While we are in Capital Hill

It's not a secret to anyone that knows me how much I adore Capital Hill. When I moved to Seattle in 2004 I found the apartment of my dreams off of Broadway and grew out of ignorance under it's roof. I learned so many things from many people because I invited that change.
Nikki and Sara from The Vajra encouraged my passion for knowledge and healing. The Vajra is located off of Broadway East. I have had many wonderful conversations and learned a lot about essential oils and stones. Sara is a super talented henna artist with impeccable holistic knowledge. Nikki is a compassionate and positively patient woman with who gives tarot readings and is happy to share all her knowledge with you. Just ask and they can point you in the right direction; with candles, inscents, oils or stones. Have faith, don't be ashamed to ask for a little help, if there is something nagging you and you need to find a balance get a reading.
I usually hit up The Vajra after having pho at the Than Brothers which is next door. Service at the Than Bros. is swift, tasty and fulfilling. They don't play around. Walk in, take a seat and enjoy the atmosphere. You are served a yummy cream puff before you ever get to order your pho. I am not a big fan of tripe but I've had the chicken, brisket and the veggie. Have some Ginseng tea or Iced coffee. So good.
The cream puff at Than Bros. is yummy and I like to have mine after I'm all done with my noodles. I've gotta tell you though, I have a bit of a sweet tooth and that little cream puff just doesn't do it for me. Dilettante Mocha Cafe's Dark Emphemere truffle sure does! Dilettante is on the same block, just a few feet away. If I were to choose a box of truffles for you I would choose Madame X, Dark Belgian Marzipan, Kahlua Truffle, Butter Pecan Toffee Rheingold, Cointreau, Hazelnut Gianduia and a few Oregon Hazelnuts. The Mocha Cafe has delicious cakes and other treats. I love the chocolate dipped ginger biscotti but give the Tiramisu or Chocolate Mousse a try. The more you bring the merrier. It gives you the opportunity to all order something different and share :)
I'm sure it's a beautiful day out, just kidding, it's Seattle. But anyway, it could be and it is if you believe. It is Summer. After all the wonderful experiences indoors, a walk down Broadway would be nice. Head over to Volunteer Park. Volunteer Park is located on 1247 15th Ave. E. It has amazing views of the Sound, the mountains and downtown. A walk up 106 steps gets you to the top of the Water Tower observation deck to get some of these spectacular views. While you are walking these gorgeous paths, take a walk through the Conservatory and check out their collection of tropical plants. Admission is free. Volunteer Park is also the home of the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The first Thursday is free. Regular suggested admission is $7 for adults and 12 & under is free.

Wow, there you have it. One of my favorite ways to spend my afternoon.

Here is a link to get you around Seattle. Take the bus.

King County Metro Trip Planner

Time for a nap.

A Few of My Favorite Things

I was listening to one of my most favorite albums ever, Houses of the Holy (by Led Zeppelin, if ya didn't know) and it reminded me of the rituals I've created that make me feel so comfortable and wonderful in my skin. Like putting on Rodrigo y Gabriela and having my first cup of Don Fransisco Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee while I cook breakfast in the morning. Going to the market to stock up on Sandalwood and Sweet Grass and checking out all my favorite places in my own preferred, particular fashion. This weekend I will devote my posts to a few of my favorite things in hopes of you going out and telling me about your experience with my faves.

One of the things that has always made me happy is to spend time in the park. Soaking in the warmth, the laughter and reading a few pages of my book. It's a little hard to concentrate when there is so much happiness happening. I just can't help but to stare with a smile and share all the wonderful energy.

