took a 2-hour flying trapeze class at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Acts, School of Flight, in south downtown Seattle. I was intrigued when it came up as a Living Social Daily Deal for $30, or half-off. I thought, that sounds fun....
My God, this was one of the hardest things I've ever done! Yet it was one of the coolest things I've ever done! I was one of 6 students today, all female. The youngest, Corrina, was 12, and had done this before. The other four ladies were all late 30s, early 40s, and were first-timers, too.
We had three instructors, one on the ground, and two on the 30-foot (!) platform. I forgot the ground instructor's name, but she was fabulous as were Jeff and Vivian up above. They were all very supportive, and knew we were scared to death!
We started on the ground with a good warm-up, some jumping jacks, stretches and so on.
Corrina led the way, and stunned and amazed us. Oh to be that young and limber again! The other four were all together (it was one's 40th birthday gig), so they all looked at me, and up I went first!
Going up the ladder (which rattled because it's metal, but very sturdy - and you already have a safety device hooked to you) I began to think, "what the hell am I doing?" When I got to the platform I was freaking terrified.
The scariest and really hardest part is getting hold of the bar. Well, they clip all kinds of harnesses to you, thank heavens! So, first you chalk up your hands, then they bring the bar in, and you grab it with your right hand. Meantime, your left arm is hanging on for dear life on the platform. BUT - eventually you have to straighten up, push your chest and hips up and forward and your left arm is now straight. Let me tell you, that bar is heavy, too. Here's where I froze. I couldn't let go. I was mortified. I mean, I was hanging out over a long-way down. But eventually I did it. Whew!
Now, you're leaning forward, and they've got hold of the back of your harness. Then, on the cue, you bend your knees, and when they say "Hup" you let go. And you're off!!
Holy Crap!! It's actually kind of fun once you are airborne! Then, at the "Hup" command from the ground, you let go, and land on your butt in the net. Sound easy? Try it!!!
Anyway, we each got four jumps, attempting the two beginners tricks. The first one is getting your legs over the bar and just swinging upside down, then getting back up. Right. Myself and one other girl couldn't do it. I tried so hard, I really did. Then, the other is the somersault then landing on your butt in the net. I damn near made it, but I was afraid to let go of the bar.
Oh well, I tried. I really did. Vivian told me some people have just come back down the ladder, so that made me feel good!
So, check that one off the bucket list. Next, I have a helicopter ride scheduled in June, but that will be tame I think compared to this! I would also like to skydive someday! What's wrong with me?!
My God, this was one of the hardest things I've ever done! Yet it was one of the coolest things I've ever done! I was one of 6 students today, all female. The youngest, Corrina, was 12, and had done this before. The other four ladies were all late 30s, early 40s, and were first-timers, too.
We had three instructors, one on the ground, and two on the 30-foot (!) platform. I forgot the ground instructor's name, but she was fabulous as were Jeff and Vivian up above. They were all very supportive, and knew we were scared to death!
We started on the ground with a good warm-up, some jumping jacks, stretches and so on.
Corrina led the way, and stunned and amazed us. Oh to be that young and limber again! The other four were all together (it was one's 40th birthday gig), so they all looked at me, and up I went first!
Going up the ladder (which rattled because it's metal, but very sturdy - and you already have a safety device hooked to you) I began to think, "what the hell am I doing?" When I got to the platform I was freaking terrified.
The scariest and really hardest part is getting hold of the bar. Well, they clip all kinds of harnesses to you, thank heavens! So, first you chalk up your hands, then they bring the bar in, and you grab it with your right hand. Meantime, your left arm is hanging on for dear life on the platform. BUT - eventually you have to straighten up, push your chest and hips up and forward and your left arm is now straight. Let me tell you, that bar is heavy, too. Here's where I froze. I couldn't let go. I was mortified. I mean, I was hanging out over a long-way down. But eventually I did it. Whew!
Now, you're leaning forward, and they've got hold of the back of your harness. Then, on the cue, you bend your knees, and when they say "Hup" you let go. And you're off!!
