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?!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
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!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Michael Franti and Spearhead!!
This was the best day so far in my life as a Seattle-ite! I happened to be the 10th caller a week or so ago, and won a ticket to see Michael Franti and Spearhead perform live in the studio at the Mountain radio station, called the Mountain Music Lounge. They are opening for John Mayer tonight at the Key Arena, which I passed on due to a.) money, and b.) the acoustics suck in there! So I was super psyched to win this opportunity.
Now, I didn't know a lot about Michael, but like everyone else, "Say Hey (I love you)," that infectious, happy tune, reeled me in last year, along with "Hey World (All Rebel Rockers)."
I got to the studio on time at 12:15 p.m. The sun was shining, it was warm out, and I scored parking right in front of the building at 1100 Olive Way. God was smiling on me! Up to the 16th floor, and we were whisked into a lovely view room, with pizza and beverages, and desserts waiting for us. There were some other contest winners, others who paid and then just those important looking people who get in everywhere. Everyone was really fun and excited!
Once the band arrived we were swept into the lounge where there were seats and a small stage. I was in the front row, no less than 5-feet from the band! Michael is very tall and handsome - and he hasn't worn shoes for 10 years! Although the music is reggae, reggae fusion, rock-ish, funky with a tinge of hip-hop, he is Native American, African American, Irish, German and French - a real mutt! But he's gorgeous with sparkling dark-brown eyes, and a fit yoga physique. To Michael's right was bassist Carl Young, who has been with him "forever," then to Michael's left, former studio engineer now guitarist, J Boogie, who had THE most infectious smile I've ever seen! He was sooo happy, and enjoying himself sooo much. After the set he came right up to me, and I remarked on his happiness, and he said it was me - he was watching me, and thought MY smile was infectious! I'm in love!
Then, the gorgeous Jolene, a singer with the most beautiful face and voice - like an angel.
They opened with the title track from their forthcoming CD (due in summer) called "Sound of Sunshine." It's a very optimistic song, and Michael's introduction was touching. For a time, I was able to let it go - all the shit, you know? He said we all need to practice sunshine, wake up every morning and feel glad to be alive. He told a story of how he got sick (recently) in Italy, and the Italian doctors told him it was his gall bladder. So, he got back to the states, meanwhile getting sicker and sicker, and was told it was a hernia. It turned out to be a ruptured appendix....his belly was distended and it looked like he was four months pregnant! Anyway, it damn near killed him, so with this new CD he's examining life and death.
Much of his work has had a political/activist theme. For example, he was in Iraq in 2004 singing in the streets. He told a funny story about how he was singing "you can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it to peace" - which he wrote after 9/11 (and has made it's way to t-shirts and protest signs all over the world) - and the people just wanted him to play one of his happy songs - no more war songs!
Anyway, the next song they did in the studio, will also be on the new CD, and was called "Hey, Hey, Hey." He said they couldn't come up with a better title! It was very cool. Regarding "Say Hey (I love you)," which put them on the map, he said he was really sort of blown away, because the CD had been out awhile, and the song just kept picking up steam. Then one night they were in Minneapolis, and he had on a top 40 station, and he said they were playing "Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift...then Michael Franti and Spearhead?" Blew him away. It was funny!
He said when they perform now, often times the crowd is diggin' them (because they are so good), but then when they do that song, it's like, "Oh, it's these guys!"
When asked about life on the road, well times have changed. These guys don't throw TVs out their hotel room windows or any such nonsense. Michael said, "maybe we'll throw our cell phones off our yoga mats."
Cute.
The third song, "I'll be Waiting," was very sweet, also to appear on the upcoming CD. Right now Michael is building a yoga retreat center in Bali, called "Stay Human," also the name of a 2000 CD. We are all invited to come!
So, the big question, about John Mayer, who they are on tour with: Mayer, as you may or may not know, has caused quite the media storm lately. Highly publicized romances with Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Simpson, then a couple of pretty bad interviews, particularly one in Playboy, made him look like a real ass. He made some pretty disparaging remarks about women, people of color, etc.