In 2006 Cal Anderson Park was redesigned and transformed into one of the most beautiful parks in Capital Hill. I moved into the neighborhood when it was under construction and used to watch baseball games. It's a great place for the kids to play or cool off in the wading pool on those hot summer days. Take a soccer ball to kick around on the athletic field or take advantage of all the open space to sit, read or play some Frisbee. There is a QFC, Tully's and The Pita Pit is right up the street. It is located off of Broadway Ave on E. Pine and 11Th Ave. I'd recommend checking out The Hugo House across the street. It's a writer's retreat. The Richard Hugo House offers workshops and holds events featuring Local Writers.

http://www.hugohouse.org/

Downtown Seattle is such a good place to get lost. With all the great food, coffee and art, why not? Pike Place Market never lets me down. This all-embracing flavor of quality is a part of me and it couldn't have happened with out the people who represent the market and their yummy invitations.

Cinnamon Works has the most fabulous breads, cookies and cinnamon squares. My favorite is Zucchini bread but they have Carrot too. They have Snicker doodle cookies and Pumpkin too. Oh, yum, yum, yummy, yum, yum! Have a vegan, sugar free or a gluten free cookie, or maybe a muffin or a scone. One of these giants feeds two people. No Joke! It a great grab and go kind of joy. Cafe Vita is another treat you can find and this lovely waterfront bakery.

If you are down for a supreme sweet treat try Le Panier. This french bakery has a grand assortment of pastries; creamy, tart and melt in your mouth buttery. Mm mm... and they serve up a delicious Americano. Unlike Cinnamon works you can sit and enjoy your after lunch or dinner treat or just order up a baguette sandwich, they have lunch too! You may find a seat depending on how busy they are and they usually are. ; )

http://www.lepanier.com/

Enjoy the Weekend and please leave a comment if you have a recommendation for any of my readers. If you'd like me to suggest a fantasy tour of Seattle for you, I would be glad to do that. In fact, I will be including that in my blog next week.

Oh it's crazy! Crazy what?

Accomplishments, yes I have many. I am doing my best, really just doing what I want. So, yes, I am happy with what I have accomplished. Let's start with the crazy cool things I have done in the last 12 months. Learned how to start over, quit with the bad habits because really they don't equal happiness. No,no they don't! I have made great friends, I communicate in a positive way and have even created boundaries. Yup, boundaries are great, my friend. I started a project with a laptop producer and we have written, performed and encouraged each other to share music and have fun. When I get the chance, I network with other aspiring musicians and song-writers doing what ever I can to help even if it's just to listen. This is great, these are actually short-term goals I have accomplished. I wanted to include these methods as a way of life and learn from my mistakes. I can happily say I have. Go V! Rock on Goddess!!! There are also things that I can not change. That is crazy ewwl! It makes me sick to think that these things are not happening fast enough, not as quick as I'd like. But am I doing my best? I could do better. I will do better, while I am doing that I am going to pray, sing and go to school while I praise the Universe. Proudly accepting the fact I am living and I have the opportunity to do all these wonderful things.
Oh yes it is Crazy Cool!

Photo by Shaun Karry
Winter 2008

I Did It

Yes, it's true I did it, with some help of course. I accomplished one of my childhood dreams. I played my first show! I sang my lyrics and performed with one of my most fabulous & talented buddies in the World, Vin. Thank you Vin, you are great!
One of many to come, for sure. My friends came out to support the cause and show some love. I had a great time on stage. It was all so natural.We opened up with Oyo (Vin) performing Uncertainty. Sly was on the side giving me encouragement and reminding me to get the party started.Thanks, Sly. I did what I do best and got people to throw their hands up in the air and clap their hands.It felt great!The coolest thing to see was my head banging rocker friends hollering like the were at a metal show so I gave them a growl on 2 steps behind.LOL Fabulous!
I'd like to suggest to give a few bands a listen. The Second Scene had the pleasure of sharing the stage with two bands STILLSTAND and Veritas. Both bands just rocked out and had a good time which is what truly gets my attention. If you get a chance come out and see STILLSTAND and The Second Scene perform together again on the 13Th of June at La Cantina in Seattle.Thanks to all that made it and have a super fantastic week.

