It's been a fun few days. The weather has been stunning, so Thursday I loaded up Abagail (my precious angel dog) and FINALLY took the 15-minute ferry ride to Vashon Island. Vashon sits in Puget Sound very easily accessible from West Seattle where I live, or on it's southern end, super easy to Tacoma. I'd never been there, and thought it was about time.
Back in the day when I was selling real estate in Anchorage, one of my best clients (actually my best client) who died too young last year, used to tell me he wanted to retire on Vashon. Now I see why. There's not much there, but it's beautiful. A quaint little downtown has a few funky cool stores and a few restaurants. I saw a sign for "the best cheeseburger on the island" in front of a little place, so as I was proceeding to tie Abbey up to go in, the owner came out and told me just to bring her in! He gave her water, and indeed I had a good burger and diet Dr. Pepper for $4.90. After that we drove around the island, first stopping at Robinson Point to see the lighthouse and walk the beach. Mt. Rainier was totally in our face, framed by blue sky. Vashon is made up of little farms inland, and darling seaside cottages on the water. I can see why my friend wanted to retire there. Perhaps I will, too. It would honor him....he was my friend, too.
Now, today, my new friend Mira, and I, started a six-week course of Salsa lessons at Sonny Newman Dance Studio in Greenwood where she lives. I got us a hell of a deal on this - $35 for six weeks! What a blast! I've taken Salsa before, so I know it pretty well. But our instructor, Johnny, is a ball of fire! He had us moving fast and it felt great! Really, really energetic. I took a few Salsa classes at another dance place in Seattle, but the instructor spent way too much time talking about the dance, and herself. Heck, I just want to dance! And dance we did. Johnny rocks!
After class, since it was such a great gorgeous day, Mira and I walked all the way around Green Lake, about 2 miles. What a beautiful walk! People were fishing, lovers kissing, dogs smiling, and a guy in a skunk suit (that's right) flew by on in line skates. Too cool. After that we hit the Green Lake Bar and Grill - made happy hour, and had killer salmon burgers and salad, and 2 drinks each for $40 total including tip! Life is not so bad after all, even though it presents it's challenges.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Jimi
I finally took the time today to find the statue of Jimi Hendrix on Capitol Hill. The statue itself is wonderful, but I was stunned to see that it's on the sidewalk right on Broadway. I guess I expected it to be in a park, or a protected lovely place...not just right there where it could get wiped out by an errant driver. I just thought it was sort of disrespectful given he's one of Seattle's most famous native sons.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Native Seattle
January as usual was sort of a lost month. But I've spent a great deal of time looking into Seattle's history, specifically indigenous Seattle. There was a specific reason for this, to do with a job I really would like, but even if I don't get the job, this was valuable and fascinating information.
I just finished the book "Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place," by Coll Thrush. It almost made me angry that I am white. The book also gave me understanding of many of the street names, parks, rivers, and monuments in my new city. There are native American images everywhere here in this urban landscape, but few people really know what it all means.
Most people know, or should know, that Seattle's namesake was Chief Seeathl, of Duwamish and Suquamish heritage. They were here first. But Seattle's founders are better known as the Denny party, who came ashore at Alki Point (not far from where I live) in November of 1851. Seeathl and his people welcomed the pioneers, and in turn Arthur Denny and his people worked together with their new neighbors.
Way before this, 1792, the British explorer George Vancouver and his crew mapped out what would be called Puget Sound, named after the guy who did most of the surveying for Vancouver.
But, I digress. The long and short of it is, as with all stories of native Americans getting pushed out of their homeland, things changed.
A treaty called the Treaty of Point Elliott (1855), signed by Seeathl, and several of the Pioneers, giving the indigenous folks the right to hunt, fish, harvest etc. to this day has not been honored. The original "Seattle" tribes - Duwamish, Shilshole, Lakes - were mostly forgotten as tribes from other regions came to the new city.
There's so much it's mind-boggling. But here's the part that really annoys me. The Duwamish river used to meander until it was "straightened out" in the late 19th and early 20th century, destroying many historical indigenous sites. Then, when the Ballard locks were built in 1916, "when Lake Washington dropped with the opening of the ship canal, its outlet, the Black River, ceased to exist" leaving canoes high and dry, and devastating the way of life for the Duwamish. The whole idea of course, was to be able to bring a ship from Puget Sound to Lake Union and on to Lake Washington. I never realized that an entire river disappeared because of this action. Holy shit! Oh - and Harbor Island (at the mouth of the Duwamish River) never existed either - it's man made!
