Seattle Daily Photo: July 2007

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Sometims the Road Leads Through Dark Places

. . .sometimes the darkness is your friend. ~Bruce Cockburn, Pacing the Cage

The entrance to an underground garage downtown made for an interesting abstraction. The average rate per hour for the 79,574 off-street parking spaces downtown last year was $6.50 USD. Unlike San Francisco where every square inch of curb space not painted red is fully utilized and double parking is an art form, here in Seattle one may not park within 5 feet of a driveway or within 30 feet of most corners with stop signs. Only delivery trucks presume to double park on the street, and the patience and politeness of Seattle drivers while waiting for someone to park at curbside is also decidedly unlike the short fuse of many a San Franciscan behind the wheel.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Wacky 8th

Up very high I spied the street sign for 8th Ave. had been warped by something. Seattle mayor Greg Nickels announced on July 11 the city's plans for replacing all the city's street signs with new larger and readable signs. This is very welcome news to me, as especially at night I find the signs at most corners poorly situated and perfectly unreadable. I don't know how this sign became distorted, but it sits under the highly illuminated grand arch of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. Even in all this light, can you make out the block numbers at the top of the sign? Even the "8th" appears gray and dingy and doesn't reflect brightly as intended. The illuminated arch was installed over Pike Street during the convention center's expansion in 2001. For a full view of the arch which spans the street and continues on for a block, please see my More Seattle Stuff page.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Fire Boat on Elliott Bay

A fire boat was spouting on the bay, no doubt it must have to do with Seafair, Seattle's summer festival spanning several weeks and spawning many events all around the city. Seafair has hit a high note of activity this weekend, with the nighttime community Torchlight Parade down 4th Ave. (under a nearly full moon!), , the Torchlight Run, the crowning of miss Seafair last night and the Ballard Seafood Fest starting yesterday and ending today. In this shot you can see a ferry leaving and a ferry arriving, the grain elevator/loader, Quest Field, Safeco Field, and several container cranes. Hope you are enjoying a spectacularly beautiful Sunday!

Saturday, July 28, 2007

That's LoVe

Strolling past Louis Vuitton on a warm summer night, the gent spied a bag in the shopfront window that spelled out L-O-V-E, which in life, unlike tennis, means everything. When it is featured in this window, one needn't worry if it is the genuine article. Perhaps strolling past that window was just the sign he was waiting for. . . Vuitton kicked off the summer season with a Party of Love, featuring this bag, to benefit OXFAM America. OXFAM has recently sponsored consumer champaigns to lobby Target stores about marketing "dirty gold," and Starbucks regarding fair trade issues with Ethiopian farmers. Starbucks recently signed an historic agreement with the Ethiopian farmers as a result.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Closing Time Reading Harry Potter

It was 9:30 PM. They were closed and in the middle of cleaning when they took a break to read Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. This photo, although taken in downtown Seattle, could have been taken anywhere in the world when you stop to think about it. Starbucks, Harry Potter, Paul McCartney. . .all of them world phenoms. And this just in: Joni Mitchell has signed with Hear Music/Starbucks. Looks like some world class artists have finally found a way around the troubled music business to get their work distributed to the people where they live. . .at the world-wide coffee dealer's. Bringing the world together one latte at a time! ;^)

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Ballard 42nd Annual Sidewalk Sale Begins TODAY

Starting today from 10 AM to 7 PM and going through Sunday, the 42nd Annual Ballard Sidewalk Sale will bring Ballard merchants' wares from the shops out into the the sunny daylight. Pictured is a beautiful hand made art glass salmon for sale in front of Art By Fire glass blowing studo and gallery. Seattle's oldest and biggest neighborhood sidewalk sale kicks off the Ballard Seafood Festival this weekend. Given the variety of shops participating in the sidewalk sale and the unique finds and bargains, visiting today and tomorrow when the festival crowds haven't arrived yet will make for uncrowded strolling.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Railroad Bridge at the Locks

This railroad bridge is usually tilted up unless a train is using it. The train had just passed. Boats are coming in from the Sound to use the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. I've been at a friends house up the embankment from here, and the train looks like it could be in a miniature train set.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Building Face

Native style (Haida ??) painting on the western face of the Ivar's Salmon House restaurant in the Northlake area. I loved the juxtaposition of colors here and would love to know more about the symbolism .

