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Under the shelter of my umbrella I wandered past provincial homes with wide porches and rippling American flags. In my meandering I came across the home of an artisan. The kind, old man’s eyes crinkled as he smiled and invited me in to his minuscule shop. A roaring fire warmed us as he showed me carvings, leather-works, and pieces of furniture that he had lovingly created. Despite the charming craftsmanship of the objects, what caught my eye in the store was a large slumbering dog. The old, golden fellow was sprawled across a bench, perched above a lit rack of un-chewed leather slippers. The owner fondly told me that the retriever’s name was Crafty. It was almost as though we could see into his dreams; reveries of new shoes to chew on. I kindly thanked the man for sharing, let the peaceful canine sleep, and moved on. - Sean
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Canon MP560 series

Under the shelter of my umbrella I wandered past provincial homes with wide porches and rippling American flags. In my meandering I came across the home of an artisan. The kind, old man’s eyes crinkled as he smiled and invited me in to his minuscule shop. A roaring fire warmed us as he showed me carvings, leather-works, and pieces of furniture that he had lovingly created. Despite the charming craftsmanship of the objects, what caught my eye in the store was a large slumbering dog. The old, golden fellow was sprawled across a bench, perched above a lit rack of un-chewed leather slippers. The owner fondly told me that the retriever’s name was Crafty. It was almost as though we could see into his dreams; reveries of new shoes to chew on. I kindly thanked the man for sharing, let the peaceful canine sleep, and moved on.


- Sean

Lullaby for Seattle

Tender is the summer night

That holds the town in warm embrace

Caressing empty roads that sleep beneath

The gentle glow of streetlights

 

Flecks of silver adorn the sky

Twinkling heavenly fireflies

From their distant lofty sanctuary

They watch over the slumbering city

 

Tree branches court the evening wind

Bowing deeply to their breezy suitors

On empty streets they twirl and dance

To the crickets’ nighttime serenade

 

Somewhere deep within the Sound

The water’s residents rest tired fins

Beneath waves that stir the serene surface

The orcas sing their twilight lullabies 

 

Ships who glide across the bays

Nestle into dockside beds

The waves cradle their softened hulls

As they are gently rocked to sleep

 

Towers that scratch the darkening sky

Shed their variety of vibrant hues

To meld into a single entity

A solitary black silhouette

 

And the city deeply breathes a sigh

As windows shut their silken eyelids

The rush of day may fade away

Leaving tranquility in its wake

 

Tender is the summer night

Who brings sweet dreams to this tired town

She tucks it in and bids good-night

To the sleeping city by the sea

 

- Sean

Nantucket Winter The malicious sand whipped across the beach; a thousand tiny flecks of gold that danced in the bitter wind and stung my cheek. I crept through the swaying reeds over the frigid dune. Through my antiquated film camera I peered at my target: a wooden lifeguard station abandoned for the winter. Icy waves white with froth lapped near the base of the structure. The choppy waters of the Atlantic swirled far into the distance. Clouds rolling across the sky were dark with the looming promise of an approaching storm. The entire scene was painted in somber shades of gray, as though the beach were mourning the long-forgotten summer. I clicked the shutter.  - Sean
Zoom Info
Camera
Canon MP560 series

Nantucket Winter

The malicious sand whipped across the beach; a thousand tiny flecks of gold that danced in the bitter wind and stung my cheek. I crept through the swaying reeds over the frigid dune. Through my antiquated film camera I peered at my target: a wooden lifeguard station abandoned for the winter. Icy waves white with froth lapped near the base of the structure. The choppy waters of the Atlantic swirled far into the distance. Clouds rolling across the sky were dark with the looming promise of an approaching storm. The entire scene was painted in somber shades of gray, as though the beach were mourning the long-forgotten summer. I clicked the shutter. 

- Sean

The Transient Seattle Sun

After months of dreary longing the sun has alighted upon the Pacific Northwest. As her beams skip across the surface of Lake Washington in a shimmering dance, the Seattleites cautiously venture out from the safety of their coffee shops to welcome this unfamiliar presence. As she shines down on the gloomy city she illuminates the needles of evergreens and the damp alleyways, bringing new life to the city on the Sound.

As someone with allergies I’ll admit that I do harbor some animosity toward plants, yet as the sun caresses each new leaf and bloom I can’t help but be amazed as the world gleams with fluorescent hues. The sun awakens our despondent city and makes it vibrant, lustrous, and utterly alive. Perhaps her revitalizing presence will help us to forget the melancholy months, and forgive her for her extended absence. 

When the summer finally arrives and the sun turns her blazing face toward the Emerald city, I wonder if she too is amazed by what her sister, the rain, has accomplished. While we may at times feel bitterness toward the rain, it is she who is the artist behind the natural masterpiece that the sun merely highlights. So perhaps she enables us to love these summer days. For after all, the only way to truly appreciate the sun is if you know the rain. 

- Sean

Life Under an Umbrella

Living in Seattle I’ve come to find that the rain is both a blessing and a curse. The curse aspect is perhaps more obvious, as the weather stops us Seattleites from experiencing a variety of joys including: spending time outside, tanning our pasty skin, and wearing dry clothing. And yet, the rain also does something magical for Seattleites. When the heavens bring forth their airborne floods we find ourselves seeking refuge together. Whether it be while grabbing a warm cup of coffee, seeking a dry minute in a local bookstore, or sharing an umbrella with a kindhearted stranger, the rain enables us to share a few special moments with one another. So perhaps the rain is a blessing. This watery common enemy has become a part of our culture, it defines the way we act, and ultimately, it brings us together. 

I hope that you enjoy reading this blog, the story of my life attending UW here in Seattle. May you too may discover the charm of living life under an umbrella. 

- Sean

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