Anyway, as regards the Duwamish Tribe, their status was questioned (as a federally recognized tribe) due to a perceived lapse in leadership in the early 20th century. The lapse was filled in with oral history among other things, and toward the end of the Clinton Administration the Duwamish just about got their recognition. Then GW Bush and his band of idiots came into office and reversed the decision. Right now, they are fighting - STILL - to get the recognition they deserve. The current tribal leader, Cecile Hansen, a tiny yet powerful little lady, who I met Saturday at the one-year anniversary of their new Longhouse, is not giving up. She is Seeathl's great-great grandniece (there may be one more great!). At any rate, they sure as hell deserve it. The city is named after one of their own for Christ's sake!
I'm from Alaska originally - lived there more than half my life, and saw the crap the Native Alaskans had to go through - the prejudice, ridicule at the drunks, etc. The same thing went on here I'm sad to say. The term Skid Road originated here in the early 20th century when most of the Native population was forced into what is now the touristy Pioneer Square area, living in horrible conditions.
Thrush says toward the end of his book "aging pioneers were replaced by aging lefties and upstart cheechakos shape-shifted into venture capitalists from California, but otherwise, the anxieties and conflicts were the same: between native and newcomer, between competing visions of urbanity, between the past and the future."
He says Indian ghosts haunt Seattle to this day. "At Pike Place Market, the apparition of an Indian woman in a shawl and floor-length skirt has appeared for generations in the windows of the magic shop and in the aisles of the bead store," and a murdered Native prostitute pleas have been heard since the Prohibition era in a rambling Victorian home near the Duwamish.
So, I've learned much. I am hoping to get a job with the Duwamish Tribe, but even if I am not chosen, I support their cause, and know a great deal more about this city's rich history.
By the way, they need $128,000 for legal defense. Not much. Give if you can.
I just finished the book "Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place," by Coll Thrush. It almost made me angry that I am white. The book also gave me understanding of many of the street names, parks, rivers, and monuments in my new city. There are native American images everywhere here in this urban landscape, but few people really know what it all means.
Most people know, or should know, that Seattle's namesake was Chief Seeathl, of Duwamish and Suquamish heritage. They were here first. But Seattle's founders are better known as the Denny party, who came ashore at Alki Point (not far from where I live) in November of 1851. Seeathl and his people welcomed the pioneers, and in turn Arthur Denny and his people worked together with their new neighbors.
Way before this, 1792, the British explorer George Vancouver and his crew mapped out what would be called Puget Sound, named after the guy who did most of the surveying for Vancouver.
But, I digress. The long and short of it is, as with all stories of native Americans getting pushed out of their homeland, things changed.
A treaty called the Treaty of Point Elliott (1855), signed by Seeathl, and several of the Pioneers, giving the indigenous folks the right to hunt, fish, harvest etc. to this day has not been honored. The original "Seattle" tribes - Duwamish, Shilshole, Lakes - were mostly forgotten as tribes from other regions came to the new city.
There's so much it's mind-boggling. But here's the part that really annoys me. The Duwamish river used to meander until it was "straightened out" in the late 19th and early 20th century, destroying many historical indigenous sites. Then, when the Ballard locks were built in 1916, "when Lake Washington dropped with the opening of the ship canal, its outlet, the Black River, ceased to exist" leaving canoes high and dry, and devastating the way of life for the Duwamish. The whole idea of course, was to be able to bring a ship from Puget Sound to Lake Union and on to Lake Washington. I never realized that an entire river disappeared because of this action. Holy shit! Oh - and Harbor Island (at the mouth of the Duwamish River) never existed either - it's man made!
Anyway, as regards the Duwamish Tribe, their status was questioned (as a federally recognized tribe) due to a perceived lapse in leadership in the early 20th century. The lapse was filled in with oral history among other things, and toward the end of the Clinton Administration the Duwamish just about got their recognition. Then GW Bush and his band of idiots came into office and reversed the decision. Right now, they are fighting - STILL - to get the recognition they deserve. The current tribal leader, Cecile Hansen, a tiny yet powerful little lady, who I met Saturday at the one-year anniversary of their new Longhouse, is not giving up. She is Seeathl's great-great grandniece (there may be one more great!). At any rate, they sure as hell deserve it. The city is named after one of their own for Christ's sake!