STILLSTAND
www.myspace.com/stillstandoperation

Veritas
www.myspace.com/veritasband

Oyo
www.myspace.com/oyoempire

Mextacy
www.myspace.com/mextacy008

The Helio Sequence- Keep Your Eyes Ahead 2008

The Pacific Northwest has some truly talented individuals rockin' out.That had a lot to do with where I wanted to live when I grew up. Hands down it had to be Seattle, Washington. I am certain I was not the only one who though the same.
Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel are The Helio Sequence from Beverton, Oregon, this two man group signed to Sub Pop found a special place in my heart. Now, I know I say this is my favorite song a lot, yeah, well it is, for the next five minutes like my boyfriend would say. No, seriously this album hooked me from beginning to end. Although I love all ten tracks on Keep Your Eyes Ahead. If you haven't given them a listen check out "Lately" and "Can't Say No". Check out their website because I know they are on tour with Keane, who is another favorite of mine. Don't be sorry like I was for missing out.
I would like to give a special thanks to KEXP's Song of the Day Podcast for introducing me to this lovely indie band and many other songs I am so fond of. Mom, you too. She bought the album for me and when we found out we both loved this band we talked and talked about it.Yes, thank you both!
Now go out and have a listen!

www.subpop.com/artists/the_helio_sequence

Staying In

I celebrate life everyday, blessed to be a female, to be loved, respected and decisive. Lately, I have been hard on myself. Sometimes I say negative things about my life that are not true. Why? Because sometimes I am uncomfortable and unable to deal with the natural rhythm of my life.I let myself think. Oh and you know, you can get carried away if you let yourself.
I do what I can to make things happen. Now, I just need to let them happen. I pray, I create, I worship and praise my Creator, my Moon ,and Prana. Growing up was rough. I had to learn all over again. I had to teach myself how to be a respected individual, be responsible and learn to be positive.Yes, it all began a few years back. So I am like a new born in my adult years.
Realizing the truth about people you care about can be difficult. My biggest and toughest struggle has been dealing with my father. I love him but I can't change him or anything he has done. I can't make it right for him or anyone else. I can only for me. But I can be your sunshine, I can do that.
I am growing older and some of the things that were important to me just aren't anymore. I no longer want to make anyone's problem my problems.But,I wanna help them stay strong and positive. It doesn't mean I love them any less but really, why do I want that energy. I am sensitive enough to begin with and I have been this way for as long as I can remember. I have worked on not being so much so,now. I can't believe I ever wanted to be in the first place. This must be because of my desire to want everything to work out, be okay, be alright.
I am only going to be me. A wonderful, positive, encouraging connoisseur of life. Tonight I am going to spend the holiday away from the bar. I am going to cook a traditional dish and have a glass of wine. I'm going to make a toast to you, Universe.

Hello Universe, I feel so much better and I must give thanks to Mother Nature and the Stinging Nettle for all their wonderful benefits. I had Nettle tea while I read my book last night. When I was done reading I meditated and gave thanks to all the wonderful herbs that were created under the Sun and the Moon for us to heal our bodies.I woke up without that awful cough that's been the center of my pain for the last few days. RELIEVED! It's amazing to have the joy you experience after a bad experience. You have a desire to conquer and make all the wrongs, right. You have a new attitude and a strong sense of passion to live a lovely life. Yay,I said I wanted to feel better sooner than later and I do! I do!

Another thing I love to do is share. It is my birth month and there is lots to check out. Here are a few shows happening in Seattle.


High Ceiling
May 1 2009 9:00P
SPRINGFEST Shelton, Washington


Vast Void
May 9 2009 9:00P
The Monkey Pub Seattle University District, Washington

Indecisive Rhythm
May 14 2009 9:00P
Ms. Rhythm’s Birthday Bash/Costume Party at the Funhouse w/Perfume, Ripspacer & All Bets On Death Seattle



I will have more for you to check out. My band is playing on the 16th. Details will be posted soon.

Have a great weekend!