Life is no picnic. As the great recession drags on, the war in Afghanistan gets bloodier (and more complicated) and oil plagues the gulf coast - it's hard to smile.
Michael Franti and Spearhead are the cure for the blues, the feel-good band of the decade and wildly talented. I met Michael, guitarist J Boogie, bass player Carl Young and singer Jolene back in March when I won a seat for a private concert in 103.7 The Mountain's music lounge. I was hooked. They are genuinely nice people, and Michael defines warmth and truth. On stage at Marymoor were also the drummer Manas Itene, Dave Shulon on guitar and Raliegh Neal II on keyboards.
Saturday night at Marymoor Park in Redmond was not ideal as far as the weather goes. It had rained pretty much all day, but the air was still and warm. The opening act, the Flobots got the crowd warmed up, but it was Spearhead we were hungry for. I hate to admit it, but I was in the restroom, then getting another glass of wine so I missed their grand entrance! But I was back in my fifth row (!) seat (actually standing) for "Rude Boys Back in Town," and the fun never stopped all night!
Michael is a believer in peace. He has recently opened a yoga retreat in Bali. When the band did the song "Hey World (Don't Give up Version)," I was mesmerized. The song begins "tell me why the grass was greener/years ago I swear it used to grow here/but no more here/ tell me why / on this hill/ all the birds they used to come to fly here/ come to die here....."
The song makes you stop and think, and listen. I couldn't take my eyes off this gentle man.
But hey! Then I felt like a kid again when the band launched into "The Sound of Sunshine," the title cut off their upcoming CD set to drop Sept. 21. As the title implies, it's a happy tune. Out of nowhere, probably 50 beach balls were floating around, being volleyed by the crowd, and I found myself competitively whacking at the things! It was so much fun - to feel so alive.
"Say Hey (I Love You)" put these guys on the map, and of course they broke it out toward the end. To make it even sweeter, Michael called for the all the kids in the audience to come on stage and join in. Wow! There were a lot of kids there, too!! Obviously families dig Spearhead, too! The whole audience joined in while the kids and Michael grooved it out on stage. It was very heartwarming. "Everyone deserves Music," is another killer anthem that had me in tingles!
I have to add my own kudos for J Boogie. I love this guy. He's always so damn happy! When we met, I remarked on his infectious smile, and he said he couldn't help but notice mine! Just a great guy - unpretentious, like Michael. And, he's cute!
Here's my take....in 1996 I saw the Dave Matthews Band for the first time before they were the enormous rock power house that they are today. I was in the second row and it took my breath away. Now, I've met Michael, J Boogie etal, seen them in full action from row 5 - and I predict I'm going to love to tell this tale to my eventual grandkids, because Michael Franti and Spearhead are headed to the center of the musical universe. Go see them NOW!!! I beg and plead of any one reading this. Life got you down? Economy sucks? It's all okay at a Spearhead concert.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Alki in the summertime
I can't believe I haven't blogged in five weeks. I've been to Alaska and back for a marvelous wedding, and time has just slipped away.
So, today in Seattle we set a record high. It's so beautiful I gathered up Abbey after dinner for a long walk down at Alki beach/drive. One of the reasons I settled in West Seattle was because I love it down there. I love it even more now.
A sweet little house caught my eye, one I've never really noticed before. It's heart warming to see these little cottages that have refused to give in to the condo developers! A man was outside watering, so I went over to admire his little beach house and see if perhaps he was ever thinking of selling it. It turns out he owns three out of four of these little cottages all in a row, and rents out the other two, but likes to keep the one I was admiring for his family and close friends as a beach house.
He invited me in to look at it, and oh God, I could so live there. It's just a one bedroom with another den type room, but has one and one half baths, and it's all redone inside. From the living/kitchen you're looking directly out over Elliott Bay at the Space Needle across the water. He's not interested in selling it and I couldn't afford it right now, but I have set my mind; I will live down there somehow. I have his business card, and plan to keep in touch in case one of the rentals comes up when my lease ends. I really want my own place, but you never know.