Michael said he has talked to John about it, and he feels really bad.
"He's going through a lot of transformation right now."
No doubt. Michael said Mayer is indeed a very gifted singer/songwriter, and especially guitarist, and he's really trying to change his image with this tour. We can only hope, because I'm a fan, but he has behaved very badly. Now I wish I was at the show.
So, they closed out our little show with - of course - "Say Hey," and it was rollicking! Everyone was clapping and J Boogie was on his feet jamming it out on his guitar, like 2-feet from me. Did I mention I love him?
After the show, we all got personally autographed really cool posters, and a meet and greet. I hugged every single one of them, and we chatted it up...got my picture taken with the band. And Michael like my necklace! I was wearing my Swarovski crystal peace sign necklace I got in Paris.
This was just the best day. Sunshine, great music, peace and love!
Now, I didn't know a lot about Michael, but like everyone else, "Say Hey (I love you)," that infectious, happy tune, reeled me in last year, along with "Hey World (All Rebel Rockers)."
I got to the studio on time at 12:15 p.m. The sun was shining, it was warm out, and I scored parking right in front of the building at 1100 Olive Way. God was smiling on me! Up to the 16th floor, and we were whisked into a lovely view room, with pizza and beverages, and desserts waiting for us. There were some other contest winners, others who paid and then just those important looking people who get in everywhere. Everyone was really fun and excited!
Once the band arrived we were swept into the lounge where there were seats and a small stage. I was in the front row, no less than 5-feet from the band! Michael is very tall and handsome - and he hasn't worn shoes for 10 years! Although the music is reggae, reggae fusion, rock-ish, funky with a tinge of hip-hop, he is Native American, African American, Irish, German and French - a real mutt! But he's gorgeous with sparkling dark-brown eyes, and a fit yoga physique. To Michael's right was bassist Carl Young, who has been with him "forever," then to Michael's left, former studio engineer now guitarist, J Boogie, who had THE most infectious smile I've ever seen! He was sooo happy, and enjoying himself sooo much. After the set he came right up to me, and I remarked on his happiness, and he said it was me - he was watching me, and thought MY smile was infectious! I'm in love!
Then, the gorgeous Jolene, a singer with the most beautiful face and voice - like an angel.
They opened with the title track from their forthcoming CD (due in summer) called "Sound of Sunshine." It's a very optimistic song, and Michael's introduction was touching. For a time, I was able to let it go - all the shit, you know? He said we all need to practice sunshine, wake up every morning and feel glad to be alive. He told a story of how he got sick (recently) in Italy, and the Italian doctors told him it was his gall bladder. So, he got back to the states, meanwhile getting sicker and sicker, and was told it was a hernia. It turned out to be a ruptured appendix....his belly was distended and it looked like he was four months pregnant! Anyway, it damn near killed him, so with this new CD he's examining life and death.
Much of his work has had a political/activist theme. For example, he was in Iraq in 2004 singing in the streets. He told a funny story about how he was singing "you can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it to peace" - which he wrote after 9/11 (and has made it's way to t-shirts and protest signs all over the world) - and the people just wanted him to play one of his happy songs - no more war songs!
Anyway, the next song they did in the studio, will also be on the new CD, and was called "Hey, Hey, Hey." He said they couldn't come up with a better title! It was very cool. Regarding "Say Hey (I love you)," which put them on the map, he said he was really sort of blown away, because the CD had been out awhile, and the song just kept picking up steam. Then one night they were in Minneapolis, and he had on a top 40 station, and he said they were playing "Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift...then Michael Franti and Spearhead?" Blew him away. It was funny!
He said when they perform now, often times the crowd is diggin' them (because they are so good), but then when they do that song, it's like, "Oh, it's these guys!"
When asked about life on the road, well times have changed. These guys don't throw TVs out their hotel room windows or any such nonsense. Michael said, "maybe we'll throw our cell phones off our yoga mats."
