In Which I Go Over the Mountain to See What I Can See

Today I drove East and kept driving East to see what I could see. Eventually, I passed a sign that said "SNOQUALMIE FALLS NEXT EXIT." Just the type of thing I was looking for. So I flicked my turn signal on and drove out past some brand new developments, eventually reaching the falls. The tourists were out in full force; Indian families browsing through postcards in the gift shop, Asian teenagers taking picture after picture, old people in wheelchairs, and toddlers chasing each other underfoot.

I couldn't believe my luck to have stumbled onto something so incredible. 268 feet of roaring water freefalling to the river below, 100 feet higher than Niagra Falls. The Salish Lodge & Spa is perched right at the edge, settled among pines and deciduous trees just beginning to change into fall colors. I took some photos that I'll post if they turn out and if I ever finish this roll.

Past the falls, the road wound down to Highway 203 -- flat and sunny fields of corn and flowers. I wanted to drive slowly to appreciate the country, but had to zoom uncomfortably fast past vegetable stands and pick-your-own blueberries farms.

On my way back, I happened upon the Railway Museum at 4:59 (it closed at 5), but the old disintegrating rail cars outside were interesting to look at and read about. They used to transport animals like sheep in those slated box cars (the slats were for ventilation because so many animals died in the enclosed cars). It was expected that 6-9% of your "product" would be lost in transit (as in, die), but once refrigerated cars (the "reefers") became common, it was more economical to just transport the meat instead of the whole doomed animal.

The Heart Grows Fonder

I miss Emily so much. I know we haven't even lived in the same city for the past three years, but I never realized how often I text and call her until she's in a foreign country. With today's technology, goodbye is never goodbye. It's goodbye until I text you tomorrow or call you next week or update my facebook or go on Skype tonight. When lil' superheroine returns from rescuing sea turtles and touring coffee plantations and who knows what else, she's going to have like four e-mails from me. I doubt she'll read them, but it makes me feel better to get my thoughts out there -- like how they say to keep a journal and just write even if it's incoherant. Sorry, Emily. Maybe you're my substitute journal.

Bambino

Give 'Em the Ol' Razzle Dazzle

I have about a week to prepare for "Chicago" auditions. Haven't picked or memorized a monologue yet, haven't decided on a song, still need to write up my resume. To say that I'm a little nervous for my first musical audition in almost eight years is the understatement of the century. And to make it worse, I inadvertently scheduled my audition right after my incredibly talented co-worker (girl funded her travels by entering and winning karaoke contests whenever she was running low on cash, for heaven's sake!). I just need to buckle down. At least I have a headshot now. Not to sound vain, but I'm going to credit the photographer (me), the model (me), and the photo-editor (me+Microsoft Digital Image) for making it look a bit more than something that was taken with a digital point-and-shoot camera sitting on the floor of a dirty apartment after having just woken up. I just wish I didn't seem to be channeling the left eye of ol' wonky-eye in her latest mug shot.

To Read...

I've been watching "The Cosby Show" fairly religiously lately. It makes for good happy dreams before bedtime (but then I follow it up by reading Dracula, so...).

I came across this pre-zany sweater photo of Bill Cosby and his wife, Camille Hanks. I love it.




























He actually looks quite dashing, and I love the way she's looking at him in this. So sweet.

Another Dog

I just couldn't resist re-posting. Look at the sweet little face. I die!

(from Needle + Thread)

Pretty sure I've seen this little dude around Ballard...

I Want to Get a Dog!

Chihuahua/Dauchshund mix. Look how cute: