Seattle - May 5 - 6, 2018

Metaphor for the Upcoming Hawks' Season - Century Link

I’ve decided to begin a blog that documents my weekend wanderings. At this point, I’m not entirely committed to this, but it seems like a good idea. I do believe in reflection, like taking photographs and have time in transit to type a few words on my phone. We’ll see...

Saturday morning, I headed into Seattle with no definite plan. I default to this behavior whenever possible. This is the polar opposite of my work life, where I have to have a detailed plan for the eighth grade students. Balance.

Flow - Thai Tom

Edvard in Bloom - University of Washington Campus

Every Month... - University of Washington Campus

On Friday evening, I locked in the one certainty for the weekend, a cheap Airbnb ($34 total) near the Montlake Bridge. This was so inexpensive I wouldn’t feel bad dropping it if something else came up. This spot was even less expensive than the Buddhist temple I have been staying at in the International District.

Weekend highlights included a bite at Thai Tom on University Way, a visit to Volunteer Park and the Conservatory, an extended stay at Seattle’s Japanese Garden, a visit with Lars and his friends that included a barbecue, a decent sleep for a cheep price, a bite at the Solstice Cafe on “The Ave” and a visit to the Henry Art Gallery.

Happy - Volunteer Park Conservatory

Perfect Timing - Volunteer Park Conservatory

I really found pleasure stepping lightly around Seattle’s Japanese Garden. I couldn’t have chosen a better time to come; rhododendrons were in full bloom and the Japanese maples were at full sail. I fell asleep on the hill.

The meetup with Lars, my brother, was a surprise. I had a sixth sense that he could possibly be up from Los Angeles, so I sent him a text. It was answered, and ninety minutes later, I found myself on a new apartment building that his friend DK Pan manages. Did the rainbow descending into Century Link Field foreshadow a favorable Seahawks season? Time will tell.

Layers - Seattle Japanese Garden

Azalea Mounds - Seattle Japanese Garden 

Koi and Flowers - Seattle Japanese Garden

What's Next? - Seattle Japanese Garden

Following Flow (Up and Out) - Seattle Japanese Garden

I entered the Solstice Cafe Sunday morning and was met by the music of the Grateful Dead, an unexpected treat. Thanking the barista behind the counter, I resolved to stay until the Henry opened at 11:00 AM. Drinking my coffee I caught up on Hawks news and read several articles posted to the Big Think news site. There was an article on robotics and another on love that I enjoyed. I’ll most certainly visit the cafe again.

Well, here is the start of something...

DK's View (North)

Poem Picture (Shadow Love) - Henry Art Gallery

$34 - Montlake Airbnb