Cute.
The third song, "I'll be Waiting," was very sweet, also to appear on the upcoming CD. Right now Michael is building a yoga retreat center in Bali, called "Stay Human," also the name of a 2000 CD. We are all invited to come!
So, the big question, about John Mayer, who they are on tour with: Mayer, as you may or may not know, has caused quite the media storm lately. Highly publicized romances with Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Simpson, then a couple of pretty bad interviews, particularly one in Playboy, made him look like a real ass. He made some pretty disparaging remarks about women, people of color, etc.
Michael said he has talked to John about it, and he feels really bad.
"He's going through a lot of transformation right now."
No doubt. Michael said Mayer is indeed a very gifted singer/songwriter, and especially guitarist, and he's really trying to change his image with this tour. We can only hope, because I'm a fan, but he has behaved very badly. Now I wish I was at the show.
So, they closed out our little show with - of course - "Say Hey," and it was rollicking! Everyone was clapping and J Boogie was on his feet jamming it out on his guitar, like 2-feet from me. Did I mention I love him?
After the show, we all got personally autographed really cool posters, and a meet and greet. I hugged every single one of them, and we chatted it up...got my picture taken with the band. And Michael like my necklace! I was wearing my Swarovski crystal peace sign necklace I got in Paris.
This was just the best day. Sunshine, great music, peace and love!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Experience
Today I went to the Experience Music Project, to see an exhibit called "Taking Aim; Unforgettable Rock-n-Roll Photographs, selected by Graham Nash."
I haven't been to the EMP since I moved here, but I've been there a couple of times before. If you don't know what it is, it's the Paul Allen funded museum devoted to rock-n-roll. It's the building that looks like a smashed guitar from the air, designed by Frank O. Gehry...weird looking, but cool.
Anyway, I loved the exhibit. I have several really awesome books of rock-n-roll photos, but there were several here I've never seen. Graham Nash took several of them - I didn't know, but he is an accomplished photographer, as well as a musician.
One photo that was particularly mesmerizing to me, was of a young Mick Jagger, in very tight silver shorts (and they were short) standing on sand in a studio, taken by the great Fancesco Scavullo. I just kept staring at it. I don't care what anyone says about Mick, but he was a fine looking specimen when he was young!
There was a huge photo of Charlie Watts (Stones drummer), a profile shot in about 1990. Absolutely stunning. And of course, the psychedelic photos of the Beatles by Richard Avedon.
Some of the photos were so raw, so revealing, I wanted to cry. Johnny Cash at Folsom, Dylan alone in an airport, C,S and N on a front porch of a country home. These images make me yearn for a life I wanted so bad. Beautiful exhibit.
I haven't been to the EMP since I moved here, but I've been there a couple of times before. If you don't know what it is, it's the Paul Allen funded museum devoted to rock-n-roll. It's the building that looks like a smashed guitar from the air, designed by Frank O. Gehry...weird looking, but cool.
Anyway, I loved the exhibit. I have several really awesome books of rock-n-roll photos, but there were several here I've never seen. Graham Nash took several of them - I didn't know, but he is an accomplished photographer, as well as a musician.
One photo that was particularly mesmerizing to me, was of a young Mick Jagger, in very tight silver shorts (and they were short) standing on sand in a studio, taken by the great Fancesco Scavullo. I just kept staring at it. I don't care what anyone says about Mick, but he was a fine looking specimen when he was young!
There was a huge photo of Charlie Watts (Stones drummer), a profile shot in about 1990. Absolutely stunning. And of course, the psychedelic photos of the Beatles by Richard Avedon.
