When I knew I was headed to the Emerald City, I knew where I wanted to stay, Hotel 1000, and what I wanted to do, rest and do things that make me happy. I have learned when my batteries are drained rest is essential but it's not the only essential. I have found joy to Jumpstart My Heart faster than anything.
One of my BFF's (I am blessed with several) would be in the City with me but at another hotel with her kids. We planned to meet up off and on. We had a list of things we wanted to do, visit my favorite SAM, Seattle Art Museum, and she wanted to see the Frank Gehry building the EMP, Experience Music Project. Those were on the top of the list. I also let a couple new friends know I was coming into the City and to let me know if they had time to get together.
I drove my car on the ferry. My children were in the loving and capable hands of their family and I could feel the relief surrounding me. I was off duty. 24 hour duty for 25 days straight with only a few breaks being a trip alone to the grocery store is emotionally and physically exhausting. By the time I dropped off my BFF & kids and checked into my room, the sky was a dark midnight blue, the last shades of light fading. It was gorgeous with an accent of neon on the Seattle Wheel. I felt so blessed to be surrounded with beauty. The room was gorgeously interior designed, something I only know from Architectural Digest or the movies. The tub looked like a slice of heaven on earth.
I ordered dinner and filled the tub. I watched Keeping Up with the Kardashians. It was so relaxing. I had plans to meet up with my BFF in the morning and new friend #1 in the afternoon to head to the Museum. I fell asleep feeling so grateful. The storm had been long. I had steered my canoe expertly through the rough waves until the storm lasted too long and I couldn't keep up anymore. I was able to keep my head above the water until rescue arrived. And finally I was relieved, being warmed up and drying out.
I slept well and I slept in for me. Waking up with the light shining brightly through a small opening in the curtains. After ordering breakfast and a peaceful and pampering quick trip to the Spa to get a brow wax, I was headed out the door to meet the BFF and go explore Seattle. I caught a taxi up to their hotel. (Westin, don't recommend it, too many hidden charges and very light on the customer service) We took the monorail to the Seattle Center, passing by the stunning building of the EMP.
I love how out of the box Frank Gehry's work is. I'm only familiar with two. The Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto that I visited in 2009. And the EMP which I have only seen in passing. The AGO I could sit and watch for ages it seemed like. How did he curve wood? The non-square shapes were fascinating. It was soul stirring. The EMP just amazes me, the rainbow of colors and the forms of metal are again fascinating, how does he do this? Talk about learning from a Master... I love living life out of the box! Being true to myself and to my spiritual beliefs and not conforming to what we are sold on TV every minute of the day.
As we all voted what to do, Chihuly Glass and Garden won. I loved how the path starts with the Indigenous influences, traditional woven baskets sit next to glass that seems to imitate the shape and design. A wall full of Pendleton blankets is stunning. I want one!!! And the portraits and pictures of historical Indigenous life. For me, being Alaska Native and feeling protective of the First Nations rights to our Homeland, when others honor our rights, our Ancestral heritage and our place in today's world, I feel grateful and included and respected. Again this artist thinks outside the box he takes glass and makes objects that seem to be alive.
I left my BFF at the Collections Cafe, grabbed some gluten free Kabobs from the Center House and headed out on the monorail for my next scheduled meet up. Fries with hummus was a delicious first! The sun was shining brightly, I had to wear shades. It was a beautiful gift of warmth and light after the long storm that had brought me to me knees.
To be continued....