I'm from Alaska originally - lived there more than half my life, and saw the crap the Native Alaskans had to go through - the prejudice, ridicule at the drunks, etc. The same thing went on here I'm sad to say. The term Skid Road originated here in the early 20th century when most of the Native population was forced into what is now the touristy Pioneer Square area, living in horrible conditions.
Thrush says toward the end of his book "aging pioneers were replaced by aging lefties and upstart cheechakos shape-shifted into venture capitalists from California, but otherwise, the anxieties and conflicts were the same: between native and newcomer, between competing visions of urbanity, between the past and the future."
He says Indian ghosts haunt Seattle to this day. "At Pike Place Market, the apparition of an Indian woman in a shawl and floor-length skirt has appeared for generations in the windows of the magic shop and in the aisles of the bead store," and a murdered Native prostitute pleas have been heard since the Prohibition era in a rambling Victorian home near the Duwamish.
So, I've learned much. I am hoping to get a job with the Duwamish Tribe, but even if I am not chosen, I support their cause, and know a great deal more about this city's rich history.
By the way, they need $128,000 for legal defense. Not much. Give if you can.
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Years Eve and the bus
For some unknown reason, I've had this irrational fear of taking the bus. Last night, New Years Eve, I really didn't want to hassle with parking, or for that matter being on the road on amateurs night out. So, I braved it, packing the correct change, and my umbrella a.) since it was drizzling, and b.) as a weapon!
I'm not really so frightened of people, as I am of getting on the wrong bus and ending up in Canada or something. But lo and behold, I got to Second and Seneca, walked the eight blocks or so to Pioneer Square, and landed right where I wanted to be, at the Underground Comedy Club, for a gut-busting funny show. I met my new friend Mira, and we had a really fun time. Laughter was a good way to usher in a new year, and say goodbye to the rather awful 2009.
Getting back, the bus was a little late, but those of us waiting at the bus stop at 2nd and Columbia, were a lively group, sharing stories, and even that was fun. To top it off, the bus driver on the return didn't charge us a dime! I guess they are just thrilled that people chose to take the bus on New Years rather than cause problems with their cars.
So, in this fledgling new year, I've already conquered one of my fears! Yay!
I'm not really so frightened of people, as I am of getting on the wrong bus and ending up in Canada or something. But lo and behold, I got to Second and Seneca, walked the eight blocks or so to Pioneer Square, and landed right where I wanted to be, at the Underground Comedy Club, for a gut-busting funny show. I met my new friend Mira, and we had a really fun time. Laughter was a good way to usher in a new year, and say goodbye to the rather awful 2009.
Getting back, the bus was a little late, but those of us waiting at the bus stop at 2nd and Columbia, were a lively group, sharing stories, and even that was fun. To top it off, the bus driver on the return didn't charge us a dime! I guess they are just thrilled that people chose to take the bus on New Years rather than cause problems with their cars.
So, in this fledgling new year, I've already conquered one of my fears! Yay!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Clark Griswald is alive and well in Seattle
I hopped aboard one of the King County Metro Transit Historic Fleet buses tonight for "Santa's Seattle Holiday Lights Tour." For $5, you couldn't get better entertainment! Almost 3 hours, we started out in Pioneer Square traveling north. Green Lake was awesome. Apparently, once a year, the community lights luminaries on the path which goes all the way around the lake. Then people, dogs and kids walk around the lake, many with lights on their heads, their dogs or strollers! Really, really cool. Then, the homes in the Green Lake neighborhood were decked out beautifully.
I'm pretty sure it was at the corner of 8th and 80th, is Clark's house! We're talking lights on the roof, the sides of the house, and every tree or bush in the yard. It was awesome! The entire neighborhood of Olympic Manor is not to be missed. Look down any of the streets, and it's Vegas baby!! Many of the boats in the Shishole Marina in Ballard had lights on them, and Ballard in general looked pretty shiny! Then, we ended by going through the shopping area downtown - 7th to Pine and down to 2nd, which included all of the trees with white lights, Macy's enormous star, and the big tree in front of City Centre (I think, or it may have been Westlake), well, at any rate, with blue-ish LED lights, it's a beauty.
Oh, and Santa did come on our bus, and shook hands with everybody and wished us all a very Merry Christmas, my wish for all of you.
I'm pretty sure it was at the corner of 8th and 80th, is Clark's house! We're talking lights on the roof, the sides of the house, and every tree or bush in the yard. It was awesome! The entire neighborhood of Olympic Manor is not to be missed. Look down any of the streets, and it's Vegas baby!! Many of the boats in the Shishole Marina in Ballard had lights on them, and Ballard in general looked pretty shiny! Then, we ended by going through the shopping area downtown - 7th to Pine and down to 2nd, which included all of the trees with white lights, Macy's enormous star, and the big tree in front of City Centre (I think, or it may have been Westlake), well, at any rate, with blue-ish LED lights, it's a beauty.