But what a lovely man to let me peek inside and to take the time to talk to me. People in Seattle are really nice. To all the nay-sayer's who told me not to move here because of the so-called snotty people, I can tell you they are a lot snottier in small towns where the big fish think their shit doesn't stink! I have lovely co-workers and a very special someone I love to spend time with when possible. I am blessed right now!
So, today in Seattle we set a record high. It's so beautiful I gathered up Abbey after dinner for a long walk down at Alki beach/drive. One of the reasons I settled in West Seattle was because I love it down there. I love it even more now.
A sweet little house caught my eye, one I've never really noticed before. It's heart warming to see these little cottages that have refused to give in to the condo developers! A man was outside watering, so I went over to admire his little beach house and see if perhaps he was ever thinking of selling it. It turns out he owns three out of four of these little cottages all in a row, and rents out the other two, but likes to keep the one I was admiring for his family and close friends as a beach house.
He invited me in to look at it, and oh God, I could so live there. It's just a one bedroom with another den type room, but has one and one half baths, and it's all redone inside. From the living/kitchen you're looking directly out over Elliott Bay at the Space Needle across the water. He's not interested in selling it and I couldn't afford it right now, but I have set my mind; I will live down there somehow. I have his business card, and plan to keep in touch in case one of the rentals comes up when my lease ends. I really want my own place, but you never know.
But what a lovely man to let me peek inside and to take the time to talk to me. People in Seattle are really nice. To all the nay-sayer's who told me not to move here because of the so-called snotty people, I can tell you they are a lot snottier in small towns where the big fish think their shit doesn't stink! I have lovely co-workers and a very special someone I love to spend time with when possible. I am blessed right now!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Kayaking 101
I've been watching people slicing through the water in kayaks on Puget Sound, thinking how fun it looks. So, I decided it was high time I tried it! Trusting the weather man who swore it would be 65 and sunny today, I scheduled a 2 p.m. with Alki Beach Tours for Kayaking 101. I was the only student! Turned out to be a bit cloudy and drizzly, but there was no wind, so the water was calm, thank God.
My instructor, Ben, originally from Hawaii, has been sea kayaking for 30 years, teaching here for four years. He was very nice, very aware of safety, especially when I told him I really can't swim worth a darn! We spent an hour on the ground before we even hit the water, so I could learn about the boat, how to maintain proper balance once in the cockpit, putting on the PFD, etc. You do get wet...you have to get your feet in the water to get in the kayak. I wore aqua-socks that I've had for years, which was a smart move. However Ben had on a $400 dry suit - a total advantage. I was not as warm and cozy as he was! Didn't matter...once I got moving, I warmed up fast.
We were out on the bay about an hour, just learning the basics. I learned how to paddle of course, turn, go in a circle, go backwards, and stop. My upper back and shoulders are going to be sore tomorrow!
A large group was going out on a tour, and it was hilarious watching them. Half of them didn't know what the hell they were doing, and there was a lot of laughing as they headed out to God knows where. They were all two to three to a kayak - I was in my own, as was Ben. I really had a good time.
See, I have a pretty strong fear of water, so this was a big move for me. I don't think I'd do it in rough water, but on a nice day with calm water, this could be very therapeutic for me.
I love living here.
My instructor, Ben, originally from Hawaii, has been sea kayaking for 30 years, teaching here for four years. He was very nice, very aware of safety, especially when I told him I really can't swim worth a darn! We spent an hour on the ground before we even hit the water, so I could learn about the boat, how to maintain proper balance once in the cockpit, putting on the PFD, etc. You do get wet...you have to get your feet in the water to get in the kayak. I wore aqua-socks that I've had for years, which was a smart move. However Ben had on a $400 dry suit - a total advantage. I was not as warm and cozy as he was! Didn't matter...once I got moving, I warmed up fast.
We were out on the bay about an hour, just learning the basics. I learned how to paddle of course, turn, go in a circle, go backwards, and stop. My upper back and shoulders are going to be sore tomorrow!