Monday, July 23, 2007

City Slicker

Sometimes these things WILL happen. . .the Metro bus was passing, I saw this interesting man in the window and clicked. It wasn't until I uploaded the shot that I noticed what the bus billboard said. . . .
Wishing everyone a great Monday, whether you are starting your work week or on holiday.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Colorful Storefront

I was drawn in by the colors of this inviting foodies' tool store with flower stand out front. It is located in a large upscale shopping plaza called University Village, just to the east of the University of Washington campus.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Patrons at Purple

Aw man. . .one of the yummiest weekend events all year, the Bite of Seattle food and wine festival at Seattle Center, and it's really raining (very unusual for late July). We were there Thursday night at closing time for the preview when there were only a few spritzes now and then, but Friday brought a real rain storm with wind. I'm hoping today lightens up so folks can enjoy visiting the over 50 restaurants and 30 other food product vendors represented in outdoor booths. So much preparation and effort goes into putting this on, so I hope the chefs and restaurant owners won't be disappointed by a low turn out. People may conclude its best to eat somewhere indoors, like this! I took this shot downtown as I was passing a really crowded restaurant called Purple. The guy on the left is so interesting in this grouping. Were I to construct a story with these characters, they would be in showbiz somehow.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Frye Art Museum Gallery Cafe Patio

Do you love museums? Many cities have programs where museums are free to the public one day a month, but Seattle's Frye Art Museum is always free. Created in the 1950s to house and share with the people of Seattle the art collection of Emma and Charles Frye, the museum today boasts a great youth program and classes, visiting artisits' exhibits, contemporary media works, and a rotating exhibit of works from the Frye's original collection of American, French, and German 19th and 20th century paintings. This inviting patio provides outdoor seating for the Gallery Cafe, a pleasant place to sip, nosh, and peruse a book purchased in the gift shop.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Tuscany Apartments

One of the more distinctive architectural ornaments I've come across yet.. This urn sits on a tiled pedestal in a curved corner alcove at the top of the Tuscany Apartments on First Hill. They were Built in 1928 as the Piedmont Apartment Hotel and designed by Daniel Huntington (Seattle's city architect from 1912-1921). There are giant figures in relief on the urns. The building also features a great deal of tile work and other decorative motifs. The historical description here says the style is "Spanish Colonial Revival. . .with a Moorish flavor." For a peek at other photos of the building's details, see my More Seattle Stuff blog here .

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Some Rain Drop!

Kids were playing catch at twilight out at Sunset Hill Park, which overlooks the Puget Sound and Shilshole Marina. The clouds and the Olympic Mountains in the distance made for a dramatic background to the silhouetted figure. We had a bit of rain to cool our recent 90 F temps back into the 70s and 80s. The clouds here yesterday were amazingly beautiful. If you ever spent a summer under the glorious Seattle skies, you would never want to leave. Clear blue or cloud show, it's often spectacular.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

My Love

Passed away Monday, July 16, 2007, 11:00 PM, after a ten month struggle with brain cancer. Lover of Jesus; devoted husband, adored father, beloved brother, uncle, and friend; musician, SU law school student, CCS human services program coordinator, weekly volunteer for the GI Rights Hotline, industrial designer, skilled finish carpenter and 16 year member United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 22; lover of the visual and performing arts, puppet theater, sailing, and bicycling. A sweet, dear, and compassionate man, rich in good friends.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Window Boxes At Street Level

Of course the street is not exactly level here, but significantly sloped. The Inn at Virginia Mason on Spring Street had the most incredibly lush window boxes growing along the sidewalk on this steep uphill climb. High summer and bright flowers abound to match the bright sky. Temps have been hot all week (in the 80s & 90s F) and will continue through Wednesday when we may see some rain showers and temps in the 70s F. Wishing you a wonderful start to the work week or a lazy holiday if you are vacationing!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Illuminated Street

8th Ave West on Queen Anne Hill's western slope features these fabulous lights with castings of leaves on the fixtures. Runners and walkers frequent the lovely curving road with special views of the Sound and the Olympics from this vantage point.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

When You Live Near Lots of Water and Boats

. . .you are going to have to wait for drawbridges fairly frequently from May to October. The road ahead is sticking straight up in the air. The road bed in the section that opens is made of steel grating. This is the Ballard Bridge (15th Ave. NW) which crosses the ship canal between Queen Annel /Interbay /Magnolia and the Ballard neighborhood.

Wishing everyone a restful and pleasant summer Saturday!

I hope you will leave a comment with your vote for best photos from the first year of SDP. . .just click on the archives in the sidebar for a peek. (see "SDP Is One Year Old! Pick Your Faves" below.) Thanks!

Friday, July 13, 2007

Dahlia Delish!

