Some powerful aerial images of the flooding in north Whatcom county. Quite impressive damage. I know the area floods regularly, but this still seems dramatic.
I hope everyone managed to stay safe, dry and warm. Be safe my friends.
Author: Carl Setzer
Seattle Snow: A Haiku
Under my blankets
Reassuring wakefulness’ call
Avoiding the snow
Watch “Robin Williams on Carson w/ Jonathan Winters 1991” on YouTube
I’ve been fighting a sinus infection for most of the past week. At one point I turned on YouTube, then fell asleep for I-don’t-know-how-long. I woke to see this video going. Memories of seeing Robin Williams filled me with joy, amongst other feelings. So much joy and laughter, balanced against so much sadness and pain. No other person made me laugh harder than Robin. Which makes the fact he took his own life so much more heartbreaking.
I’d never seen this combo of Williams and Jonathan Winters on the old Tonight Show. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas Muppet Style
I’ve long delighted in the Muppets, so felt this little ditty would be a grand way to express my appreciation for all of you this holiday season.
I do hope your holiday season is delightful and filled with joy. And that 2020 is shaping up to be a fantastic year, filled growth and success.
Kombi Converse
I’m sure its way too late to add this to my Christmas list. But as I love Kombis and Converse, I can’t imagine a better combo. Hmm…a kombi combo? Ah….
A Edmonds Waterfront Haiku
a waterfront walkviewing mountains to the westdelightful sunlight
A Writer’s Evening At Everett’s Black Lab Gallery
It was a lovely day, hitting the Edmonds’ Holiday Market (with Thanksgiving coming, there were cranberries to acquire), getting lumpia for lunch there at 88 Cues (anything that brings me back to the Philippines is a good thing). Then I went to this writing seminar in Everett.
Spending time with fellow writers always feels good. Though a small group, we created lively and delightful company. Led by Richard Porter, an Everett based freelance writer and copy editor, who also writes regularly for LiveInEverett.com. Also there: Deb Fox, the creator of the graphic novel “The Everett Massacre” and Andrea (sadly, her last name escaped me, so no links…sorry). Experienced writers all, we covered the basics quickly and cleanly (Richard’s excellent preparation worked well). Then I enjoyed discussing the craft, and the larger world of writing in the internet age, one of my passions.
This reminded me of the Seattle PI’s Big Blog Meet Ups that Moinca Guzman would host.
Pulling together bloggers from around Seattle, where we talked blogging, Seattle, politics, and tools of the trade. A few years ago I thought about holding a reunion, which then fizzled into the oblivion of busyness. I still believe pulling the blogger, and extended writer communities together valuable and worthwhile. I think that means I need to get to work.
My mind full of ideas, a few new friends to explore online, and reinforcement of the value of blogging filled me with energy and I look forward to my next steps.
Watch “I Just Want To Ride – Lael Wilcox and the 2019 Tour Divide” on YouTube
I adore cycling. Its been key part of my life since my mid-tweens. I’ve ridden in many states (Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Florida amongst others). For most of my twenties I refused to own a car. At one point my bike was the most important thing in my life. Now, things have changed. But I still love life with two wheels.
As a younger chap, a two week ride from Canada to Mexico would’ve seemed awesome. So, discovering Tour Divide captivated me. Discovering Lael Wilcox, the star of the video below, also delights me. I’m looking forward to exploring more of her riding life.
So, this is a great story and ride. I recommend the video below. And I’ll have more to say I’ve watched her other stuff. But go ahead and started. Don’t wait for me! Oh, and let me know what you think, any other riders out there you think I should check out, any suggestions would be very welcome.
Local Musician: Sydney Day
In my non-ceasing efforts to discover and promote local musicians, here a cover of Pink’s “What About Us?” done by local artist Sydney Day. She’s most active on Facebook. Give her a listen on all her channels. It’s well worth your time.
And here’s her Soundcloud account. It’s been a bit since she’s posted here, but I enjoyed what’s here.
YouTube Discovery: “What to do with ONE DAY in Seattle!”
Friday my son spent the afternoon and evening bulldozed by some virus. Yesterday the wretched microbes fought with my wife. Last night they came for me. Today’s itinerary thus changed to drinking tea while couch surfing with YouTube.
The best part of such (I always look for the positives)? Discovering new talent. Today I found Claire McAdams, photographer and explorer. Her journey through China a few months ago charmed me. I enjoy her energy and quirky sensibilities.
Back in October she posted a video of a day on Seattle (I expect her actual visit here occurred in summer, though. Anyway, I inserted the video below for your convenience and edification).
I liked her choices for her Seattle excursion:
Pike Place Market including:
- The gum wall
- Food tour (she didn’t mention which tour company she used. There are plenty of options, though).
Dim Tai Fung. They opted for Bellevue, though Pacific Place is significantly closer to Pike Place.
Now, as a life-long Seattleite, what suggestions do I offer?
Hmmm…
Favorite Foods at Pike Place:
And Seattle Center:
- Skillet Counter: my favorite place!
- KEXP’s Gathering Space/La Marzocca
I like her venue choices with some additions. If you like music, add MPop. And the Wing Luke Museum offers great insight into the Asian Pacific American experience. If nothing else, their Bruce Lee exhibit garnered high praise.
So, Seattle fans, what recommendations come to mind? And check out her video.