A Weekend to Remember

Downtown Seattle View from the 35th Floor
Photographer:  Korliss Sewer



Our family has a tradition of spending a weekend in Seattle for the Christmas holiday. However, due to training on my part, we had an abbreviated but lovely Saturday at Pike Place Market. We were a little unconventional this time around as we didn't just concentrate on the shops and restaurants, but visiting with some of the street musicians and performers that frequent the market. We had a caricature made by one of them of the entire family which I will soon frame and display in our home.


After dropping off our daughters, my husband took me around Tacoma to take night time photos. This is the first time I've had the opportunity to go shoot certain locations because I don't feel safe taking photos after dark. Snagged some really cool photos, too! Award-winning, I might add.  :-D

We headed to the Westin for a little couple time. It started pouring as we made our way to the valet parking feeling secure we would be comfy in our suite shortly. We pulled up to the curb just to find out the valet lot was full, and we had to park our own vehicle off the property. Dang-blanged fools wouldn't even park our ride. So at 10 p.m. in the pouring rain we find a lot, pay $24, and then drag our bag across the street like a little run-away boy to the hotel lobby. A slip of a girl worked behind the desk: I decided to ask her about the parking situation (or lack thereof). She looked a wee bit afraid, so I let it go.

We have a grand view of downtown Seattle from the 35th floor, and again, I score some excellent shots. A little alcohol later we fall asleep, just to be awakened at 3 a.m. by a WILD party in the next room over. Drunken 20-somethings making all sorts of noise dancing and singing. Half asleep, I call the lobby to lodge a complaint. They say they have security coming up shortly. Well, 20 minutes later there was no security, so I put my clothes are to confront the front desk. Guess who's still on duty? (lol) She busied herself as I stood and stared at her with braided hair peeking beneath my hood. Finally, security shows up, and I tell them about the wild party. We go upstairs, and they shoo away the partygoers, leaving the couple behind that originally rented the room.

Back to sleep I fall 'til 5 p.m. LOTS of mad humpin' going on against our headboard. Sounded like homeboy was going to slam her through the wall into our bed. I'm like, damn, can you keep it down! I couldn't even take care of my business with them taking care of theirs! (LMBAO) According to my husband, these two were going at it around 12:30 a.m. which originally woke him up, and then the party started around 2 a.m. Damned kids!

Time for check-out, and I'm exhausted. No real resolution to the poor service from this hotel.  But all in all, the weekend was a good one.  We're securing another weekend get-away to make up for this fiasco. But it won't be at the Westin, that's for sure!



rainwriter jones

The Gift of Thrift

L.A. Sellin' & Tellin'

Photography by rainwriter jones

The thrift store (or charity shop) was once condemned as a place where only poor folks would tread: now they're all the rage in even the wealthier communities. My first experience with bargain shopping was back when I was a mere lass (well, not so young, 12-ish) when the very first Value Village opened within walking distance of my house. It smelled kind of musty with the toss-offs of clothing, furniture, and knick-knacks from God knows who: but it smelled like paradise to a cheap-o like me! Mind you, I'll spend top dollar for something that "calls my name," but for everyday clothes? The cheaper the better! I remember I purchased a lovely sky blue cashmere sweater for $.25! I wish I still had it, but it is long-gone (probably someone else's thrift store find). And seeing as though this was a reduction from the $.50 price 'cause it was half off that day?? LUXURY!!

Yesterday I had to spend a little more than I wanted heading to Goodwill instead. My favorite items are sweaters, purses, men's jeans and sweaters (none of that prissy ladies sweaters), vintage clothing, and teacups. I scored two of the latter for $.69. Of course they match as they are the love ritual cups for our morning joe. :-)

Here I offer some tips for the casual thrift shopper:

1. If you find something interesting but it hasn't "called your name," place it in your shopping cart any way. If it calls to you before you're ready to head to the cash register, buy it. You'll be pissed if you changed your mind, went back for it, and found it riding in someone else's cart.

2. Be frugal. If it costs more than what you think it should, ask if you can get a price reduction. They don't want to deal? Put it back!

3. Keep your mind open as to what you are looking for. Things "call to you" (at least they do for me). It may be a pair of jeans or an antique desk.