Holy Crap!! It's actually kind of fun once you are airborne! Then, at the "Hup" command from the ground, you let go, and land on your butt in the net. Sound easy? Try it!!!
Anyway, we each got four jumps, attempting the two beginners tricks. The first one is getting your legs over the bar and just swinging upside down, then getting back up. Right. Myself and one other girl couldn't do it. I tried so hard, I really did. Then, the other is the somersault then landing on your butt in the net. I damn near made it, but I was afraid to let go of the bar.
Oh well, I tried. I really did. Vivian told me some people have just come back down the ladder, so that made me feel good!
So, check that one off the bucket list. Next, I have a helicopter ride scheduled in June, but that will be tame I think compared to this! I would also like to skydive someday! What's wrong with me?!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Big-time women's fast-pitch softball
I was ALWAYS the last to be picked for the "team" when I was in elementary and middle school. No one wanted the skinny uncoordinated kid. So, I've never been fond of team sports. However, I do like baseball since my son played for so many years (and was quite good).
My friend Sherry came over to visit...she was here Thursday and Friday night. Sherry plays softball and lives for it. She had tickets for one of a three-game series between the University of Washington Huskies (go Dawgs!) vs. the UCLA Bruins Friday night. Cool I thought.
Sherry has the autographs of a couple other big-time softball ladies, but one of her "bucket list" wishes was to get the autograph of Lisa Fernandez, one of the coaches now for UCLA, but also a three-time Olympian known as "greatest of them all."
Sherry couldn't have picked a worse weekend weather-wise. A storm blew in Friday that was just awful. Windy as hell, and then when it rained it was sideways...cold, cold, cold. But we bundled up, got our $3 cups of coffee at the concession and settled in for game two Friday night. UCLA beat UW 1-0 the first night.
After all the warming up and introductions, I have to say my jaw dropped open when Danielle Lawrie, UW's pitcher, starting throwing those mothers! Holy crap! It sounded like a firecracker going off when the ball would hit the catcher's mitt. This chick can pitch - fast!!!! Sherry said she's a huge big deal....she's a senior this year, and UW are defending champions of the World Series of College Softball. I really dug her, too, because she's stunning, and had on a sparkly pink headband!
The pitcher for UCLA was awesome, too. It was interesting watching her wind up. She would point her left foot into the mound, then sort of dip her head, then come back up winding the ball and whale it at the batter. And she was just a tiny little thing! Sherry said they all have their own unique style.
So, I was getting into it. They are so damn good, it's hard for anyone to score. The first inning ended 0-0, and then the rain came back, so the "rain delay" sign came on. Out come the field gophers to cover things up, and we all ran for shelter in this huge building with an indoor track going around a huge indoor field for practicing pretty much anything.
So there we are, and over to our right is the entire UCLA team, including Sherry's idol, Lisa Fernandez. Sherry was so nervous, but hey, this was her chance. We slinked over there, and had to make our way through all of these amazing athletes (I'm thinking, please God, don't hit me), to get to Fernandez. She was extremely gracious, giving Sherry her autograph, and allowing me to photograph them together.
Sherry was on cloud 9. Then we look at the photo, and she looks mortified! It was awful...Lisa is smiling, and Sherry is looking horrified.
The rain lifts, back out we go. Second inning, no score, third inning, each team scores, damn exciting. Back comes the rain, and by now, I was starting to lose feeling in my fingers because my gloves got wet. I headed to my car to warm up, when Sherry ran after me, because they called another rain delay.
So, we're sitting in the car, and Sherry is super bummed with the photo. Meantime, people are streaming out of the stadium and leaving. Having sufficiently thawed, we went back into the big building to see what was going on.
UCLA was all huddled inside again, and having major discussions. It was still raining and cold. They decided to suspend play until the next day. Now with the pressure off Lisa Hernandez, she was posing for photos with other people, so we swooped in for the kill. I got two awesome pictures of Sherry with her, and I swear, she (Sherry) was the happiest woman on earth!
Too bad Sherry had to head out the next morning, because they picked up where they left off and Danielle Lawrie (pink headband) threw 9 1/2 scoreless innings to win 3-1 in the game that was continued and one that followed immediately, which UW also won 7-2!
