Sunny Days in Seattle

The past couple of days have been absolutely beautiful--a rarity this time of year. Monday smelled like summer! I set out on a walk as soon as I got home from work with objectives in mind. One, to see if I could handle going on a long walk in a maxi skirt--I plan on wearing them all the time this summer. Two, to take pictures--I'm seriously lacking in this department of late. Three, to stretch out my legs and get a spot of exercise.

I loved seeing people out and about taking in the evening sun--families with kids on bikes with training wheels, moms power walking, kids playing baseball.

Walks in the suburbs may not be incredibly inspiring such as those in the city, but they are more peaceful. Less cars, less crouds, but also less material for photos. But there are more smiles and salutations exchanged. The air is fresher with scents of flowering trees, and on this particular evening, the clink of softballs hitting metal bats.

Walking by a little league game in the nearby park brought back so many memories of my youth. I remember the try-outs, the smell of the grass, the hope that I would be chosen for the best team. I remember the sunflower seeds, the cheers from the dug-out, and the joy of getting a really good hit.

I loved playing softball, and I was proud of my arm. I had a really good one you see. I could throw long distances, and sometimes could out-throw my brother--that really was something to be proud of (he's one of those irritating, natural-born athletes that is awesome at anything he touches). And I was great at bat. There was a certain satisfaction knowing that the other teams recognized me as a power hitter, and would always back up as I came to the plate.

Some of my greatest friendships came from playing softball. I met one of my very best friends, Ilene, when her dad was our softball coach in 4th grade. We stayed friends throughout junior high and high school. We were close through college and often went on walks, played catch, or volleyball. And I'm so grateful that we continue to be friends as we've entered the real world, meeting up for dinner or dropping by her workplace for lovely chats.

Who knew that one lovely evening walk would trigger such nostalgia? Then again, it is me we're talking about.

Hears to memories, friendships, and spring/summer in Seattle!

P.S. Still undecided about the whole 

going-on-walks-in-maxi-skirts thing...

I'll keep you updated. 

Spring...?

Could it be you...?

For the better part of last week and the first part of this one, Mr. Weather had me fooled. Sun? Upper 50s? This is February and Washington State--should that even exist this time of year?

Apparently not.

I was hoodwinked! Good one Mr. Weather. Just as I was putting away my heavy coat and warm layers, we're now back to the typical rain and gray. What was I thinking? It is February and I live in Seattle.

(It's so hard going back to rainy weather appropriate

 clothes when one has already vowed not to wear

 them again until next winter. 

Don't you think?)

At least I wasn't the only one fooled...
These rhodies had the wool pulled over their eyes too!

Rewind Spring

Spring! It exists! 

And has been existing for the better part of a month. I'm smitten by the colors!

 Most of the early spring flowers are gone, but I'm glad I was able to document them. 

Hooray for Spring!

I have a feeling...

 {It's Spring in February!}

Not that tonight's gonna be a good night, as the Black Eye'd Peas sing, but that this year is going to be THE  year.

Having turned the grand number of 27 on the 27th of February, this is my birthday year. What that entails, I'm not entirely sure, but as my friend Connie has told me, it is destined to be full of  luck.

I can handle that. 


And great things have already happened. I'm living in a beautiful part of the country, winter has been spring, I have awesome friends, two dear friends are now married, and I've landed my dream job which I'll be starting the beginning of May. I don't think it can get much better than that, but you know, if it does, I won't complain.

Here's to birthday years, especially this one!

Is it summer?

Or is it just me?

Today it hit a remarkable 72 degrees. Quite unheard of for this town that is known for gray skies, and miserable rain all winter and spring long.

The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and the sweet smell of flowers is permeating the air. I definitely had an extra bounce in my step on my walk home from the bus stop.

With the coming of warmer weather, I couldn't listen to the same ol' tunes. Funny how that happens. Does anyone else have different songs or playlists that they listen too for the different seasons? Well I sure do. Today it was a random mixture of Lady Gaga, Blonde Redhead, The Bird and the Bee, Passion Pit and The Temper Trap.

What are you listening too?

Spring!!!!

Spring is HERE!!! And the beautiful flowers shown above is evidence that warmer weather actually exists. I found myself in DC one cold and blustery morning (around 7:00) and decided to take a gander at the famous cherry blossoms by the Tidal Basin. I walked around the city for three hours (I needed the exercise) and of course ended up at my favorite monument....the Jefferson. I don't know what it is about this monument. It could quite possibly be the setting. actually that really is why I love it. It's so peaceful and secluded. And I have amazing memories there from years past. And Jefferson was pretty awesome!

Anyways, as I was strolling around the Tidal Basin and trying to keep my balance and not fall in (the wind was incredibly strong, let me tell you), I had a lovely time observing others around me enjoy the blossoms. And I must admit, I still have a soft spot in my heart for Asian tourists. They just make me happy.

I hope you enjoy my pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them!