Seattle

The first photo is the view of Seattle from the area where I used to live - West Seattle.  The rest are from the famous (for a reason) Pike's Place Market.


I didn't end up taking nearly as many photos as I thought I would.  I found once I got there I was in the mood to experience the city without a camera in my face.  Do you ever have days like that?


It just felt that having the camera in my hand meant that I wasn't fully experiencing everything around me - and as much as I wanted the memories the photo would bring, I wanted to feel every bit of being back there more.


I had a conversation with a friend last week about doing things solo - for the most part I love it.  I have no problem going to the movie, traveling or even going out to eat solo - but I haven't yet worked up the nerve to go to a concert on my own.  Which stopped me from going to one Saturday night just down the street from my hotel to listen to one of my favorites, Mindy Smith.  I wanted to go, but just couldn't work up the nerve.  What about you - would you be up for a solo concert?

Speaking of concerts - anyone out there, Utah based, and interested in a Ray LaMontagne concert in June?

Here's one of my favorites from Mindy Smith One Moment More
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Pak Chiang Mai

Thanks to a recommendation from a co-worker, I stumbled across a fantastic hotel for my stay in Thailand. The Pak Chiang Mai - a small boutique style hotel, just the type of place I like to stay.  No big name chain, just lots of personalized service, attention to detail, great location and amazing breakfast.

My room was beautiful and the bed was heavenly - I honestly haven't slept that well in months.  I fell in love with the bathroom and am now thinking Thai style when I finally save up enough money to remodel my Master Bath.

There were plenty of great areas throughout the hotel to sit and relax (not that I did much sitting around on this trip.)  I'd like to come back for a longer visit and spend an entire day lazing around the various courtyards.

I love it when hotels really get the details right and this place did.  From the colorful pillows all around the property, to the hand embroidered coasters, to the do not disturb sign and finally to the hangers.  But best of all was the amazing staff who answered my every question and made sure my every need was met.

On the plane home last night I listened to a great Mindy Smith song, Surface.

Life is hard, why do we make it so hard

It's already hard, why do we make it so hard

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Gandhi

Today was a national holiday in India, a day to celebrate the birth and life of Gandhi. In his honor, here are a few of my favorite of his words:

• Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
• In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.
• Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
• When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always.
• You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.
• You must be the change you want to see in the world.

I discovered Mindy Smith when I found her first CD in the free music bin at the SSC (Starbucks.) I've loved her ever since. Her "Peace at Mind" is a beautiful song, a perfect choice for Gandhi's birthday and a time in life when we could all use a little peace of mind.

I need peace of mind
and gentle hand
as I try to change
the way I am
and God forgives me
when I can't
I need peace of mind
and a gentle hand

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