A large group was going out on a tour, and it was hilarious watching them. Half of them didn't know what the hell they were doing, and there was a lot of laughing as they headed out to God knows where. They were all two to three to a kayak - I was in my own, as was Ben. I really had a good time.
See, I have a pretty strong fear of water, so this was a big move for me. I don't think I'd do it in rough water, but on a nice day with calm water, this could be very therapeutic for me.
I love living here.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Putting it all in perspective - or - dead rat by the sidewalk
My car had been doing weird things. Idling really rough, stalling, oil light coming on and off intermittently, and then the dreaded check engine light.
I was about to take it to the BMW dealership, and my new boss said no! Take it next door to Big O - it will cost less and they're really good. I am aware the dealership really does sort of puff things up, and so I took my boss up on his suggestion. It took almost 2 days, but I got the car back and it runs like a new car! I'm so happy, even though it still cost me just over a grand.
Here's the deal. This car has been wonderful. This is the first really major thing to happen to it, and she's just about to hit 100,000 miles, an unheard of number for me. I usually get rid of them before that, but times such as they are, and the fact that it is such a wonderful car, which is paid for, well, what could I do.
The problem, I was told, was the PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation aka oil separator). The mechanic said this is common in BMW's with substantial miles. It was totally clogged which also mucked up a bunch of valve covers. To get to this rascal, they had to practically tear the car apart (it's under the intake manifold). I went over several times, and at one point I could barely look - all I could think was, do they know where everything goes back? Anyway, all is well with the car now.
Yesterday the Big O folks gave me a ride home. But this morning I had to take the bus. Thank God I left early. After one transfer, I was dumped off by Safeco Field, and had to walk I bet a mile to work. It was cold, and early, and I had on wedgies.
So, off I go. Not the greatest stretch of road in the morning. First I see a dead rat in the dirt by the sidewalk. I stopped to mourn him. What a bummer to be a rat, and dead I thought. So, I go a little further and I notice something under an off-ramp. As I got closer, I realized it was a homeless person. He or she was sleeping, and I had to do a double take at how compact and organized his/her space was. But it made me sad. I wasn't afraid of any of this, just aware.
So, I'm a thousand bucks poorer. Big deal. I have a car and I'm not sleeping in it. Sure, I've had my challenges the last oh, 10 years, but I am blessed. I know this.
I was about to take it to the BMW dealership, and my new boss said no! Take it next door to Big O - it will cost less and they're really good. I am aware the dealership really does sort of puff things up, and so I took my boss up on his suggestion. It took almost 2 days, but I got the car back and it runs like a new car! I'm so happy, even though it still cost me just over a grand.
Here's the deal. This car has been wonderful. This is the first really major thing to happen to it, and she's just about to hit 100,000 miles, an unheard of number for me. I usually get rid of them before that, but times such as they are, and the fact that it is such a wonderful car, which is paid for, well, what could I do.
The problem, I was told, was the PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation aka oil separator). The mechanic said this is common in BMW's with substantial miles. It was totally clogged which also mucked up a bunch of valve covers. To get to this rascal, they had to practically tear the car apart (it's under the intake manifold). I went over several times, and at one point I could barely look - all I could think was, do they know where everything goes back? Anyway, all is well with the car now.
Yesterday the Big O folks gave me a ride home. But this morning I had to take the bus. Thank God I left early. After one transfer, I was dumped off by Safeco Field, and had to walk I bet a mile to work. It was cold, and early, and I had on wedgies.
So, off I go. Not the greatest stretch of road in the morning. First I see a dead rat in the dirt by the sidewalk. I stopped to mourn him. What a bummer to be a rat, and dead I thought. So, I go a little further and I notice something under an off-ramp. As I got closer, I realized it was a homeless person. He or she was sleeping, and I had to do a double take at how compact and organized his/her space was. But it made me sad. I wasn't afraid of any of this, just aware.
So, I'm a thousand bucks poorer. Big deal. I have a car and I'm not sleeping in it. Sure, I've had my challenges the last oh, 10 years, but I am blessed. I know this.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
First day on the new job
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!"
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!"
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.
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