07.12.08 I Can See Clearly Now…
The woman next to me on the plane said that upon arriving in Seattle with a Ryder truck full of her life, she decided the number of days she saw blue sky. According to her, the sky wasn’t cloud-filled only six days that first year. “When I’m not depressed I just love it,” she said.
After Ben and I got our bags and rented our car we drove for an hour under a big blue sky, surrounded by naked Christmas trees, the greenest grass and snowcapped mountains in the distance. It may only look like this six days out of the year but I think those six days are worth living under a blanket of gray mist the other 359.
I’ve played Washington four other times, which were rainy or deeply overcast. But this weekend, so far, is just plain beautiful. I don’t know how someone could wake up to this scenery and not wonder Who made it. And if you’re a coffee drinker? Bonus. Down the street from our hotel is a Target with a Starbucks in it, a Starbucks in the parking lot, a Starbucks across the street and another in the Safeway next door. And that’s not counting the non-Starucks options. With all that expresso flowing you’d think Washingtonians would be rather hyped up jittery people -or I’d think that - but the opposite is true. Lots of slow moving flip flops, laid back “heeeeeeeey"s and easy conversation.
Last night, for instance, I played under a little yellow tent for about fifty of the most easy-going people (They sponsored 10 kids). The sound guy’s running late? No problem. They forgot some cables and other gizmos we sorta need for making, you know, sound? Ahh, we’ll think of somethin’.
It’s a nice surprise but the chilled outlook coupled with all the outdoorsy recreation options around these parts? I’m not sure much actually gets done around here. I’m pretty sure the local industry in Arlington, Washington is enjoying yourself. How on earth is this part of the country responsible for churning out so many serial killers? What are they so angry about? They must drink decaf.
Amy said:
I love that area. I’d love to see some green! (only brown here in socal)
My dad grew up there and I just don’t think any place has ever compared for him....even though he’s lived all over the country now. They always tried to go back.
rachel said:
they might drink decaf ... or, they might be addicted. i work at the bux, and i know what people are like before they get their caffeine fix.
anon4him said:
hmm… perhaps it’s what Starbucks does to someone versus the other coffee places
Jenn said:
It is true our summers here make the months of endless rain and heavy clouds worth it. There is something about the colours of the landscape when the sun does come out - I tried to explain that to Shawn yesterday - everything is so much more vibrant than in Florida. Given our odds of rain it will likely rain in Vancouver when he’s here - so I guess he’ll have to take my word for it.
As to the Starbucks thing - I think we use it up here to make us those relaxed people. Something in the water or what have you but everyone seems uptight and cranky without it here, after a good latte the world is fine.
Shawn Bashor said:
They are so laid back there because everyone is on an antidepressant because the weather ten months a year will drive you to kill yourself or someone else. This makes them a little more apathetic than normal. Laid back, apathetic, it’s all the same right?
Krista said:
Welcome to our side of the country! Glad you like it! Now next time you’ll have to drive over those mountains and see what’s on the other side!
Katherine said:
Oh… I lived in Seattle for four years and would go back in a heartbeat… it is so beautiful. But, please, sir, do not just drink Starbuck’s while you’re there! Seattle-ites are far more fond of their mom and pop shops. Or at least find a Cafe Ladro. But enjoy, there is nothing better than western Washington in the summer.
Elizabeth said:
Jenn is right--the summer makes everything worth it here. SO beautiful...I love it! (And we’ve had at least six straight days of sun this week.)
steph said:
score another one for the pacific northwest!
said:
I wish I had checked your site earlier, I can’t believe I just missed you being in WA. Well please do come back and check out the other side of the mountains. We only get rain about 9 days a year (where I’m at) and if we want the green we can take a quick hop up the mountains or over. I spent most of my life on the west side and when the weather was good there was no place I’d rather be...but there are years when the gray can really get you down, but nothing a good mid-winter vacation couldn’t cure! I moved to the east side a year ago though and I must say I’m enjoying all the sunshine!
Ben Stewart said:
Seattle,
I miss you and hope to see you again soon. Thanks for the hospitality and beauty.
Cycle Clothing said:
Its true, the weather has a great effect on mood. I couldnt stand living in London but somewhere too hot wouldnt be good either. You should come visit New Zealand in the summer!
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