Dahlia Lounge has long been held in high esteem as a great place to eat superbly prepared, gorgeously presented food in Seattle. And right next door is Dahlia Bakery (OMG, the FIG BARS, go for the FIG BARS!). . .a foodie's dream block on 4th Avenue, this. The animated neon sign of a happy cook holding a flapping fish marks the spot. Bon appetit!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

But Mom, I Want to Be A Condo!

The response to "Take that off right now. You look ridiculous!"
If you are familiar with the Seattle skyline, you will recognize these distinctive glass sheathed buildings in opposing positions. In the sunset light, the reflections of other buildings are amazing.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Mom, When Can I Get a Tatt and Big Wheels Like Him?

Baby is admiring the big guy at the corner of Broadway and Pike. We might call this race The Circle Game. . .

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Summer Evening

The view here is slightly to the right of yesterday's "Summer Day" shot, looking NW from First Hill. The building near center today (to the right yesterday) is reflecting red light, Lake Union is shimmering deep blue, and the lights of West Lake, Queen Anne, Fremont, and Phinney Ridge beyond are below the sunset sky.

Monday, July 09, 2007

Summer Day

I shot this from First Hill. If you peek between the two tallest buildings you will see two cranes at the big Turner construction site on the edge of the Cascade / South Lake Union neighborhood. The hill beyond is the east slope of Queen Anne Hill, and below that is Westlake and the blue ribbon of Lake Union itself below. If you've a keen eye you can see a woman on her balcony six floors from the top of the tall apartment building in the foreground. Another beautiful sunny summer day in Seattle! This shot will have a companion shot tomorrow.

I hope you will leave a comment with your vote for best photos from the first year of SDP. . .just click on the archives in the sidebar for a peek. (see yesterday's post) Thanks!

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Seattle Daily Photo Is One Year Old! Pick Your Favorites

Yesterday marked the 365th photo I've posted to SDP, and over 40,000 visitors from 117 countries. Today I hope you will celebrate SDP's one year anniversary by cruising my archives in the sidebar to the right and picking out some of your favorite photos and telling me about them in the comments section. I will compile a "best of set" for the first year from your suggestions. I look forward to starting a second year of daily photos from Seattle. Thank you for your regular visits and encouraging notes this year! It has been so much fun "meeting" you, exploring Seattle from behind a lens, and being part of the City Daily Photo Blog family. I've learned so much about my city and about taking photos in this time and met wonderful people through the process. I've even had local and state publications contact me and buy a few photos. That was a fun surprise for this total amateur shutterbug. Things have happened that I could have never imagined, all through starting to read Paris Daily Photo daily back in 2005. Thank you Eric!

This blog has been a bright spot in a challenging year. Three months after I began SDP, my dear life partner was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. In the midst of adjusting to that news and rolling with the changes in the intervening months as health begins to wane, publishing SDP has been a wonderful diversion for me. Big thanks to my supportive family and friends who must at times wonder if they will ever see me go out the door without a camera.

For today's photo, here is my alter ego, Camera Girl, out walking another neighborhood and snapping my shadow. It's kind of lumpy because I'm wearing a hoodie, a small backpack, and have my camera bag and tripod slung over my shoulder. Thanks for visiting today, and I look forward to hearing what your faves of the year were.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Iconic Convergance

Happy 07/07/07 everyone. That's quite a convergence! Thought I would show you a convergence of old and new icons of Seattle. Calder's "Eagle" sculpture is a very promenant and popular piece in the Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park (viewed here from the waterfront) and has become a become a symbol of sorts here. Behind in the distance is the 1962 Expo World Fair's Space Needle which just celebrated its 45th anniversary as the unofficial symbol of Seattle. Also present is a building that symbolizes the current trend in buildings and lifestyle, the Seattle condominium building, many of which are being built all over the city to increase urban density in the city's move toward greener, more sustainable living.

Friday, July 06, 2007

Tangled Bow Line

Even moms and business women slow down, get outdoors and have some fun in the Seattle summer sun. She had just hopped onto the dock to catch a line her husband tossed her to secure their familiy's boat so they could come ashore to eat, their two darling little girls watching mom and dad at work from inside the boat. It is high summer in Seattle and everyone is out basking in the beautiful warm weather, getting out on the water, and enjoying the many events that make summer in Seattle so fun. Tomorrow the Seafair Pirates land at Alki beach, kicking off the 58th year of the city's Seafair Festival which features a Milk Carton Derby (creative homemade boats/floats built to float entirely on milk cartons and usually whimsical or depicting some aspect of Seattle life) hydroplane races, a Blue Angles precision jet squadron air show, huge fireworks display, myriad neighborhood festivals, and a Torchlight Parade,

Thursday, July 05, 2007

July 4th Boat Parade

. . .or at least it seemed like one as we had dinner yesterday on the north shore of Lake Union and watched all the boats pour out of the ship canal from Lake Washington onto Lake Union. They were all heading to the biggest floating party in town, getting ready for the huge fireworks display over Lake Union. Here you see the University Bridge opening to let a sail boat through. There were vintage boats from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, as well as popular current model motor boats, sailboats, row boats, kyaks, and a coracle or two. Check my Flickr badge in the sidebar for more photos!

