A Declaration of Independence for Writers

We all get a break this week

This is not the newsletter you should be getting this week so for those who are new here please know— I can do better. But alas it’s America’s “get drunk and blow shit up” holiday and I worried there’d be too many newly fingerless readers to scroll through a newsletter so I’m holding back the good stuff.

But what about those of us who showed up, Shelly? What about those of us outside of the States who don’t even care about your stupid holiday?

Fair. I hear you. And I’m here for you.

I didn’t want to go a week without writing something either so I took a walk and waited for the muse to strike. I thought, Open your eyes, Shelly! Look around! Beauty is all around you! And it was in the form of that cute hydrant above.

No, it is not some artistic commentary on America. It’s just a cute hydrant that happens to be ON TREND this week. Maybe the rest of the time it feels awkward and out of place all decked out like that. But today— all eyes on you, buddy. In a world of yellow and red hydrants, be this guy.

These houses are famous along Alki Beach here in Seattle. The photo is cropped weird because I was too lazy to blur out the license plates. Oddly enough in all the time I’ve lived her and admired these houses, I think this is the first time I took a photo of them.

I love birds and I love brass so this cool lock fits squarely in my wheelhouse. If I were a skilled rogue, I would have picked it and stolen it which I’m sure is 100% not the intention and very bad karma. Where would I even put this beauty? Not on a public fence for strangers to appreciate, but that’s because I’m selfish and don’t deserve nice things. Sigh…

I mean, this view, right?! Seattle is lucky it’s pretty. The winter can be a tad dark and drizzly, but on days like today our minds are swept clean and we’re all like Seattle you so beautiful! We’re so lucky to live here! And then it’s November and the cycle continues.

I love this damn Space Needle so much. When I first moved to Seattle I tried driving from my apartment in Capitol Hill to the needle in a time way before GPS or smart phones. Maybe even before internet and printers. I admire my boldness and lack of self-awareness back then. Not only did I move 3,000 miles from home without a job or a friend, I thought I could just find my way around a major city with my shitty sense of direction and a car. The Space Needle is tall. I was sure I could find it.

I could not.

But I did find Pike Place Market¹ so that was cool.

Saw this old, vacant dump covered in graffiti. Bart noticed the artists were kind enough to leave spray paint cans behind so everyone can take a turn. So really it’s less “vacant, graffitied dump” and more “community art project” and if that’s not a lesson in how to frame things I don’t know what is.

Also I’m assuming that’s paint and not an actual crime scene. Again— it’s how you frame things!

Anyone else reading this besides EVERY MIDDLE-AGED LADY IN THE WORLD? The author’s last name is July so I felt like it belonged in this round-up. I’m super excited to start it!

Happy 4th of July for those who celebrate. Stay safe, protect your digits, keep scrolling.

XO,

Shelly

1. Pike Place Market and the Space Needle are 100% not near each other. One does not accidentally stumble on the market when looking for the needle.