4. Bring a vehicle big enough to haul larger items. You don't want to head back home to get the truck to find your item gone.

5. Don't let the pushy thriftshopper budge you from your scouring area. Stand your ground, and cast a glaring eye if necessary.

6. Some of the questionable items that you placed back on the shelf may call your name later. Come back 'round to see if it's still there. If it isn't, it wasn't meant to be yours.

7. Be sure to look for any imperfections BEFORE you purchase. If you can live it 'em, buy it and/or repair it at your leisure.

8. Don't buy it 'cause it's cheap. Buy it 'cause it suits a purpose! You don't want to be deemed as a hoarder! (LMBAO)

9. Go out shopping without adornments: come home with the necklace of your dreams. He'll just figure this is a piece he hasn't seen.

10. Make sure your spouse doesn't see you bring it in. E...A...S...E into the house whilst your significant other is out and about. Like with the adornments, they won't notice that new sofa if you've got a slip cover on it! (LMBAO)

Ummmm....saw a distressed shelving unit yesterday. Heading out to see if it's still there!


rainwriter jones

Child Abuse and the Solo Risk Taker

Okay, I don't come "here" often, but every now and again something just chaps my hide so much that I've got to blog about it.

What's been troubling me, you might ask?  The fact that there are actually parents who let their children fly airplanes, sail 'cross the world, or other risky ventures on their own!  Yes, they may say that they are indeed supervised in the respect that they're in radio contact with an adult at all times, but look at the latest situation involving Abby Sunderland.  Who's idea was it to let this 16 year-old attempt such a feat?  Even if it was hers, the parents should have patted her on her head like lil' Sue Who and send her upstairs to bed with a glass of milk!  And to think that her brother Zac did a solo trip on the Indian Ocean, too?  And another 16 year-old named Jessica Watson sailed around the world.  Are these parents crazy? 

No.  Just sensationalists!  Trying to gain fame for themselves through the efforts of their children.  I do believe this behavior is closely akin to the mental health diagnosis Munchausen by proxy whereby the adult caretaker exaggerates their child's illness (or even sickens them) in order to gain attention for themselves.  (See link below).  But instead of the illness aspect, they have substituted risk-taking for their children.  While they are out sailing or flying, the parents are basking in the media.  Even the Heene's put their children at risk for fame and fortune with the "Balloon Boy" fiasco.

So what are we to do with these parents who endanger the lives of their children?  I know for me, I don't watch anything that is reported in the media in regards to their antics.  Giving them attention is what they want (along with the money, of course).  Neither of which this writer is giving.

rainwriter jones 

http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/munchausen.html

Sitting Here Watching Slugs Slime

The days around here have been cool, if not cold.  Looking forward to some consistently warm temperatures.  They must be on their way with the emergence of this little fellow.  Took a picture of him easing his way down a bathroom mirror outside of my front door.  The mirror makes the yard look bigger.

Even this gastropod finds motivation; even if it's just to find a tasty morsel in our garden on which to munch.  Yes, I know it's only instinct, but why can't we human be instinctual in regards to finding something productive to do?  Create something?  Inspire someone?  By taking time to blog this, you should know by know that motivation is sorely lacking for me, and I think I shall return to bed for a few hours:  see what inspires me to even rise from the sheets. 

Or grab the salt shaker to watch him shrink...

Ain't instinct beautiful?

rainwriter jones

Peeking Through The Key Hole: Three Songs For Romance

Today we celebrate another anniversary together.  We fell in love quickly; marrying only after a 3-month courtship.  I knew he was "the one" after our very first kiss!

The weather is the same as it was 23 years ago, partly cloudy with occasional rain showers.  I remember quite clearly the image of my future husband standing in the doorway of the courthouse, smiling and nervous.  Taking on this new responsibility of a wife; promising my Father he will honor and cherish me.  I know he is smiling down from Heaven knowing I made a good choice in my marriage.

I have this strange habit of associating a song with a particular time/event.  There are three songs that play to our relationship:

1.  "Something About You" by Level 42.  This is the tune that I knew I had to learn more about this man who made me pause in 1987.  He was different than the average man enjoying a large variety of music, always striving towards improving his circumstance, and funny as hell!  Different:  like me. 