Some of the photos were so raw, so revealing, I wanted to cry. Johnny Cash at Folsom, Dylan alone in an airport, C,S and N on a front porch of a country home. These images make me yearn for a life I wanted so bad. Beautiful exhibit.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Nice bitch
My Abbey (my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) always attracts attention because she is so damn cute, and not too many people have this breed, but there are many more of them here in Seattle. Today was gorgeous - it got up to 65 and was sunny with little breeze. After my Salsa class, I ran home to get Abbey and go down to Alki Beach, to walk, soak up the sun and watch people. There are plenty of them down there on nice days, including young men (and some old) driving back and forth in their very fancy cars, showing off, trying to impress the ladies I suppose.
We stopped and I had a chicken enchilada and a margarita at Casa Felix, a little joint across from the beach with outside seating. We met another lady with a Cavalier named Roxy. Roxy was a ruby color; Abbey is a tri-color. They were cute together. Upon leaving, we crossed to the beach side, when I heard someone yell "Nice Bitch!" I thought, well how rude, then the dude hangs out the window and yells at me again, "Nice Bitch!" I looked at him and said, "the dog?" Duh...but I've just never heard anyone say that before. So he yells, "what kind of dog is that?" He was in a flashy car with four other dudes. So, I yelled "she's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!" as they were driving off. I'm not sure he caught it all, but I laughed all the way back to the car.
Even funnier, the other day we went to Lincoln Park, another favorite walking place. As I came back to my car, I could hear loud hip-hop music and heavy bass. It was coming from an SUV parked right next to my car. Inside were four "homeys." So, I smile and I'm loading Abbey into her spot and buckling her into her little safety device, which is really to keep her off of me when I drive. The foursome had all their windows down, of course, and they are watching all of this. The driver says, "what's she got there, a seat belt?" I told him it was necessary to keep her off me. He proceeds to tell me he has to do the same thing with his Shih Tzu or it crawls all over him, too. He says "safety first!" I bid them all farewell, then died laughing imagining this guy with tattoo's and what not with a Shih Tzu.
I love this city. I'm so easily entertained!
We stopped and I had a chicken enchilada and a margarita at Casa Felix, a little joint across from the beach with outside seating. We met another lady with a Cavalier named Roxy. Roxy was a ruby color; Abbey is a tri-color. They were cute together. Upon leaving, we crossed to the beach side, when I heard someone yell "Nice Bitch!" I thought, well how rude, then the dude hangs out the window and yells at me again, "Nice Bitch!" I looked at him and said, "the dog?" Duh...but I've just never heard anyone say that before. So he yells, "what kind of dog is that?" He was in a flashy car with four other dudes. So, I yelled "she's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!" as they were driving off. I'm not sure he caught it all, but I laughed all the way back to the car.
Even funnier, the other day we went to Lincoln Park, another favorite walking place. As I came back to my car, I could hear loud hip-hop music and heavy bass. It was coming from an SUV parked right next to my car. Inside were four "homeys." So, I smile and I'm loading Abbey into her spot and buckling her into her little safety device, which is really to keep her off of me when I drive. The foursome had all their windows down, of course, and they are watching all of this. The driver says, "what's she got there, a seat belt?" I told him it was necessary to keep her off me. He proceeds to tell me he has to do the same thing with his Shih Tzu or it crawls all over him, too. He says "safety first!" I bid them all farewell, then died laughing imagining this guy with tattoo's and what not with a Shih Tzu.
I love this city. I'm so easily entertained!
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Pink Door
I had guests this past weekend, so we went to The Pink Door Saturday night for dinner. It was the third time I've had dinner there....more than any other place here so far! It's just so....pink! Seriously, the food is great, the wait staff very, very friendly, but the ambiance is key. First off, if you don't know where you're going, you'll never find it. It's located in Post Alley (close to Pike Place Market, but it is indeed an alley).
There's no sign. But the door is pink. You enter from the alley and go down a flight of stairs to the main dining room which has low lights, and trapeze looking gadgets hanging from the ceiling here and there. That's because on Sunday and Monday nights (I just learned) they have actual trapeze artists swinging around in there above the diners! Wow!
The bar, like the dining room is dimly lit with a pink hue to the lighting. There is a small stage where they have live music most nights - usually singer/songwriter types, jazz or blues. It's too cold yet, but they have a really nice outdoor deck with a fabulous view of Elliott Bay.
