Beautiful picture of Seattle (my pretty city)

Thought provoking and so true...

"I do my thing and you do your's. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, then it is beautiful. If not, it can't be helped" - Gestalt Prayer

I heard on the radio the other day that we tend to cycle through friendships every seven years. I thought back to where I was and who the most meaningful people in my life were seven years ago, and that made sense. It's amazing how as we grow, we learn what we want out of life and the people in it. I've learned that it's crucial to surround yourself with positive people in order to keep positive yourself. It's sad when you lose a friend or relationship but it's important to consider, was this person a positive influence on my life? Did they build me up and make me a better person? Did they motivate me to succeed and grow? As I creep my way towards 30 this next year, these are the questions I'm going to ask myself. I no longer wish to be around people who don't have my best interests at heart and I hope I can continue to treat the people in my life with dignity, care and respect. It's hard to weed out the bad influences but eventually, it seems to happen naturally, and always for the best.  

https://www.lot18.com/i/janelle345259

https://www.lot18.com/i/janelle345259

Check out this great new site I found. Pick your city and get deals on select local wines from both well established and new boutique wineries. I just purchased the sleek stemless Riedel glasses.

Great value for some of the best wines out there and shipping is included in the cost!!

Seafair

There is an event in Seattle that we sun-starved citizens anticipate with all our beings, hoping against hope all year long that the clouds will part for those three endless days of boating, music, blue angels, boat races, and barbecues. We are famous for asking ourselves every April, will we see summer this year? We hold our breaths in anticipation and check the weather incessantly for the tiniest bit of yellow between the clouds. This year, Steve Pool (semi-trusted local news weather guy) promised us an endless supply of warmth and clear blue skies- he was partly right. We were fortunate to have two days of sun peeking through the clouds (For Steve's sake, let's just pretend Friday never happened) Saturday and Sunday were beautiful enough and thanks to Kris and Captain Ron, Seafair with new friends was fun and memorable...  

SEAFAIRS PAST...

2008 brought us the first good summer I've seen in Seattle since I moved here in 2003... 

My first real taste of Seafair, being out in the middle of Lake Washington with Blue Angels flying low over our heads. So close your body shakes! Thanks Eric and Dino for "Boasting" a great weekend complete with costumes (my favorite being Spongebob), mullet wigs, and Bloody Marys.

Seafair 2009 brought the hottest and clearest summer we've had yet. I met so many new friends and will never forget the fun we had on Blake's yacht (RIP). It's amazing how Seattle has such a "small-town" city feel. Our little social group must have tripled in size that year and I am so grateful for all the new friends and relationships made...

And now, for our sad little story of 2010 (sigh) Seattleites will never forget the summer that never was. Clouds for the 4th, rain for Seafair, a dark autumn starting in September. Needless to say, our little city was quiet and solemn during this time. There were a few exceptions of those brave souls that stood up to the weather Gods and departed on wet boats with rain slickers, umbrellas and bottles of vodka in hand to celebrate not the sun, or the summertime, but life in general. You can always count on Seattle for that. One of the reasons why I love this great city. Can't wait for next year!!

Pioneer Square

My new issue of Seattle Met came in the mail. I'm always so eager to delve into this mag and learn more about my city (yes, I call it MY city). There was a really interesting article about Pioneer Square, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Seattle. I remember when I first moved here that P Square was the most happening area to hang out, eat, see live music, and go clubbing. I remember frequenting "The New Orleans Cafe" http://www.neworleanscreolerestaurant.com/

to see the greatest blues bands and relax with an eclectic group of people. This place had the most amazing Bloody Marys, you know, the kind you could pretty much refer to as a salad. With pickled Okrah (sp?) green beans, celery, onions, bleu cheese stuffed olives, and Jalapenos. Now that I think about it, this is where I tried Okrah for the first time! Sadly, Pioneer Square (like a lot of Seattle neighborhoods) went through a rough patch (see article). Seattleites are now frightened to be there late-night and the only hang-outs left are scary clubs that are best known for finding drugs in a pretty shady crowd. Now, I only go for the great delis (which are mentioned in this article) like Tat's http://tatsdeli.com/

for the best hot pastrami sandwich I've ever had- the "Tatstrami"! I will always miss the old safe Pioneer Square but I am excited they are trying to rebuild and I can't wait to experience the new galleries and Art-Walks to come. I'm rooting for you Pioneer Square!!

       

http://www.seattlemet.com/real-estate/articles/pioneer-square-ecomonic-growth-august-2011/