2.  "I Don't Run From Danger" by The System.  We rolled to this back in the day:  before marriage, before children, before everything we are at this moment.  This is where we cemented our love for each other.

3.  "Always" by Atlantic Starr.  Our first dance was to this tune.  It still brings a tear to my eye as I remember the couple featured on the video young like we were, and then standing aged on the porch watching their children and grandchildren.  We have followed their timeline. 

As I watched my husband sleep this morning I wondered:  What will be the fourth song of our union?  I guess I'll just have to stick around to find out!

Happy Anniversary.  I love you more than the day we said "I do!"

As Always...

~Korky

Give Me That Old Time Religion: A Guide to the Self-Righteous

Are there people who are truly dedicated to their religion?  I'm not speaking of any religion in particular, but all sects.  Where is character formed:  inside or outside the church?  I remember attending services as a youngster.  No sooner had the preaching ceased were sisters such-and-so gossiping about another church member inside the vestibule. 


I had a strange situation with a person of faith who had been picking up someone I know to take them to church every Sunday.  I had doubts about this young man from the start as he had the "look" of someone untrustworthy, though he expounded the word with great conviction.  He had previous run-ins with law enforcement, and claimed he was a changed man.  He started out well enough, but eventually picked my guy up later and later (or not at all).  Well, this Sunday he called to tell me he wouldn't be taking him any more; that he was working with another group of folks, etc., and that he would tell my guy when he picked him up later in the afternoon.   I said okay, but knowing that this was yet another fabrication.  Lo and behold, brother never showed up:  even after two phones calls asking if he was coming.  He hasn't called back yet, and it's Tuesday morning. 


This brings up our troubled Tiger Woods.  He says that he hasn't followed his Buddhist upbringing, and that's why he strayed.  Jimmy Swaggart strayed.  Tammy Faye Baker strayed (so did her husband...big time).  There are innumerous members of the religious community who have strayed:  turned to the dark side, no less.  There is a common theme with all these folks in that they were held to a higher standard than most of us.  To behave in a manner that many of us can't (or won't).  I have to wonder whether they are standards that any one of us can uphold.  It's almost as if these folks were set to fail, maybe by their own doing.  Their self-righteousness being used to shield their untowardly ways from public view. 


Can people really change their ungodly behaviors when they've strayed from their beliefs?  Did they ever change in the first place? 


rainwriter jones

Sex Addiction 101

There's been lots of discussion regarding Tiger Woods and his recently publicized antics.  His infidelities have brought to the forefront a disturbing disorder:  sex addiction.  What is it, and how is it treated? 

The symptoms for sexual addiction are as follows: 

- Compulsive masturbation (self-stimulation)

- Multiple affairs (extra-marital affairs)
- Multiple or anonymous sexual partners and/or one-night stands
- Consistent use of pornography
- Unsafe sex
- Phone or computer sex (cybersex)
- Prostitution or use of prostitutes
- Exhibitionism
- Obsessive dating through personal ads
- Voyeurism (watching others) and/or stalking
 -Sexual harassment
 -Molestation/rape

Like any addict, he/she places their needs in front of all else:  their daily routine revolves around how to obtain what they desire without care of consequences.  I know a few addicts, and have worked with some in a clinical setting.  I have watched them relentlessly pursue their drug of choice.  It is not unusual for them to have multiple addictions.  In the case of sexual addiction, sex is their "monkey on the back," causing them to put themselves and their family in precarious positions, risking everything for that next "hit."  Satisfaction is always out of reach.

The treatment for sex addiction may include:

- Controlling addictive behavior
- Helping the person develop a healthy sexuality
- Education about healthy sexuality, individual counseling, and marital and/or family therapy
- Support groups and 12 step recovery programs for people with sexual addictions
- Medications like Prozac or Anafranil which treat obsessive-compulsive aspect of this disorder

Sexual addiction is extremely hard to treat effectively, if not impossible.  And like with all addictions, there is no cure.  Relapses can be a possibility with any addiction.

I believe sex addiction exists, but for those to use it as an excuse for his/her infidelity is appalling!  It's easy to hide behind a diagnosis rather than to admit one's human fragility.

Check yourself, Mr. Woods.

rainwriter jones


*information from http://www.medicine.net/*