Cafe Bambino

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

A popular NW 65th St. coffee house situated in southeast Ballard at the base of the steep climb up to Phinney Ridge, Cafe Bambino's huge cool plaster Buddha baby balancing a cup of espresso on its head is a neighborhood landmark created by artist and cafe owner Andhi Spath. Several artists live or share studio space in the surrounding neighborhood, and there is also a lively nightlife at several nearby bars when the Bambino is sleeping.

Cyclist in View

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

This cyclist had just taken in the view from Queen Anne Hill and was taking off on his bike. My hat is off to any rider who can cycle up that steep climb, and by those calf muscles, it looks like he's no stranger to whatever terrain this city might throw his way. This photo is to inspire you to take just one step forward on your new year's resolution. . .whatever it might be. You have a couple days to think about it! ;^)

An Artistic Fence

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

This artistic fencing keeps pedestrians at the park near Pike Place Market. from falling below to the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Farewell

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

The Seattle morning sky echoed the shock and sadness I felt today. Murderers have taken lives suddenly and set in motion reverberations that take lifetimes to quell. Close by here in Washington three generations of family have been killed by one of their own, and half way around the world the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto has left the whole of Pakistani society reeling, and the world grieving. The ripples from such violence touch us all. May those who lost dear ones to violence here and in Pakistan be supported through their grief as they attempt to mend their shattered lives. Our hearts go out to all who are suffering personally from this violence. May love thread its way through and bind up the wounds in so many hearts with truth, justice, and peace.

Not Quite the Rooftops of Paris

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Looking from Capitol Hill southwest toward downtown Seattle, the golden onion domes of St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral add a dash of spice to the flat rooftop scene in view. Rain today that wants to be snow, but isn't succeeding.

Paris Daily Photo Under the Tree

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Here's a little something that was under our tree here in Seattle, much to my delight! Now I can start the new year off with Eric's wonderful images of Paris and not even have to turn on the computer! If you'd like to see a photo of our family's official gift inspector at work and a bit of our "white Christmas" snow, click on my More Seattle Stuff page. Happy Boxing Day everyone!

My Favorite Part of Christmas

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Wishing all who celebrate it in the Daily City Photo family a lovely Christmas, and to everyone, peace and good health in the new year ahead. This is my family's favorite Advent tradition. There is something so moving about a single flame being passed slowly, candle to candle in a darkened space, soft whispers of love echoing person to person as the light grows brighter and beautiful songs arise from the people illuminated by nothing but the flame. Christmas Eve, late at night, waiting in the dark among dear friends.

Death Cab for Cutie Christmas?

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

A topiary trips the light fantastic. . .this giant bush in front of a nondescript Ballard bungalow has been sculpted into the shape of a larger than life-sized classic car, then adorned with Christmas lights. The rims, outlined in moving white lights, appear to rotate, just like spinners on the road. I thought of this band because one of its members was rumored to live on the same street as this ultimate example in green vehicles.

Symmetry

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

These doors were so lovely that I focussed on them rather than the large and distinctive octagonal church structure behind them. This building, designed 81 years ago by one of Seattle's most notable architects, Harlan Thomas, was the home of the Seventh Church of Christ, Scientist until this fall. It was under threat of demolition until a 270 member Church of Christ congregation was able to purchase it this fall. The neighborhood is very glad that the structure will remain in lieu of four private homes that were proposed for the site.

So Long

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Dang. I just noticed that the Croc is closed, just suddenly "lights down you up and die" gone. Big blow to up and comers in Seattle's thriving live music scene. I would have never guessed this would happen to this particular Belltown venue, which seemed to my untrained eyes and tuned in ears to be a way going concern. So long Crocodile Cafe.

First Night of Winter

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

In the deep darkness of a cold night this cheerful interior beckoned to be noticed as I was on Phinney Ridge. I didn't see a business sign, but the proprietors of this new (maybe Greek?) deli/cafe seemed busy.

New Orleans for Christmas

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

No worries, you're still in Seattle. It's just that the Five Spot restaurant on Queen Anne Hill is featuring New Orleans style cuisine in its ever rotating lineup of regional American cooking. They've dressed their windows with New Orleans figures for the occasion, and added lighted nativity figures, Santas and Christmas lights outside as well. Just beyond is Olympia Pizza which sits where the old Counterbalance streetcar line reached the top of the steep grade.

Santa's Live Helper

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

I didn't see the pooch on the porch when I was walking by and took this shot. That pup blended into the seasonal display so well, I thought it was part of the decorations! It saw me, though ;^)

It's In the Details

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Everyone seems to be shopping in downtown Seattle right now. There are so many people and so much activity, one might miss small details all about in the rush leading up to Christmas. These are the door handles on the glass entryway of the upscale Saint John Knits store in downtown Seattle. I noticed the handles form the letters S J, and are reversed on the interior side. I probably would have walked right by myself, except that longtime friends of mine are in the family that founded SJK, so when the name registered, I stopped to take a look at the sophisticated clean lines of the store. It was only then that my eyes made sense of the handles. Wishing everyone small moments of discovery in this busy week!

Oaxaca Photo Wall

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

La Carta Oaxaca (pronounced wa-HOCK-ah) serves a zillion kinds of tequilas and, wonderful regional cooking of this Mexican state. It's always jammed, and often has a line of folks outside waiting for a table. The decor features hundreds of quality photos on the walls, some illuminated (this is one of my faves). On historic Ballard Avenue near NW Market. You won't find grande platters of Americano-style Mexican combos with rice and refrieds, but you WILL have the opportunity to sample small plates of delicious regional specialties. Don't let your kids say "hockalugi" in there. In fact, leave them HOME--its a great date night or meet friends out kind of place.

Silence

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

From the few snippets of news I've heard, the Fun Forest amusement area at the base of the Space Needle will lose its lease and be closed in 2009. It has faced steady economic losses, and there has been a movement afoot to revitalize the area. Think 60s kitschy, tacky, noisy low tech fun for kids. Think bumper cars and tilt a whirls. Not only will the ferris wheel and other spinning delights be silent, they will become fond ghosts in the collective memory.

Blue Ridge Tree Deco

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

When lights are plentiful, but ladders are few, concentrating the bulbs on the trunks of trees alone can prove effective for the amateur home holiday decorator. I think these red and white bulb wrapped trees in the Blue Ridge neighborhod might be an attempt at Candy Canes. I liked the simplicity.

The Night Is As Bright As The Day

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

On the northeast slope of Queen Anne Hill I was passing the graveyard to my left and off to my right ahead by the beam of the streetlight I saw an extension ladder beyond the fence reaching up into the darkness, seemingly unsupported by anything at all. A ladder into the night sky, beckoning for at least a look.

Lamplit & Sparkley

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Coming home to a classic 1920's Seattle apartment building at Christmastime has its charm. On gray days its been dark before five o'clock, so the cheery lights work a little magic.

Deja Vu All Over Again

Photo & Text Copyright 2007 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

A vintage 50s apartment building with a 40s classic car in the foreground (check out the "eyebrow"!) would almost look like a period photo if I threw it into black & white, if not for the uber typical present day Subaru w/sport roof carrier in the shot.