So, I have a whole new appreciation for these women. They are an inspiration! And Sherry - she's an inspiration to me, too. I need to watch her play one of these days. All the players were amazing. When someone got what I thought was a killer hit (surely they'd run around all the bases), some out there in outfield caught the sucker! I told Sherry it would either a.) hit me in the head if I tried to catch it, or b.) I'd just duck! Yeah, no one is picking me for a team anytime soon!
My friend Sherry came over to visit...she was here Thursday and Friday night. Sherry plays softball and lives for it. She had tickets for one of a three-game series between the University of Washington Huskies (go Dawgs!) vs. the UCLA Bruins Friday night. Cool I thought.
Sherry has the autographs of a couple other big-time softball ladies, but one of her "bucket list" wishes was to get the autograph of Lisa Fernandez, one of the coaches now for UCLA, but also a three-time Olympian known as "greatest of them all."
Sherry couldn't have picked a worse weekend weather-wise. A storm blew in Friday that was just awful. Windy as hell, and then when it rained it was sideways...cold, cold, cold. But we bundled up, got our $3 cups of coffee at the concession and settled in for game two Friday night. UCLA beat UW 1-0 the first night.
After all the warming up and introductions, I have to say my jaw dropped open when Danielle Lawrie, UW's pitcher, starting throwing those mothers! Holy crap! It sounded like a firecracker going off when the ball would hit the catcher's mitt. This chick can pitch - fast!!!! Sherry said she's a huge big deal....she's a senior this year, and UW are defending champions of the World Series of College Softball. I really dug her, too, because she's stunning, and had on a sparkly pink headband!
The pitcher for UCLA was awesome, too. It was interesting watching her wind up. She would point her left foot into the mound, then sort of dip her head, then come back up winding the ball and whale it at the batter. And she was just a tiny little thing! Sherry said they all have their own unique style.
So, I was getting into it. They are so damn good, it's hard for anyone to score. The first inning ended 0-0, and then the rain came back, so the "rain delay" sign came on. Out come the field gophers to cover things up, and we all ran for shelter in this huge building with an indoor track going around a huge indoor field for practicing pretty much anything.
So there we are, and over to our right is the entire UCLA team, including Sherry's idol, Lisa Fernandez. Sherry was so nervous, but hey, this was her chance. We slinked over there, and had to make our way through all of these amazing athletes (I'm thinking, please God, don't hit me), to get to Fernandez. She was extremely gracious, giving Sherry her autograph, and allowing me to photograph them together.
Sherry was on cloud 9. Then we look at the photo, and she looks mortified! It was awful...Lisa is smiling, and Sherry is looking horrified.
The rain lifts, back out we go. Second inning, no score, third inning, each team scores, damn exciting. Back comes the rain, and by now, I was starting to lose feeling in my fingers because my gloves got wet. I headed to my car to warm up, when Sherry ran after me, because they called another rain delay.
So, we're sitting in the car, and Sherry is super bummed with the photo. Meantime, people are streaming out of the stadium and leaving. Having sufficiently thawed, we went back into the big building to see what was going on.
UCLA was all huddled inside again, and having major discussions. It was still raining and cold. They decided to suspend play until the next day. Now with the pressure off Lisa Hernandez, she was posing for photos with other people, so we swooped in for the kill. I got two awesome pictures of Sherry with her, and I swear, she (Sherry) was the happiest woman on earth!
Too bad Sherry had to head out the next morning, because they picked up where they left off and Danielle Lawrie (pink headband) threw 9 1/2 scoreless innings to win 3-1 in the game that was continued and one that followed immediately, which UW also won 7-2!
So, I have a whole new appreciation for these women. They are an inspiration! And Sherry - she's an inspiration to me, too. I need to watch her play one of these days. All the players were amazing. When someone got what I thought was a killer hit (surely they'd run around all the bases), some out there in outfield caught the sucker! I told Sherry it would either a.) hit me in the head if I tried to catch it, or b.) I'd just duck! Yeah, no one is picking me for a team anytime soon!
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