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Bald Eagle on the Wing

Happy Independence Day to those in the USA. Hope everyone has a great 4th of July celebration. Here in Seattle it promises to be a perfect day with 80 F temps for outdoor fun and clear skies for those fireworks displays tonight. The Bald Eagle, symbol of the nation, recently made it off the Endangered Species List. They are a common sight soaring above the city or nesting on shore or diving into Puget Sound. I saw this one flying over the Magnolia neighborhood.

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Waterstriped Building & Sail Boat

I caught a glimpse between buildings of the 2 1/2 hour Elliott Bay & Puget Sound sunset sail on a 70 footer run by "Let's Go Sailing," based at Pier 54. You can go for day sails with them as well. They have sold out their 3 hour July 4th Elliott Bay fireworks sail spaces. If you come to Seattle, you simply MUST get out on the water, and there are many ways to do that. This is just one of them.

Monday, July 02, 2007

I-5 Along Eastlake

Traffic in the greater Seattle area can be a challenge if you commute by car. In this cloudy day shot, the I-5 freeway and its express lanes are actually flowing well despite being full of evening traffic. If you look closely you can see a green zone along the top left of Lake Union which is Gasworks Park. That is a popular place for viewing this Wednesday night's Independence Day fireworks display, shot off from the Sapce Needle at Seattle Center. It is also popular to gp boating on Lake Union for the July 4th celebration, where water reflections add to the enjoyment of the fireworks display and the whole lake is can become a friendly floating party. The Wallingford neighborhood is visible as a grid of neat residential blocks at the top of this shot, and commercial buildings line the I-5 Eastlake corridor.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Theme Day: Seeing Red In Seattle

July's theme for City Daily Photo Bloggers is "Red." Red is big in Seattle so I've bent the "one photo a day" rule for this special day and combined 13 of 45 contending images to show you. Click on any image to go to a full photo. I'd like to invite you all to come back in a few days for SDP's One Year Anniversary on July 8th! Celebrating 365 daily posts and a lot of fun exploring Seattle and being part of the fab CDP family. A big salute to Eric in Paris who got it all started with PDP and who is coming home from my old city today, San Francisco. Hope you had an awesome time in the City By the Bay!

98 City Daily PhotoBlogs are participating in today's theme. Time to take a trip around the globe in red! Click on a city to start your tour, and be sure to leave a comment for the authors!

Shanghai, China - Mumbai, India - New York City (NY), USA - Manila, Philippines - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Hamburg, Germany - Stayton (OR), USA - Los Angeles (CA), USA - Hyde, UK - Oslo, Norway - Brookville (OH), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Stavanger, Norway - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Joplin (MO), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Selma (AL), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Chandler (AZ), USA - Stockholm, Sweden - Seattle (WA), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Arradon, France - Evry, France - Baton Rouge (LA), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Boston (MA), USA - Grenoble, France - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Hilo (HI), USA - Nelson, New Zealand - La Antigua, Guatemala - Brisbane (QLD), Australia - Singapore, Singapore - Tel Aviv, Israel - Hong Kong, China - Sequim (WA), USA - Paderborn, Germany - Saarbrücken, Germany - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Tenerife, Spain - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Sydney, Australia - Naples (FL), USA - Cologne (NRW), Germany - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Mainz, Germany - Toruń, Poland - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Singapore, Singapore - North Bay (ON), Canada - Jakarta, Indonesia - Montréal (QC), Canada - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Baziège, France - San Diego (CA), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Ampang (Selangor), Malaysia - New York (NY), USA - Kajang (Selangor), Malaysia - Sharon (CT), USA - Newcastle (NSW), Australia - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Nottingham, UK - Villigen, Switzerland - Chicago (IL), USA - Torquay, UK - Brussels, Belgium - San Diego (CA), USA - Mexico (DF), Mexico - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Cape Town, South Africa - Paris, France - Seoul, Korea - Manila, Philippines - Milano, Italy - Austin (TX), USA - Chennai, India - Madrid, Spain - Seoul, South Korea - Wailea (HI), USA - Toronto (ON), Canada - Ajaccio, France - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Zurich, Switzerland - Sydney, Australia - Budapest, Hungary - Moscow, Russia

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