I had lamb medallions this time - tender and moist, they were perfect. Laurie thoroughly enjoyed the fish special, and Christy had a pasta dish with truffle oil and the most delicious mushrooms! The cocktails were yummy, and our server was right on all the time.
I like this place. It's funky, unpretentious and the food is good! And it's pink!
There's no sign. But the door is pink. You enter from the alley and go down a flight of stairs to the main dining room which has low lights, and trapeze looking gadgets hanging from the ceiling here and there. That's because on Sunday and Monday nights (I just learned) they have actual trapeze artists swinging around in there above the diners! Wow!
The bar, like the dining room is dimly lit with a pink hue to the lighting. There is a small stage where they have live music most nights - usually singer/songwriter types, jazz or blues. It's too cold yet, but they have a really nice outdoor deck with a fabulous view of Elliott Bay.
I had lamb medallions this time - tender and moist, they were perfect. Laurie thoroughly enjoyed the fish special, and Christy had a pasta dish with truffle oil and the most delicious mushrooms! The cocktails were yummy, and our server was right on all the time.
I like this place. It's funky, unpretentious and the food is good! And it's pink!
Friday, March 5, 2010
The bike
From where I live in my West Seattle "hood," it's a bit of a haul to get to the beaches and their wonderful bike trails. So I bought a bike rack for my car at a groovy little bike shop at California and Admiral. Today was gorgeous! Not a cloud in the sky. So, I got the bike and hoisted it onto my new apparatus, which was already on the car.
Now, this isn't just any bike. This is a pink (about the color of my blog - I like pink) Electra cruiser, "The Hawaiian" to be exact, with a big white basket. I got down to Alki, only to realize the basket had been scraping on my car, totally botching up the paint. Then, both tires on the bike were low, so I had a real short ride.
Back up to the groovy bike shop, and the young man who sold me the bike rack came out to look at my situation. A little trick with a bungee cord keeps the basket off the car, and he pumped up my tires. But then the owner of the store comes out, and he's not happy. He doesn't think this particular rack looks dependable with my car, so they want me to come back next week when they get some new ones in, and they'll let me exchange this one for a better one. Of course I'll have to pay the difference, but then again, I really don't relish my bike flying off onto the freeway or something! Really helpful guys. The young guy is named Apples. He's sweet.
Back to the "hood," and I took the bike off my car. Now that the tires were good, I got Abbey, my loyal little doggie, and put her in the basket for a quick ride. She loves it! It's so cute to see this Cavalier riding happily in the basket of a pink bike. No matter who I pass, they always smile or say, "Awww, how cute!"
So, that makes me happy. Sunshine, Abbey in the basket, making people smile.
Now, this isn't just any bike. This is a pink (about the color of my blog - I like pink) Electra cruiser, "The Hawaiian" to be exact, with a big white basket. I got down to Alki, only to realize the basket had been scraping on my car, totally botching up the paint. Then, both tires on the bike were low, so I had a real short ride.
Back up to the groovy bike shop, and the young man who sold me the bike rack came out to look at my situation. A little trick with a bungee cord keeps the basket off the car, and he pumped up my tires. But then the owner of the store comes out, and he's not happy. He doesn't think this particular rack looks dependable with my car, so they want me to come back next week when they get some new ones in, and they'll let me exchange this one for a better one. Of course I'll have to pay the difference, but then again, I really don't relish my bike flying off onto the freeway or something! Really helpful guys. The young guy is named Apples. He's sweet.
Back to the "hood," and I took the bike off my car. Now that the tires were good, I got Abbey, my loyal little doggie, and put her in the basket for a quick ride. She loves it! It's so cute to see this Cavalier riding happily in the basket of a pink bike. No matter who I pass, they always smile or say, "Awww, how cute!"
So, that makes me happy. Sunshine, Abbey in the basket, making people smile.
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