Oh, and Santa did come on our bus, and shook hands with everybody and wished us all a very Merry Christmas, my wish for all of you.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Nutcracker
The Pacific Northwest Ballet production of "The Nutcracker" Friday night, was nothing short of amazing. I had not seen The Nutcracker since I was a child, and it wasn't this big of a production. The dancing was beautiful of course, the music familiar and lovely, executed by a fabulous orchestra, but what really blew me away was the sets, lighting and costumes!
The sets were so good, it was hard to tell what was real, and what was not. Absolutely gorgeous, moving seamlessly from one scene to the next. Unreal. We were in the front row of one of the balconies, really good seats.
The dance by the peacock (dancer's name, Kylee Kitchens) was particularly breathtaking. Grown up Clara (Kaori Nakamura) and the Prince (Jonathan Porretta) were equally stunning.
A really nice way to kick off the holidays, especially in the company of two old friends - we go back to the seventh grade together!
The sets were so good, it was hard to tell what was real, and what was not. Absolutely gorgeous, moving seamlessly from one scene to the next. Unreal. We were in the front row of one of the balconies, really good seats.
The dance by the peacock (dancer's name, Kylee Kitchens) was particularly breathtaking. Grown up Clara (Kaori Nakamura) and the Prince (Jonathan Porretta) were equally stunning.
A really nice way to kick off the holidays, especially in the company of two old friends - we go back to the seventh grade together!
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Wild Kingdom in West Seattle
I live in a nice apartment/townhouse community, with a creek and greenbelt running behind the complex. Since Abbey and I moved in, we've noticed an abundance of squirrels running around. She thinks she can catch them, but, she can't! In screwing with my poor little dog's head, I call them all "nutty the squirrel" as if there is only one. Whenever I say, "there's nutty the squirrel," her radar is up.
Last night, I pulled into my parking spot, which is right in front of my unit. There is a big pine tree in front, and much to my shock and amazement, two huge raccoons were right in front of me - one with his paws up on the tree, the other standing on the ground - both staring at me with their little bandit faces. Now, I'm a born and raised Alaska girl, and I've never seen a raccoon that close, and couldn't believe how big they were! I sat in my car staring at them in my headlights, while they stared back. They slowly strolled away. Cute, but I know they can be vicous.
In the house, I put Abbey on her leash, to take her out to do her business. Running into one of my neighbors with a dog way smaller than Abbey, he confirmed the residency of the raccoons, and said another neighbor feeds them. Great. His advice - don't corner them, because they will attack! Holy crap.
Another neighbor with a small dog, also told me there is, or was, a coyote back in that greenbelt, too.
Go figure. I move to the big city, and there is more wildlife here than there was near my house in Coeur d'Alene, or Alaska. Except - in Alaska we did get moose in the yard from time to time, and in Idaho, there were the deer, and once a flock of wild turkeys looked like they were heading to the front door when I lived out by the lake.
So now it's nutty the squirrel, raccoons and maybe a coyote - in Seattle!!
Last night, I pulled into my parking spot, which is right in front of my unit. There is a big pine tree in front, and much to my shock and amazement, two huge raccoons were right in front of me - one with his paws up on the tree, the other standing on the ground - both staring at me with their little bandit faces. Now, I'm a born and raised Alaska girl, and I've never seen a raccoon that close, and couldn't believe how big they were! I sat in my car staring at them in my headlights, while they stared back. They slowly strolled away. Cute, but I know they can be vicous.
In the house, I put Abbey on her leash, to take her out to do her business. Running into one of my neighbors with a dog way smaller than Abbey, he confirmed the residency of the raccoons, and said another neighbor feeds them. Great. His advice - don't corner them, because they will attack! Holy crap.
Another neighbor with a small dog, also told me there is, or was, a coyote back in that greenbelt, too.
Go figure. I move to the big city, and there is more wildlife here than there was near my house in Coeur d'Alene, or Alaska. Except - in Alaska we did get moose in the yard from time to time, and in Idaho, there were the deer, and once a flock of wild turkeys looked like they were heading to the front door when I lived out by the lake.
So now it's nutty the squirrel, raccoons and maybe a coyote - in Seattle!!
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